Page 206 - ShowSight - February 2020

Linda Foiles continued
breed the genetic testing is there for the breeders of today to utilize. In turn we now can save future litters from disaster. This is one example of what makes breeders preservation breeders.
What can my parent club do to increase awareness and popular- ity of my breed? I feel Papillons are a well-known breed and with too much popularity comes additional issues that breed clubs and the Parent Club have to clean up and care for. Popularity is not always a positive thing for a breed.
I owe most to my friend of many years for the knowledge she passed on to me and others about Papillons. I thank the breeder of my foundation bitch for sharing her with me so I could begin my quest to live and learn about Papillons. I also thank the many other breeders that have shared their stud dogs, their friendship and laughs with me. It takes a “village” to preserve the purebred dog and our sport.
I also owe thanks to the people that came before me, that took the time to guide my learning to be a working club mem- ber in both All Breed and Specialty Clubs both at the regional and National level.
The biggest pitfall awaiting new/novice judges? Being too eager and rushing into adding breeds before you’re truly ready. Knowing a breed you are judging can take more time than one realizes. Not knowing the essence of a breed can change the course of that breed and have grave consequences for that breed for years to come. New judges need to think about that.
The biggest pitfall awaiting new/novice breeders? Learning that “winning” does not necessarily mean the dog is a quality animal. The old adage goes, “show something long enough, anything can finish may just be true.”
Also, in Papillons, raising a Toy breed litter is not for the faint of heart. There can be long nights and sorrow when you have to hand raise a litter for various reasons. That is true of any breed but with Toys you may only get one puppy and if you lose it your progress is slow as a breeder.
I’d also like to share that long-time breeders need to be more welcoming to the newcomer to encourage and guide. With that said, the newbie needs to be teachable and not feel entitled since they purchased a dog it should win every time it walks in the ring. Us oldies had to pay our dues in sweat and tears and in our society today we expect instant gratification for many. Dedication is key to the purebred dog and the sports survival but we need younger people to want to breed purebred dogs. I pray we can carry on.
The funniest thing I’ve ever seen at a dog show? I have a friend, in another breed, that was showing her dog and moving it around the ring. While moving the zipper on her skirt broke and as she moved she walked right out of her skirt. We were shocked, at first, and then broke out in laughter as did she! She stopped, went back and picked up her skirt and finished showing her dog. Thankfully she had a slip on!
GRISSELLE FREIJO - CANTRELL
I live in Miami Florida. Outside of dogs, I work and enjoy yoga, walking and traveling. I am not a breeder.
How does my breed rank in popularity among other Toy breeds? Russian Toy: a rare breed only 15 years. Recognized this last year by AKC to compete and received Certificate of Merit. Hopefully they will be recognized in July and will officially be in AKC.
Does my breed get its fair share of attention in the Group? Yes, I believe the breed gets its fair share of attention.
Males vs. Females: how do bitches (coat, size, etc.) fare when it’s down to the wire? Your dog can be the most beautiful but if it does
not move well in the ring—long or short hair, male or female—it just does go through.
The largest health concern facing my breed today? Patella.
What can my parent club do to increase awareness and popular- ity of the breed? Russian Toy Club is working very hard at having breed recognized.
I owe the most to two people. When I started Barbara Ilardi was my mentor and helped me tremendously. As far as showing Alondra I have to give credit to Jessica Herzon who’s done an amazing job with Alondra.
LOIS MARCH
Lois march, US Navy veteran, MD and board certified otolaryn- gologist, have been in IGs since 1975. I started in San Diego during resi- dency, brought 12 dogs to Virginia where I had a kennel for 12 years, and then migrated to Georgia where I have the biggest and best kennel ever and provide jobs to ten people. I’m old enough to retire but can’t give up medicine, it’s too much fun. I have never had a husband who could go the distance with all the dogs so am happily single but never alone!
This photo is of myself showing gold GRCH Marchwind sweet victory, who was number one IG in 2017, won the breed at West- minster and got a pull in group, making me locally famous!
I live in Vienna, Georgia, very rural. I have 100 acres and own all the houses my neighbors live in. So I invited another IG breeder and Charlie, my handler, for many years to live here as neighbors.
I have been in dogs since I was 12 years old and I am 71. I still practice medicine as an otolaryngologist but now consider that my hobby and the dogs my business.
I have always used handlers but also showed dogs myself. I usu- ally have a dog in the top ten and many times number one or two. I have had four best in show Italian Greyhounds. My medical educa- tion has been very helpful in dog breeding and raising.
My breed described in three words: fascinating, loving and childlike.
How does my breed rank in popularity among other Toy breeds? I think IGs are around #80 in popularity over all and of toy dogs maybe #12.
Does my breed get its fair share of attention in the Group? With the right handler, I get the right attention.
Males vs. Females: how do bitches (coat, size, etc.) fare when it’s down to the wire? This is a bitches breed. They are more elegant, have more extreme underline and are more representative of the breed type. All that said I am always looking for a male as a special.
The largest health concern facing my breed today? It’s still broken legs.
Any trends I see in my breed that I believe need to continue or like to see stopped? The big front lift is a current trend. Unfortu- nately, it is being rewarded despite other problems and too much front lift drops the shoulder and drags the rear. I would like to see reach and drive rewarded and we desperately need to get back to sound.
What can my parent club do to increase awareness and popu- larity of my breed? The parent club does not want to increase the popularity and awareness of the breed. They like the way things are.
Toy Group Q & A
204 • ShowSight Magazine, February 2020