Page 168 - ShowSight - August, 2020

NON-SPORTING GROUP Q&A
The Non-Sporting Group is very
interesting because of the diversity.
You must really study and apply all the very different standards. I base all of my judging on the breed standards. Exhibitors in this Group are very adept at the correct presentation for their breed.
The most memorable moment I’ve ever experienced judging the Non-Sporting Group? When judging Bulldogs in California, an exhibitor put his dog on the ramp and as he bent over to set him up, there was a loud rip and his pants tore. He was so embarrassed, but everyone was kind and helpful.
JAN PAULK
I live in Santa Fe, New Mex- ico (transplant from Washing- ton, DC area). I am retired from the US Senate Staff, Washing- ton, DC, as Director, Protocol and International Travel, and from the State of New Mexico as Director, Governor’s Council on Film and Media Industries. I am currently devoted to studying and judging dogs. I have been “in dogs” since 1971, which equates to 49 years.
My original breed is German Shepherd Dogs. I did not handle professionally.
How many years have I been judging the Non-Sporting breeds? I have judged the Non-Sporting Group since 2014. My first breed in the Group was Poodles, in 2003.
Are there specific challenges presented to judges by the diver- sity within this Group? Yes, absolutely! Because this Group is so diverse and interesting, it requires specialized study and under- standing. Many of the breeds have little in common, but are unique unto themselves. Generalizations are not applicable when judging this Group.
Does a Non-Sporting breed’s historic purpose play a role in my selection process? Yes, always.
How important is breed-specific presentation and condition- ing among the Non-Sporting breeds? It is extremely important for the handler to know and demonstrate breed-specific presentation and conditioning. It is equally necessary for the judge to know and expect both in the ring.
Have I noticed any trends among Non-Sporting breeds that cause concern or have impressed? A trend that I dislike and cor- rect in my ring is that faster is better. Each dog should move at the correct speed for his breed. The correct gait should be recognized and rewarded over a fast, flashy and often incorrect turn around the ring.
What are my thoughts about revising breed standards to address health issues, coat colors and patterns? I leave that to the Parent Clubs.
Which Non-Sporting breeds have made the greatest strides in overall quality or still need work? Xoloitzcuintli have improved noticeably. Some breeds are in good shape in one area and in need of work in another.
Does it seem that entries are rising or declining among the Non- Sporting breeds? I see the increase and decrease of entries in similar proportion to other Groups.
What advice would I give to breeders and exhibitors of Non- Sporting dogs? Study basic structure. Be familiar with canine ter- minology. Study your breed’s Standard. Present your dog in the best condition possible. Do your best to be honest in your appraisal of your own dog. Be aware of your dog’s virtues and make a point of presenting them to the judge. Judges are taught to weigh faults to the extent of the deviation, but to judge primarily on virtues.
To quote my late friend, Richard Beauchamp, “It can be just as serious a mistake to reward a dog for a lone virtue as it is for him to dismiss a dog for a single fault.”
Would I encourage exhibitors to compete in companion and performance events? Yes! Have fun in all venues.
What advice would I offer to aspiring Non-Sporting Group judges? Study, watch, study, watch. Seek out experts in every breed as mentors. Attend as many National Specialties as you can and participate in everything offered.
The most memorable moment I’ve ever experienced judging the Non-Sporting Group? My most memorable moments are sharing in the pride and excitement when a relatively new owner-handler earns a big win!
JOHNNY SHOEMAKER
I live in Las Vegas, Nevada. where I relocated from Califor- nia after my retirement. I am retired from management at a financial firm. I also worked for Jack Bradshaw Superintendent for 25 years in addition to my job at the financial firm where I had worked for 38 years. I have been in the Sport of Dogs for 55 years.
My only breed is Poodles. I never handled dogs profession- ally as I would have had to give
the money back as I am really horrible at handling dogs.
I was approved to judge Poodles in 2001 and was approved for the Non-Sporting Group in 2010. During this time, you could apply for the breeds you owned, bred or showed. Because of that
166 | SHOWSIGHT MAGAZINE, AUGUST 2020