Page 164 - ShowSight - October 2020

to breeds in these other Groups, but size most often dictates that they compete with the Toys.
Do I categorize the Toy breeds into any “subgroups?” No.
How important are presentation, conditioning, and expression in the Toy ring? Conditioning and grooming are so important in many of the Toy breeds. We have breeds for which coat condition- ing and grooming is at the top of the breed essentials. Judges are asked to feel texture on many and check for trimming on others. You cannot judge the Toy Group without knowing coat standards.
Expression for most of these diminutive breeds is at the top of my list. A look of mischief in some or eyes that melt your soul in others are often virtues that put them into top Group placements.
Is it acceptable to reward a Toy with a bad bite? This depends on what you have in your ring; the answer can be yes. My breed, Cava- liers, for example, asks for a scissors bite. But if I have a sound, well- balanced dog with the big, round, dark eyes that melt your heart, and a level or slightly under bite that does not spoil the expression, yes, I would reward it in place of something big, long or that other- wise lacks breed type.
Can I speak to the current overall quality of the Group? The number one exhibit among all breeds in 2019—and currently in 2020—are from the Toy Group. At the DFW Toy Dog Club Group Show in July 2019, we had nine breed winners in the Group ring that had one or more all-breed BIS. I think Toys are one of the most, if not THE most, competitive Groups we see today. Nine All-Breed BIS winners in one Group speak to the depth of the Group.
Why are so many Toy breeds popular today? I don’t really know. Maybe temperament; it is certainly the thing that makes my Cava- liers so popular. People just love these sporty-yet-lovable little dogs.
Are there specific challenges presented when judging the low entry breeds? For me, I get into a rhythm when judging. More dogs in the ring allows me time to find qualities that define breed type. That said, we all appreciate good numbers (if we get them) in low entry breeds as it often allows one a better chance to find good quality.
Advice to new judges re: the table exam. Generally, with short- coated breeds, get them off the table as soon as you can examine bites and testicles. With long-coated breeds, do the same, plus feel for the coat qualities and through the coat for structural correct- ness. If you have questions about an exhibit, do not hesitate to put it back on the table for further examination. Do not reach down to a Toy on the floor to feel anything; put it back on the table.
What have I found to be the greatest challenges and rewards as a judge of this Group? Challenge: With many of the Toys, gener- ally accepted presentation is for an exhibitor to move his/her dog and then immediately drop to the floor to stack the dog. I like to see what a dog looks like without someone holding it in place, and sometimes I will ask an exhibitor to free stack the exhibit. This is often not a popular request. Reward: Meeting a lot of very knowl- edgeable owners and handlers who are willing to share their knowl- edge of their breed and enthusiasm for the sport.
Can I name one or two of my all-time favorite Toys? I’d prefer not to name a dog.
What makes a memorable performance? Seeing a dog that has the spark and knows it owns the ring.
Would I encourage exhibitors to enter their Toy dogs in Com- panion events? As an owner/handler for 26 years, I never went into Companion events. However, I certainly love to watch these perfor- mances and would encourage anyone who had a dog that had the right temperament to do so.
Is there a funny story I’d like to share about my experiences judging Toys? I instructed a sweet lady in England, who showed a King Charles Spaniel to me, to do a down and back. She started out doing a Triangle, so I brought her back saying I wanted a down and back. She said to me in a pleasant English accent, “But I want to do a triangle.” What do you think I did? (It was funny to me!)
RAYMOND V FILBURN, JR
Ray is no stranger to dog shows having exhibited his first Italian Grey- hound at the age of 14.
Ray has exhibited and bred Ray- ridge Italian Greyhounds for 50+ years. He believes that living with his chosen breed has developed his judg- ing eye. He feels privileged to share his life and home with live porcelains; with their artistic lines and intrinsic
beauty. During this time, he has had great success in the show ring and whelping box. His dogs have won Specialties, Groups, and BIS awards. Ray’s show ring successes do not overshadow those of a dedicated breeder. Several of his dogs have been top producers.
A lifetime member of the Italian Greyhound Club of America, Inc. (holding many offices), Ray’s devotion to the breed and Club earned him the Gaines Good Sportsmanship Award. Ray has been privileged to judge the National Specialty several times. Believ- ing education is important, Ray was instrumental in establish- ing the judges and breeder’s educational program for the IGCA; long before the American Kennel Club mandated that clubs have educational events.
Ray is also a member of the North Shore Kennel Club and the Poodle Club of Massachusetts. He is also a founding and charter member of the Town and Country Toy Dog Club. Ray has been show secretary for the South Shore Kennel Club and has chaired many independent specialties.
Ray’s judging career began in 1979. He is currently approved to judge all Toys, Herding, Hounds, and Non-Sporting breeds, as well as Junior Showmanship. Ray has judged in all 50 states of the USA. He has traveled to the far reaches of the world to judge many international shows such as those in Australia, Canada, Columbia, Indonesia, Japan, Hong Kong, Ireland, New Zealand, and many others. Ray lives on the beautiful seacoast of New Hampshire in the small town or Newmarket. When not out on assignment, Ray can be found spending time with family and friends, traveling for pleasure or on the tennis courts.
Do I have any hobbies or interests apart from purebred dogs? I love to travel both domestically and internationally. I enjoy ten- nis, and my family. I am so proud of my two adult nephews and my niece, and their combined 10 children! All family members live within 25 miles of each other so there are lots of family gatherings
Can I talk about my introduction to the Toy breeds? A local dog show was held very near to my home. Mother took me to the show. I was fascinated by all the different breeds; one breed, how- ever, caught my eye. That breed was the Italian Greyhound. Less than six months later I had one of my own. I was fortunate to have as mentors some of the top Toy breeders in the country. I am grate- ful for their support and direction.
Apart from size, how would I define this Group? Their small size, which is, of course, well-suited to today’s smaller homes and yards, does not confine them to any single definition. They are ener- getic, fearless, and very animated. There is little doubt that many of the Toy breeds are much more than couch potatoes. Some, if required, could work for their dinner!
Do I personally categorize the Toy breeds into any “subgroups?” Generally speaking, they could be divided into the smooth coats and long coats. I personally don’t like to categorize as such: a good dog is a good dog regardless of whether or not it is fuzzy.
How important is presentation in the Toy ring? In the ring, presentation is important. After all, it is a dog show! Toys should display the personality traits of their breed. Conditioning? While hard muscle is generally not a requirement for a Toy, being clean and well-conditioned are requirements—no different from those of
TOY GROUP Q&A
162 | SHOWSIGHT MAGAZINE, OCTOBER 2020