Page 296 - ShowSight, March 2020
P. 296

                AMERICAN ESKIMO Q&A
“The most important thing about the breed for a new judge to keep in mind? The three sizes can make it diffi- cult to evaluate gaits when they are all shown together.”
My ultimate goal for the breed? My goal is to leave the breed a little better than I found it, and to do no harm to the breed. So far, I have been successful. I only hope that I can continue. Oh, and when this is no longer fun, I’m getting out!
JACKIE BLACKBURN
I’ve shown dogs since the mid 70s. I started with Samoyeds and slowly graduated to handling all breeds. About 13-14 years ago, I saw an American Eskimo that took my heart. I started showing Chill for Carolyn Jester and fell completely in love. Beautiful, intel- ligent and bred to be in conformation—Julian—was my first AE. As I got older, I stopped showing the Samoyeds and started with AE’s. I’m getting slower, so I figured I’d better get a smaller breed. I’ve been very happy with the American Eskimos and have done many, many shows with many, many great wins!
I live just south of Granbury, Texas on an acre. I live with my four footed fuzzies and three cats. I retired in February 2020 after working for 25 years at the Brazos River Authority. My time is free to work with my dogs and assist others who would like to learn more about the sport.
Do I hope the breed’s popularity will change or am I comfort- able with the placement? I actually prefer that the American Eskimo is not one of the top popular dogs. I want them to be popular, but not as common as the top breeds. I remember when Lady and the Tramp came out and everyone wanted a Cocker Spaniel. The breed is unique with its intelligence, coloring and three sizes. They are great with children and fun to train in all sorts of dog sports—con- formation, agility, obedience, etc.
Does the average person on the street recognize the breed? Most people say, “What a nice Pomeranian”, but a few have identified them correctly.
Are there any misconceptions about the breed I’d like to dis- pel? Properly socialized and trained, the American Eskimo is not a snippy, ill-tempered breed.
What special challenges do breeders face in our current eco- nomic and social climate? You definitely have to keep up with all the vet exams and tests and certifications. Most people (I believe) don’t understand the high prices for puppies also reflect the health checkups of the bloodlines.
At what age do I start to see definite signs of show-worthiness? I start watching and evaluating when they start getting on their feet and moving. I’ve been handling them and loving on them since day two. I hold them on their backs and make lovey noises so they can identify me from the beginning. When they start walking I start watching the fronts and rears; when they are steadier on their feet, side movement starts being watched. The puppy develops fairly quickly and you will be able to start seeing desired qualities.
The most important thing about the breed for a new judge to keep in mind? Eye stain does not disqualify the dog. It is preferable to not have any, but it does happen.
The best way to attract newcomers to my breed and to the sport? Take the dogs out to socialize them. Let people see them and inter- act with them. It’s good for both parties—the people and the dogs.
My ultimate goal for the breed? Keeping with the standard and producing healthier, longer lived dogs. Using them in all types of sports and tasks—herding, scent discrimination, etc.
My favorite dog show memory? Winning a BIS—but everyone had left and I had to load all by myself—wasn’t so fun then, but when you’re on cloud 9, it’s doable. Now I just smile and laugh.
They make the most loving companions—they can tell when I’m upset, they learn quickly on hand movements making it easy to communicate, they snuggle really well in bed for sleeping.
LAURIE BOLES
I grew up in Houston, Texas, and have always loved animals, especially dogs and horses. I have previously res- cued Shetland Sheepdogs and owned Pekingese, a Great Dane, a Siberian Husky, and Labrador Retrievers.
I live in Central Texas, between Austin, Houston, and San Antonio. Outside of my dogs, I enjoy garden- ing. I am also a real estate broker, and
semi-retired RN.
Do I hope the breed’s popularity will change or am I comfort-
able with the placement? Although I would like to see the American Eskimo breed become a bit more popular, I do not want them to become so desirable that quality is sacrificed for quantity. Do these numbers help or hurt the breed? As far as breeding goes, low num- bers can make it more challenging, although not impossible, to find a suitable mate.
Does the average person on the street recognize the breed? Many people do, but I still have people ask me about my “Sami” or “white Pom”. I just smile and tell them the dog is an American Eskimo, then explain that it used to be called a “Spitz” if they are unfamiliar with the name. At that point, they often exclaim “Oh, my grand- mother had one of those!”
Are there any misconceptions about the breed I’d like to dispel? Some people think that these dogs tend to be biters, but mine treat strangers like new best friends!
What special challenges do breeders face in our current econom- ic and social climate? Although I wholeheartedly support canine rescue, some people believe that any intentionally bred dog equals a “puppy-mill”. As breeders, we need to get our health clearances and carefully select our sire and dams for desired traits, and to rule out as many undesirable traits, as possible.
At what age do I start to see definite signs of show-worthiness? I start evaluating my puppies at birth, then thoroughly at eight weeks. Bites are checked until permanent teeth arrive.
The most important thing about the breed for a new judge to keep in mind? The three sizes can make it difficult to evaluate gaits when they are all shown together.
The best way to attract newcomers to my breed and to the sport? I think to let newcomers see and meet the breed while being educat- ed on all of the fun facts about these dogs definitely attracts people. For instance, describing all of the sporting events that they excel at, their herding ability, and their innate intelligence; I don’t have to mention their beauty; people meeting them for the first time tell me about that!
My ultimate goal for the breed? I would love for the breed to become better understood as a good, multi-talented companion.
My favorite dog show memory? I was at a dog show in Mis- souri, and another breed was holding a seminar on the Trick Dog
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