Page 186 - ShowSight, March 2020

THE
WESTMINSTER JUDGES
1. Can you describe the thrill of receiving an invitation to judge at Westminster?
2. How did you prepare for the assignment? Any special plans made?
3. What did you experience when you first entered the ring that night? Can you describe the feeling?
4. How challenging was the assignment? Can you share your selection process?
5. Do you have a word or two about your winner? About the dogs that placed?
6. Did you feel any pressure from the boisterous Garden audi- ence? From the live television coverage?
7. Do you think the television coverage helps our cause?
8. How would you describe Westminster’s significance to the sport of dogs today? To society at-large?
9. What advice would you give your younger self about judging a Group at Westminster?
10. What advice would you give to next year’s Group judge?
ROBERT SLAY
BEST IN SHOW
I was not expecting the invi- tation and when Westminster Show Chairman, David Helm- ing, and President, Charlton Reynders, III, both personally called, I was caught totally off guard and do not even recall how I responded. But it is safe to assume I did not say, “Thank you guys let me think about it and I will get back to you.” The Westminster KC Best in Show assignment was and will always
be the pinnacle of my judging career. It was a great honor and privi- lege to judge BIS at America’s Dog Show. Canine history is made each February at the Westminster Dog Show and it was humbling to be a major part of the 2020 show.
The judge should be up for this assignment when it is accepted. The judge will know two years in advance and should do all things under his/her control to project objectivity, open minded-ness, integrity and fairness. Do not discuss specific dogs with anyone prior to judging BIS at Westminster. All shows are more enjoyable and exciting when the judge can not be second-guessed.
What did I experience when I first entered the ring that night? I thought to myself how lucky and fortunate can one guy be and at the same time I realized the magnitude of the responsibility to do the very best job of judging for which I was capable.
How challenging was the assignment? Actually, the judging assignment was not that difficult because I had seven remarkably
outstanding dogs to judge. I wish to thanks the seven Group judges and breed judges for moving this lineup forward.
Do I have a word or two about my winner and the dogs that placed? BIS: When the Standard Poodle entered the ring one thought occurred, “That could be living perfection.” She is built right, moves correctly, and has an air of distinction and, addition- ally, her performance was faultless.
RBIS: the Whippet was beautiful and elegant, physically fit with no coarseness, wonderful outline, overall balance and sound in all respects.
Did I feel any pressure from the audience? No pressure from the audience. I love to see the crowd enjoy watching dog shows and getting involved with exciting applause. However, the judge must make an independent decision and not be influenced by anything outside the ring.
Do I think the television coverage helps our cause? I believe TV helps create a positive link between the general public and purebred dogs.
How would I describe Westminster’s significance to the sport of dogs today? The Westminster KC is making a significant contribu- tion to purebred dogs and our sport. There is a favorable link and connection between the general public and purebred dogs because of the Westminster Dog Show held each February. We have Amer- ica’s Dog Show to thank.
What advice would I give my younger self about judging a Group at Westminster? At my age, I give no advice to my younger self about judging BIS at the Westminster KC Dog Show. After five decades of experience in purebred dogs, I was ready and so pleased things went so well.
What advice would I give to next year’s judge? Always be your- self, be honest, be humble, listen a lot and offer few opinions about specific dogs and remember the great saying, “Thank you.”
THERESA HUNDT
SPORTING
Can I describe the thrill of receiving an invitation to judge at Westminster? When I saw the envelope from the WKC I was curious, it never dawned on me what the content was about. I was simply shocked! I never thought about being invited to judge a Group at Westminster for a second time. Naturally I was honored to receive this invite.
How did I prepare for the assignment? My prep was my usual judging prep; going over breed standards, recalling breed specifics etc. Naturally the question of
what will I wear, was a priority.
What did I experience when I first entered the ring that night?
The aura of Westminster and the Garden is overwhelming.
184 | SHOWSIGHT MAGAZINE, MARCH 2020