Page 200 - ShowSight - June 2020

JIM & ELFIE SHEA
We have loved this breed since 1978 when we purchased our first Samoyed. We have met wonderful friends over the years and consider them all part of our family. Our highlight in conformation has been winning a father and son All -Breed Best in Show–BIS GCH Ch Elfenbein Sun Dancer
(“Dancer,” the father) and BIS MBISS GCHS Ch Elfenbein Hud- son Hornet (“Luda,” the son). This was breeder/owner-handled which makes it so much more rewarding. Luda was also the 2016 Top 20 Winner at our Samoyed National. He then went on to com- pete at the 2017 Westminster Kennel Club receiving an Award of Merit. Most importantly, we have produced wonderful puppies over the years and have found forever best homes for each of them.
We live in Blaine, Minnesota. We are both retired at the present time, but Jim was an Automotive Service Manager and Elfie was a Legal Administrative Assistant. We purchased our first Samoyed in 1978.
Our main focus during the years has been caring for and enjoy- ing our dogs in all aspects of the sport, particularly conforma- tion. We also have a cabin “up north” and Jim enjoys fishing and ice fishing.
As a Working Dog, what are the key aspects of breed type for the Samoyed? The Samoyed is a striking breed with its beautiful glistening coat, dark pigment around its mouth and eyes, dark almond-shaped eyes and stature. It should be well-balanced, strong looking and alert. You can see the gentleness in their eyes and the love that they give you unconditionally. We wouldn’t have any other breed (except our two Shiba Inus).
Can we speak to the breed’s ideal size? The breed height stan- dard for females is 19-21 inches and for males 21-23 1/2 inches. We breed within that standard because an oversized or undersized Samoyed will be penalized when being judged in conformation.
How important is correct expression? The “Sammy smile” is very important for correct expression. It represents one of the beautiful personifications of the breed. That is one of the expressions that attracted us to the breed—always smiling. They look so happy to see you.
Is there a preference for color in the breed ring? There should be no preference for color in the breed ring except for pure white, white and biscuit, cream, or all biscuit. Any other colors are considered a disqualification.
Does the Samoyed have any specific exercise needs? We believe the most important exercise for a Samoyed is free running. It is a beautiful sight to see a Samoyed running in the back yard at “full speed ahead.”
Is the breed generally good with other dogs? The Samoyed has a wonderful temperament, whether it is with other people or oth- er dogs. We have two Shiba Inus in our home and we do believe that the Shibas have picked up the wonderful temperament of our Samoyeds.
How much does the Samoyed really shed and are they enthusi- astic barkers? There definitely is a lot of shedding with a Samoyed, but a person can control it with weekly brushing. Males usually
shed once a year and females every time they come into heat. The weekly brushing will control the amount of shedding and hair in your house. If you start brushing Samoyeds when they are puppies and get them used to it, they come to enjoy the weekly routine of being brushed. It’s also a special time with you and your Samoyed. As to the barking, the Samoyed will definitely let you know that there is someone at the door, but once that person is inside your house, nothing can stop that wiggly tail greeting the new visitor.
MARION WARD-FANNING
I live in the lovely area of Shields Valley just outside the town of Wilsall, Montana. The Samoyed is my lifelong breed, although I have had a great deal of success with Shiba Inus (1991-2012).
Do I have any hobbies or interests apart from breeding and showing dogs? I have had horses all my life for pleasure, endur- ance riding, and work. (I rode a Morgan horse while on the LAPD mounted unit, and then on my working cow/calf ranch after mov- ing to Montana from California in 1987.
I don’t breed as much as I did in earlier years, but I would breed on average of 1-2 litters every 2-3 years. I bred dogs for “work and show”...conformation, obedience, sledding. In later years, many participated in agility, several did therapy dog work, and I even had one help me work cows and go bird hunting!
The NOHS was not available when I was exhibiting, I competed with the ‘pros’ and was very successful!! Anyone with a talent to show a good dog can compete with the professionals!
Probably the biggest challenge as a B-O-H is/has been finding judges that understand the Sammy is a WORKING dog and should be judged accordingly! Our standard calls for qualities necessary for purpose and survival. I’ve never been swayed by “flavor of the month” dogs that are often short-lived and don’t do much in con- tributing to the purpose or preservation of the Samoyed!
As long as I’ve been doing this, there are several “thrills” I can look back on: Winning the Breed at Westminster four times with three different bitches and one dog; winning Grand Futurity twice at our National with a dog and a bitch; having a sire produce three BIS/BISS winning sons from the same breeding; winning our National Specialty...with a bitch! And the ultimate is having judged the SCA National four times, the latest last year!!
I’ve missed not being able to start a puppy due to this pandemic and my special will probably be a veteran before he is in the ring again! I live on a ranch so there is much to do and keep busy and the dogs just hang out with me.
Showing my puppy who might be in 9-12 if we can get started again! Several from this last litter are also ready to get going!
Owner-handlers (especially the breeders) are the backbone of our sport! But I have always felt the professional handlers and owner-handlers have much to share with one another. Without the breeders what will the professionals show!? I would like to see better camaraderie with owners and professionals, the way it was 40-50 years ago; we learned from each other!! Most handlers had a job and showed on weekends. Most were already dog people/breeders! Some owners used professionals back then because they worked weekends or just didn’t have the ability to show, but we all competed together!
A funny thing... I had a Shiba puppy needing a name. I went to show my Sammy and when I returned, the Shiba pup had shredded a ten dollar bill in the trailer. So I named him ‘Yen Spot’ and called him Hamilton.
SAMOYED Q&A
198 | SHOWSIGHT MAGAZINE, JUNE 2020