Page 232 - ShowSight - September 2020
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                want a dog that is happy to be there and willing to please, but not crazed. I spend a lot of time asking people to slow down and loosen their leads. I try to let people know that the dog setting a pace is not the same as a handler racing a dog. Many dogs move-out smartly, but it looks different when it’s of their choosing. I hate dogs being raced, and it doesn’t actually make them look better. Scrambling around the ring, or taking a million steps, is not efficient. Goldens should have a smooth, powerful, and well-coordinated gait, which is usually lost when they are moved at excessive speed.
How would I characterize proportion of the majority of dogs you’re seeing? I think you would not be asking this question if it wasn’t a problem for our breed, and many others. Low and long is a drag on our breed, and breeding a long rib rather than a long loin is a challenge. Remember, this is all about function in the field. Yes, dog shows are beauty contests, but breeders need to be breeding pretty dogs that could also do a day’s work.
What do I think are important features of Golden Retriever type that are too often overlooked by conformation judges? Important features of Golden Retriever type that are too often overlooked by conformation judges include overall balance of front and rear angu- lation, correct leg length to body length proportion, correct “wrap- around, waterproof” coat, and connection of form and function.
What advice would I give to a new judge of my breed? Seek in- depth understanding of our standard, ask for mentoring and help in applying it to real dogs, and don’t make it so complicated. There are many styles in our breed and a correct Golden is a correct Golden, so understand what that means! Set a template in your mind and seek that when judging.
MARCIA SCHLEHR
I live in Southeast Michigan, not far from Ann Arbor. Other than dogs, I am a retired veterinary assistant and a freelance artist specializing in canines.
I started in obedience with my Cocker in 1953; my first Golden was born in 1955; approved by AKC to judge Goldens in 1982. In the years since, I have judged all over the US and Canada, and in Australia.
Describe the breed in three words: Functional (capable of many sorts of work); balanced (in body, mind, and aptitude); moderate (without exaggeration of any sort).
What are my “must-have” traits in this breed? Proper outline and proportion; basic soundness (both structure and tempera- ment); correct coat; head and expression. These are trademarks of the Golden.
Are there any traits in this breed that I fear are becoming exag- gerated? Yes. Far too often we see incorrect proportions (long body, short legs), excessive/incorrect coat, poor head and expression.
Do I think the dogs you see in this breed are better now than they were when I first started judging? Yes and No. Not so much variance in general appearance as back in the 1950-60s, but more “fancy” and less functional. Too much emphasis on “pretty”— showmanship and presentation seem to be of more importance than the basic dog. True quality is far more than surface appeal.
What do I think new judges misunderstand about the breed? Too many don’t seem to understand the “what” and “why” of cor- rect structure, soundness, gait—or of classic breed type (and the several “styles” present) in the Golden Retriever.
Some have suggested Goldens today are losing breed type, as compared to dogs in the past. Do I agree? Yes. Breed type and functionality too often lose to the pretty “show dog.” Soundness is also a component of breed type in any retriever; they must be able to work. Hallmarks of the Golden are its classic head and expres- sion, over-all proportion and balance (which is far more than just
the front and rear angulation!), as well as its characteristic coat— unique among Sporting dogs.
How do I prioritize key Golden breed-type elements when judg- ing the breed? Priorities in judging can vary according to the quali- ties present in the dogs being judged on the day. If all are sound and balanced, for instance, the judge can have the luxury of judging on niceties of type and style—and styles can vary in dogs of equal over- all quality. This is often difficult to get across to newbies, but it is the basics that must be considered first, then one can consider varia- tions within the desired/accepted range of breed type. Deviations from breed type, however, must be penalized—sometimes severely. The esteemed Labrador lady, Mary Roslin-Williams, categorized “flaws, faults, and failings.” The flaws are minor, faults are more serious, failings generally set the dog out of consideration.
When evaluating dogs in my ring, how do I go about assessing correct Golden breed character/attitude/temperament? How? By observation, although the short time in the ring does not always reveal everything about temperament and character. However, a Golden should be accepting of the circumstances, including other dogs and people, and be willing to be examined and handled. The standard says, “eager and confident,” but this means willing, bid- dable, readily and calmly accepting; NOT hyper, grabbing for bait, ears at alert at all times. And yes, far too often the high energy dog wins over the quiet, calmly confident one. “Workmanlike” and “biddable” are very good descriptions!
How would I characterize proportions of the majority of dogs I’m seeing? There are very few correct 11:12 proportioned dogs seen in the ring. Indeed, some approach the Clumber in over-all proportions, including a relatively short leg. We see short ribcages (and shallow, slabby ones) more often than the capacious body that a retriever should have. Long loins are not uncommon, although toplines are generally decent; not as many sloping ones as at one time past.
What do I think are important features of Golden Retriever type that are too often overlooked by conformation judges? Fea- tures too often overlooked are proper head qualities and expression, which are so important to breed character, as well as correct coat, which in the Sporting Group is unique to Goldens. In addition, proportion and symmetry, which may be said to be the result of all parts being in proper relationship to each other; hard to define, but once seen should be imprinted in one’s mind.
What advice would I give to a new judge of my breed? To never stop learning, particularly about structure and function; to utilize all the best sources of learning; and use that knowledge to find and reward the dogs that truly do come closest to the requirements of the breed standard, even if it may not be what’s commonly seen “winning” at the moment.
The previous interviews are from the Golden Retriever Club of America Judges Education Committee members. Please feel free to contact them for more information about judging Golden Retriev- ers. We also have a very informative Judges Education page you can access via www.grca.org. The page lists free resources, includ- ing a link to our Golden judging video. There is also a list of items to purchase for people who want even more in-depth study. And please access our “GRCA Judges Education” Facebook page for fur- ther information about judging our breed. Above all, thank you for taking the time to further your education of our wonderful and versatile Sporting breed!
Helen Dorrance
Chair, GRCA JEC
GOLDEN RETRIEVER Q&A
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