The Judges View :: Dr. Edna “Midge” Martin
by Kimberly Silva Garrett
1. What made you decide to become a judge?
I love it! I believe it’s a continuation of the learning experience. You can put all you’ve learned to the test and continue learning. The world looks very different in the middle of the ring than being an exhibitor or a spectator.
2. Who, if anyone, has influenced your style of judging? How have they had an impact on your judging style?
Many people have influenced me. I do remember always, Babbie Tongren’s voice in my ear saying, “Make your mistakes with dispatch.” It is important to be decisive. Dogs hate to be stared at, so I try not to have them stack for long periods of time.
3. Describe your favorite dog show memory or moment.
There are so many. Did I mention that I love judging?! Judging at Montgomery County KC was a thrill of a lifetime and a specialty show is always an honor and a treat. Winning back-to-back specialties with my home-bred bitch was an enormous thrill.
I will never forget watching my step-daughter winning the Variety at the prestigious Knickerbocker Dachshund Specialty with a dog I bred. Another great moment was watching my daughter-in-law show her Samoyed at the Garden. There were 30 white dogs in the ring, and it seemed there was never a moment that her dog wasn’t perfectly stacked directly in the judge’s line of sight. It was magical.
4. What breed do you feel has the most depth of quality? Why?
Breed quality seems to wax and wane with trends. I don’t see large entries of many breeds throughout the country. I will say that Rhodesian Ridgebacks seem to be in really good shape right now. Bloodhounds are doing well, too.
5. If you had to pick just one show to judge, which show would it be?
I could never pick just one. Bucks County KC without rain has always been a favorite place; Montgomery County, of course, and the Chicago International KC. San Antonio is wonderful as is anyplace that will allow me the pleasure of doggy company.
6. In your opinion, what is the best dog you have judged to date and why?
I have a few that are still being shown, so will not comment on those still out there. The Kerry Blue Terrier, Mick, was a joy to behold and did not disappoint to examine. Also the Norwich Terrier, Willum. In my own breeds, the Afghan Hound, Ch Sebring’s Soloflex and the wire Dachshund, Ch Solo’s Seafarer were stellar examples of their respective breeds.
7. What do you enjoy most about judging?
First and foremost, the challenge of matching the standard to the living animal; then the joy of getting to know dogs and people all over the country.
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on Aug 14 2012. Filed under Current Articles, In The Spotlight, The Buzz, Uncategorized.
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