Page 152 - ShowSight - October 2020
P. 152

                Do I have any advice to impart to new Toy judges re: the table exam? Even if I have a single entry, I send the dog around the ring before going on the table. By doing this, the dog knows what the situation is and is likely to feel more comfortable on the table. It is important to learn how to go over a Toy quickly; gently, but thor- oughly. Don’t massage the dog! A gentle hand is necessary. Make it a positive experience, whether a puppy or adult dog. The greatest reward is taking a nervous Toy dog [and] making it fun for him. You would be amazed how quickly the nervous puppy becomes calm and confident, and you are proud to reward them.
Any comments re: judging Toys outdoors versus indoors? Indoors is typically preferable to outdoors for Toy breeds. Judging Toys outdoors always presents challenges, but it depends on how long the grass is! Some Toys don’t have experience gaiting in taller grass, so a judge needs to take this into consideration.
Can I name one or two of my all-time favorite Toys? That’s dif- ficult; there have been so many. I suppose the first one that comes to mind is my first Best in Show at the large Nashville Shows. I happened to have been studying Toys for quite some time in prepa- ration to apply for a few breeds. Pekes were always of great interest to me, and the most beautiful Peke entered my BIS ring; impeccable in head type, coat, and then moved beautifully. That dog was Ch. Yakee If Only. Of course, coming from Poodles as a child, I was so taken with the beautiful, typey, and effortless movement of the incomparable “Vikki,” Ch. Smash JP Win A Victory. I must also mention that I awarded the fabulous Affenpinscher, Ch. Banana Joe V Tani Kazari, a large Breed win at Westminster in 2013—and he went BIS! (Wish you would have asked for the Top Ten as there are so many others worthy.)
Would I encourage exhibitors to enter their Toy dogs in Com- panion events? Yes, I would definitely encourage exhibitors to enter their Toy dogs at Companion events. It is so enjoyable for both dog and owner.
Is there a funny story I’d like to share about my experiences judging Toys? I was judging a Chihuahua Specialty and a large Puppy Class entered the ring. A very large crowd convened out- side the ring. I had a stunning puppy that, unfortunately, seemed very overwhelmed by it all. I sent the class around and when the puppy was on the table, I spoke to him quietly to reassure him. To my amazement, he loved me instantly! He started wagging his tail and seemed to enjoy that I was paying attention to him. Long story short, he won the class easily and I awarded him Winners Dog. The crowd went wild. The lady who showed him was his breeder and told me he had never let another judge hardly touch him—and now he was ready to go home with me! He went on to become the #1 Chihuahua a year or two later.
TIM CATTERSON
I live in New Castle, Indiana, and have for 40 years. I’ve been in the sport of dogs for almost 50 years. I started with my partner, Charles Scott, in 1973 with Italian Greyhounds. I started judging in 1989, so that’s 32 years judging. I started with my initial breeds of Italian Greyhounds, Chihuahuas, and Brussel Griffons.
My hobbies and my interests all surround dogs, and all aspects from a conformation stand point. I’ve shown, bred, handled, and judged many breeds. I have been President of three all-breed clubs for over 30 years, and I have been show chairman of over 100 shows. I have belonged to four national breed clubs (Pugs, Chihuahuas, and I still belong to the Italian Greyhound and Brussel Griffon clubs) as well as several local specialty clubs. I have been show chair- man at several national specialties and have judged the national of all my primary breeds, except the Chihuahuas.
Can I talk about my introduction to the Toy breeds? When my late husband and I met, we wanted something that we both could enjoy. It was decided that showing dogs was something we wanted to try. After a day trip to the Louisville shows, we decided on the
Italian Greyhound; obviously, little grooming and sweet tempera- ments. Within a few months we acquired our first three IG’s and it grew from there.
Apart from size, how would I define this Group? It’s a beautiful group of dogs that still do what they were bred to do. Each one was bred to be a loving companion to their human family.
Do I personally categorize the Toy breeds into any “subgroups?” Within the Group, I do not try to subgroup them. But, of course, each one can be added to a subgroup of other breeds from Spitz, Terriers, Sighthounds, Spaniels, short-nosed, and so forth.
How important are presentation, conditioning, and expression in the Toy ring? Presentation and conditioning are always impor- tant in any show dog, but it doesn’t override TYPE. As a judge, you always try to balance all that out. In the end, however, you are picking what you consider a beautiful example of the breed for future breeding.
Is it acceptable to reward a Toy dog with a bad bite? This is a loaded question. Of course, it’s acceptable—but not desirable. You are judging the whole dog and weigh each part as it relates to the standard. If a lovely dog that has wonderful type happens to have a bite you’re not crazy about, it can still be used over dogs that have no type and a good bite. And you have to define “bad.” (Are we talking missing, wry, over or under shot?) It all comes down to how bad it is. You also need to think about trends. For a long time, the mouths on Chihuahuas were awful because breeders were trying to shorten muzzles, and the teeth had nowhere to go. Thank goodness, this has gotten much better.
Can I speak to the current overall quality of the Group? I think we have an excellent group of dogs now showing. Thank God, each breed takes its turn and has superior quality dogs now and then. As part of my judging, I really enjoying seeing maybe a breed that hasn’t had a great winner lately come up with the next big Group winner.
Why do I think so many Toy breeds are popular today? Oh, I think there is a simple answer to this. As I’ve said before, these dogs are still doing what they were intended; loving companions and family members. There is not a lot of demand for dogs that bait bulls, lions, bears, or hunt elk.
Are there specific challenges presented when judging the low entry breeds? The low entry breeds are always a challenge. It will take most judges several years to develop the proper eye for some of these breeds. I would recommend to judges of low entry breeds to go to the nationals to watch and learn. Back in the 1970’s, the Affenpinscher was a low entry breed. I struggled in trying to find in my mind exactly what I was looking for. Then I was honored to judge their national and, after going over all those lovely dogs, I went away with a clear picture in my mind as to what I considered a good Affenpinscher.
Do I have any advice to impart to new Toy judges re: the table exam? Just common sense when judging; never go down on a dog on the floor. Gentle, Gentle, Gentle. These are someone’s compan- ion and [you are] 50 times bigger than they are. But for God’s sake, they are REAL DOGS. The most disappointed I ever [felt] was when winning the Toy Group at a local show [I overheard] the BIS show all-rounder judge say to someone, “Yes, but Toy dogs are not real dogs.” He never got another entry from me for any breed.
Any comments regarding judging Toys outdoors versus indoors? It’s a dog show, indoors or outdoors, so just adapt and remember that all the other Toy dogs are going through the same thing. I remember judging Bucks County when, of course, it was raining cats and dogs; everyone covered in mud. I had a lovely entry of Maltese and everyone was making sure the dogs didn’t touch the ground, so we put tables end-to-end and let them move that way. At the end of the day, you have memories.
What have I found to be the greatest challenges and rewards as a judge of this Group? The challenges are watching from the sidelines
150 | SHOWSIGHT MAGAZINE, OCTOBER 2020
TOY GROUP Q&A













































































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