IMHO – In My Humble Opinion
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By Elaine Lessig
Ms. Lisa Weiss - AKC Judge
1. Share the unique perspective you have on judging from being the child of a respected judge.
My father started judging when I was 18 years old, so I really got to watch him grow and evolve as a judge. His first assignment at a point show was sweeps at the Labrador National. He was always comfortable in the ring. I had started judging matches and we did many together…I look back fondly on those days. As Dad added breeds, I watched intently when he judged – in those days he was doing more shows within driving distance of our home – not flying as much. I learned how important type was as well as soundness. Watching him judge also made me a better breeder. I learned what type I liked in my own breed and also became aware of how important soundness was in the ring. I think the Lobuff dogs have always had both, and that started with watching Dad judge. As I’ve sought to add breeds to my license, I’ve been mindful of type in each breed. I go to specialties and talk to breeders. My Dad instilled that in me. My breed means so much to me (and I’m aware that breeders of other breeds feel the same way); I hate seeing someone get my breed on their license as a stepping stone to the group – disregarding what a breeders dog should look like.
2. What are the three things you admire most about your parent’s judging which inspires yours?
A. Dad would strive to learn a breed from it’s breeders point of view. It was important for him to judge that breed the way a breeder would. I only like to judge breeds I love and want to judge them the way they’d be done by a breeder of that breed as well. He made it a point to go and visit kennels and talk to handlers of a particular breed before it was a requirement. I often went with him. In those days you could easily get several breeds at a time and I believe it was called the “key breed system” you didn’t have to worry about applying for the small entry breeds.
B. As time went on and requirements changed, we would go over standards together and continued to visit kennels when possible or talk with a handler of a particular breed. I remember spending a lot of time with Bill Trainor going over Irish Water Spaniels and Laddy Carswell going over Welsh Springer Spaniels and English Springer Spaniels. Both were very knowledgeable about those breeds. So I learned how important it was to really dive in and learn what made a particular breed tick. He also taught me how important it was to have mentors and, in turn, someday become a mentor.
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Posted by AnthonyA
on Feb 24 2020. Filed under Current Articles, Featured.
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