By Amy Fernandez As usual, the media’s post-game analysis of Crufts has focused on controversy and negative gossip. Likewise, it goes without saying that such topics abound. The top story ranks among the worst notions associated with this sport, dog poisoning. In a few short days it has traveled like wildfire, despite the fact that […]
During my time as an exhibitor, then a professional handler, I had the good fortune of showing under some judges that I consider to be the finest dog experts of their time. Many of you remember Lang Skarda, Anne Rogers Clark, Mel Downing, Don Jones and Maxine Beam. There was Derek Rayne, Carlos deBango and Richard Guevera. I’ll never forget Herman Felton and Dorothy MacDonald. These people along with many others defined the term ‘dog man’ or ‘dog woman’. They were breeders, handlers and everything else that involved dogs. Dogs were their life and it was reflected in their mannerisms and the way they approached the sport as judges.
The Pumi is one of three Hungarian herding breeds, all of which have a common origin. The Puli originated in the eastern plains, the Mudi in the southern plains, and the Pumi in the hilly region of western Hungary. These breeds are so closely related that even today Pumi-appearing puppies can be born in Puli litters, and Mudi-appearing puppies could be born in Pumi litters. Understanding the close relationship between these breeds will assist a judge in their prioritization of dogs when judging each of these breeds.
Living up to the nickname “Perfect” isn’t something that everyone can do, but Whiskey has embraced it and surpassed all of our expectations; not only being a “perfect” show dog, but a “perfect” pet too.
by Pilar Kuhn For anyone looking to get a new purebred dog and foray into the world of breeding and competing in any aspect, one “word of advice” comes up over and over. Find a good mentor. A few times over the past year a couple of colleagues commented on who they thought we should […]
by Peri Norman In this age of information overload, we can sometimes have difficulty sorting through all the opinions about “what works”. Here are some suggestions to help you and your new puppy get off on the right foot. Search long and hard, and pick a breeder whom you trust implicitly and who has a […]
by Peri Norman The last several days there has been a lot going on in my life. I was delighted and honored to once again be invited to judge at the Colorado Kennel Club shows. In the midst of the packing, flying and judging for two days, there was the event that everyone who loves […]
For centuries man has used various methods to improve the performance of their dogs. History is full of examples that demonstrate the importance of nutrition and experiences during early life to improve our dogs. Today we know much more about what can and should be done during the first year of life. In the early breeding programs, the entire process of selection was founded on the belief that performance was inherited. By the 1950s, researchers proved that other variables, such as nutrition and early stimulation, were important, especially when it was discovered that the immaturity of a newborn is susceptible and responsive to a restricted but important class of stimuli. During the past 25 years research has continued to advance new information on how supplements and nutrition can be used during the fetal stage. The following is a review of the literature that summarizes and uncovers some interesting facts about the importance of early life.
The German Shorthaired Pointer grows in popularity each year, and it is the third most popular Sporting breed, thirteenth ranked among all breeds, according to the most recent AKC registration statistics. It is a breed with sufficient breeder-judges to invite and a breed that is easy to outline, with a short coat and a typically full profile stack – two features that help improve a survey.
The American Kennel Club® (AKC®) is pleased to announce the judging panel for the 15th Annual AKC/Eukanuba National Championship to be held in Orlando, Fla. on Saturday, Dec. 12 and Sunday, Dec. 13, 2015.
