Page 192 - ShowSight, March 2020

around at the crowd and just wait for the dogs to enter the ring. As they come in I try to make it just another Working Group, looking at the dogs and concentrate on that.
How challenging was the assignment? The quality in the Group was amazing, as good a collection of dogs I have ever judged. There are several challenges; the time element of being on live television and keeping things on schedule, and along with that is you cannot pull out every dog who is deserving. It is also important to judge the dogs at that moment, with not letting what one has done for dogs in the Group previously. It must be as they are on that day.
Do I have a word or two about my winner and the dogs that placed? I will not comment about specific dogs and why one placed in front of the other, the placement speaks for themselves. I will say when I returned to the judges seating area, I started thinking about the ones I wish I could have placed and or pulled out. It was such a wonderful Group of dogs.
Did I feel any pressure from the audience? The crowd, I don’t feel, pressures me. I hear them, but they really yelled and cheered for about every dog I think. The live coverage requires you to keep the time element in mind and manage the breaks. The FOX crew is great to work with, they keep you informed as to the breaks and make it easy.
Do I think the television coverage helps our cause? The live tele- vision is a tremendous asset. No other shows do it, and I have many non-dog show people mention it to me. It is a great opportunity to get our message out to people. I did watch the broadcast that was recorded when I got home and I think it is a well done show.
How would I describe Westminster’s significance to the sport of dogs today? I think it still represents the pinnacle of dog shows. It has stood the test of time and its location is a big part of that. It gives us the opportunity to showcase the entire breadth of this sport from conformation to performance. It is an opportunity to get across to the general public that AKC dog breeders are good people. They care about what they do, and take pride in what they do and counteract the AR people.
What advice would I give my younger self about judging a Group at Westminster? To judge like you always do, judge the dogs as they are at that moment and enjoy every minute of it.
What advice would I give to next year’s Group judge? Enjoy every minute, and hopefully the quality will be on the level I experienced.
NORMAN KENNEY
TERRIER
Can I describe the thrill of receiving an invitation to judge at Westminster? It is always a thrill and honor to be asked to judge at WKC.
How did I prepare for the assignment? There really isn’t any special preparation, other than paying close attention to the production staff during the meeting.
What did I experience when I first entered the ring that night? The excitement of watching the Group entering is an extremely humbling experience. Thinking about how many other judges of the past decades stood there and felt the same excitement. How challenging was the assignment? These are, for the most part, the best dogs being shown in the particular Group. I actually find it much less challenging judging with such deep quality. My
winners were perfectly put down, and all showed to perfection.
Do I have a word or two about my winner and the dogs that placed? The Wire Fox Terrier was flawless that evening, as was the Welsh Terrier, the Am Staff and the Kerry. The differences between placements, unlike most shows where the quality isn’t as deep, comes down to very tiny differences. As I judge them against their breed standards.
Did I feel any pressure from the audience? It’s nice to hear the crowd favorites. Nice to see all enjoying themselves, but it doesn’t sway you at all.
Do I think the television coverage helps our cause? I think the TV coverage is very helpful to our cause. It shows the general public what a great sport ours is—a great family sport. Fox does an amaz- ing job with the production.
How would I describe Westminster’s significance to the sport of dogs today? WKC is truly the Super Bowl of Dog Shows, being the second oldest sporting event in existence right behind the Kentucky Derby.
What advice would I give my younger self about judging a Group at Westminster? Enjoy every minute of the experience. I’ve had the honor of judging three Groups at WKC, which has been one of the greatest highlights of my 40+ years of judging.
What advice would I give to next year’s Group judge? As above, just enjoy every minute. It’s an experience of a lifetime.
DORIS COZART
TOY
Can I describe the thrill of receiving an invitation to judge at Westminster? This was my third Westminster assignment. I still remember the excite- ment when I received the first invitation. When I opened this invitation and read that it was to judge the Toy Group, I was shocked. I really could not believe it was meant for me. What an honor.
How did I prepare for the assignment? Westminster has a judging restriction, but I decided to extend that and did not judge the Toy Group for one year. I’m glad I did that. Deciding what outfit to wear, that was the most
difficult decision!
What did I experience when I first entered the ring that night?
It’s hard to express. Westminster is so very special, I have exhibited many times at the Garden. Having watched the Groups for years and to think there I was judging the Group. Its humbling and excit- ing. I thoroughly enjoyed it.
How challenging was the assignment? It was very challenging. The quality was excellent, an extremely strong Group. Thank you to the judges that sent these dogs forward. When looking at the dogs, I thought about the breeders of these magnificent dogs. The years of dedication to produce these quality Toys. As I made my cut there were so many quality dogs that did not make the cut. When making my final selection, it was on the last go around. I know it is a cliché, but I wish I had more ribbons!
Do I have a word or two about my winner and the dogs that placed? I had never judged three of my final placements before see- ing them in the Group.
1st: GCHP Ch Oeste’s In The Name of Love. He fit the stan- dard! Moving with a springy gait on a loose lead. His expression was mischievous with an attitude typical of the breed. Never put a foot down wrong. I was pleased to find out later that he is breeder/owner-handled.
WESTMINSTER JUDGES Q&A
190 | SHOWSIGHT MAGAZINE, MARCH 2020