By Amy Fernandez, The Canine Chronicle Archives 2013 At early dog shows, the exhibition of Toy breeds was considered an insignificant factor in the competition. That misperception was quickly revised as big winners began to emerge from this group. However, less glamorous members of the Toy Group continued to be overlooked. That usually didn’t change […]
In 2020, the AKC Canine Health Foundation (CHF) celebrates its 25th anniversary. Founded by the American Kennel Club (AKC) in 1995 as an independent, 501c3 non-profit organization to focus on research specifically for canine health, CHF has invested more than $56 million in research and educational grants and canine health projects. Bolstered by outstanding donor support, CHF continues to make great strides in advancing the health of all dogs.
Many seasoned showgoers have seen numerous hilarious “Oopses” in the ring; ladies who drop their underwear and deftly kick them out of the ring; gentlemen judges who are unzipped. I saw one judge at an indoor show on a warm day wearing a raincoat. “I split my pants” was his answer when I asked him why. I noticed another judge was wearing odd colored shoes. I pointed it out to him and he exclaimed, “I know, I have another pair at home just like them!”
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.
