Page 193 - ShowSight, March 2020

WESTMINSTER JUDGES Q&A
“THE HISTORY OF WESTMINSTER IS IMPORTANT,
IT IS THE SECOND LONGEST SPORTING EVENT IN THE UNITED STATES. WESTMINSTER KC GIVES BACK TO THE NYC COMMUNITY AND THE DOG WORLD.”
2nd: GCH CH Pequest Wasabi. His overall balance is so cor- rect, his head is a pleasure to go over. His gait is dignified with the correct slight roll over the shoulder. In excellent condition. Another breeder/owner-handler.
3rd: GCHG CH Smash JP Copenhagen. An exciting Poodle and an excellent example of breed type. Well balanced, correct size, covered ground effortlessly. Groomed to perfection.
4th: CH My Mila V. Tane Kazari. True monkey-like expres- sion, made me smile. Very feminine, correct coat. When mov- ing the term comic seriousness came to mind.
Did I feel any pressure from the audience? No pressure from the noise at the Garden. The audience is a mixed Group of people enjoying the sport of dogs. I think it just adds to the excitement of the Garden. To be honest, when you are judging you do not notice the cameras or noise, you are concentrating on the dogs.
Do I think the television coverage helps our cause? Yes I do. Anytime we can educate the public about dogs is a plus.
How would I describe Westminster’s significance to the sport of dogs today? Westminster to the average person has meaning. My neighbors watch every year, some have pets and some don’t. They look forward to the show. The history of Westminster is important, it is the second longest sporting event in the United States. West- minster KC gives back to the NYC community and the dog world.
What advice would I give my younger self about judging a Group at Westminster? I don’t know. As my younger self I could not ever imagine judging a Group at Westminster!
What advice would I give to next year’s Group judge? It is a special time, relax and enjoy every moment!
ALLEN ODOM
NON-SPORTING
Can I describe the thrill of receiving an invitation to judge at Westminster? As I sat in my home reading the invitation to judge the Non-Sporting Group at the Westminster Kennel Club 2020 show, lots of great memories from the past 50+ years came to mind: fam- ily, friendships, mentors, AKC Rep job, and most importantly the dogs. Westminster Kennel Club show is the most presti-
gious dog show in the world. With it long history of promoting pure-bred dogs and the sport of dogs, the Westminster Kennel Club show draws the best quality dogs from the United States and around the world. An invitation to judge at the Westminster Kennel Club show is an honor and a thrill of a lifetime.
How did I prepare for the assignment? I spoke to my mentors about their experience and reviewed breeds in the Non-Sporting Group with them.
What did I experience when I first entered the ring that night? A great euphoria of happiness in knowing all the great judges that had come before.
How challenging was the assignment? With so many outstand- ing dogs representing their breed in front of me it was a thrill of a life time—“To judge the best of the best”. Many thanks goes to all the breed judges that sent me their best. I try not to fault judge so with that in mind during my decision process I look for the dogs with the most virtues according to the breed standard.
Do I have a word or two about my winner and the dogs that placed? As I stood and watched the breeds move around the ring for the first time I knew I was going to have an excellent Group of dogs.
The Standard Poodle was breathtaking as she moved around the ring showing off her straightforward trot with light, springy action and strong hindquarter drive. Head and tail carried up, she was effortless while moving. When her handler set her up for individual examination I stood for a moment to see her elegance, squarely built outline. After doing my examination I knew this bitch was going to be one of my top contenders.
The Lhasa Apso movement was smooth and effortless from the side as well as down and back. During my individual examination I realized that there was a very correct dog under all that beautifully conditioned coat. This was one of the best Lhasa Apsos that I have had the privilege to judge.
The Bulldog was another eye catcher when he moved around the ring showing off all the style, carriage that is only peculiar to a Bulldog. During his individual examination I had to stand back and enjoy his correct outline, front assembly, shaped jaw and head from the side and front view, then check the rear. Every part of this dog spoke “Bulldog”.
The Chow Chow moved around the ring as though he was in ancient China being watchful for his master. He was powerful, sturdy, squarely built. His proudly-carried, large proportioned head, black tongue, scowling expression added to his totally correct package for me.
Did I feel any pressure from the audience? My adrenaline was flowing, but I blocked out the audience and the live coverage. The TV crew was very easy to work with.
Do I think the television coverage helps our cause? The live cov- erage of Westminster Kennel Club show is an enormous boost to pure-bred dogs. It’s what the Super Bowl is to football.
How would I describe Westminster’s significance to the sport of dogs today? Westminster Kennel Club not only provides dog events, it is involved in lots of charitable organizations.
What advice would I give my younger self about judging a Group at Westminster? Dreams do come true.
What advice would I give to next year’s Group judge? Contact your mentors for advice. It takes a village to get you where you are at, so ask for their help.
SHOWSIGHT MAGAZINE, MARCH 2020 | 191