Page 170 - ShowSight - October 2020

York City. I developed a keen interest in the breed through our pet and convinced my mother to breed her to one of the Grenadier champions. “The rest is history.” From that litter of five, I finished my first three champions!
Apart from size, how would I define this Group? The Toy Group is a very eclectic one. It includes smaller versions of breeds from var- ious other Groups, i.e., Cavalier King Charles Spaniel (Sporting), Italian Greyhound (Hound), Toy Manchester Terrier (Terrier). I would define this Group as courageous. Anyone who has bred Toys knows they are not thwarted by their size.
How important are presentation, conditioning, and expression in the Toy ring? Presentation is so very important in the Toy ring. They should move freely with an attitude that says, “Look at me. I own this ring.” Don’t string them up on the move and, above all, don’t race them around the ring. Make sure they are just as confi- dent on the table as on the ground.
Is it acceptable to reward a Toy dog with a bad bite? We must keep in mind the function of a breed as we check for correct bite (as called for in the standard). Can the dog perform the function he/ she was bred for with an incorrect bite? For instance, a Toy Man- chester Terrier couldn’t quickly dispatch a rat without a strong set of teeth. Although molars and premolars are needed to make the kill, twelve strong incisors are first needed to make the catch. Some lee- way must be given for missing teeth in the hairless breeds, although progress has been made in some cases, i.e., the Chinese Crested.
Can I speak to the current overall quality of the Group? The Toy Group is often one of the strongest Groups because of the abundance of quality that exists therein. Very often you may find seemingly unparalleled character, substance that belies their size, luxuriant coats where required, and the ability to move as efficiently as the BIG GUYS.
Why do I think so many Toy breeds are popular today? You can’t travel very far, anywhere, without noticing large tracts of land that are being developed for multi-unit housing. Many people now want smaller quarters with smaller yards (or no yards at all), requir- ing less maintenance. It is easy to see that this environment is more suitable to a smaller dog.
Are there specific challenges presented when judging the low entry breeds? The biggest challenge in judging some low entry breeds is finding entries. I also find that many exhibitors of low entry and newly recognized breeds are not always well versed in presentation and ring procedures. In this case, I feel it is the respon- sibility of the judge to take the time to give instructions and advice in a kind and positive way, so that these new exhibitors will remain in the sport.
Do I have any advice to impart to new Toy judges re: the table exam? Most Toy dog breeders and judges know that a soft hand during the table examination is appreciated by both the dog and the exhibitor. The same pressure you put on a larger dog will feel much heavier to a smaller dog. Also, consider this when you are checking the bite. I usually ask the exhibitor to show the bite—on all breeds. Please remember, if there is something you want to examine again, place the dog back on the table to do so. (It’s easier on your back and legs too!)
Any comments regarding judging Toys outdoors versus indoors? We have all been to outdoor shows where the grass has not been trimmed short enough to accommodate the Toys. Most well-trained Toys are quite capable of moving efficiently in longer grass, but don’t let the long grass distort the proportions of the dog. Judge proportions and feet shape on the table.
What have I found to be the greatest challenges and rewards as a judge of this Group? I don’t find judging the Toy Group any more challenging than judging other Groups. I think my reward while judging Toys would be enjoying how confident these little guys can be.
Can I name one or two of my all-time favorite Toys? I would have trouble selecting only a few Toys that I would consider to be my favorites. As mentioned before, the Toy Group has become one of the strongest Groups. In recent years, Toys have been well repre- sented among the top-winning dogs of the day. If you are fortunate enough to get your hands on them, you will know why they are so memorable.
Would I encourage exhibitors to enter their Toy dogs in Com- panion events? I definitely would advise anyone to enter their Toy dogs in Companion events. Some of the most intelligent breeds can be found in the Toy Group.
PEGGY LLOYD
I live in Round Top, Texas, and have been in dogs for 50+ years. I have been judging for 20+ years.
Do I have any hobbies or interests apart from purebred dogs? In conjunction with my partner, Denny Mounce, we raise and show Miniature Horses.
Can I talk about my introduction to the Toy breeds? I had always loved all the smaller breeds, but when I saw a Maltese at a training class I knew I had found the breed for me! I went to the person’s home and bought my first Maltese that very night!
Apart from size, how would I define this Group? Toys are com- panion dogs, as opposed to other breeds that have “jobs” to do.
Do I personally categorize the Toy breeds into any “subgroups?” No, I don’t.
Is it acceptable to reward a Toy dog with a bad bite? In my opin- ion, a bad bite is a fault and must be considered as such in the overall evaluation of the dog as compared to the standard.
Can I speak to the current overall quality of the Group? I believe, at this time, the Toy Group is in the best overall shape of all the Groups.
Why do I think so many Toy breeds are popular today? I believe Toys are so popular because of their small stature and the diversity within the breeds. People want a companion they can take with them. Coated breeds have become rarer because coat maintenance involves so much work and time.
Are there specific challenges presented when judging the low entry breeds? I don’t think so, I just judge them against their standard.
Do I have any advice to impart to new Toy judges re: the table exam? I prefer to ask the exhibitor to show the bite themselves and, if they are struggling with the dog on the table, I back away and give the exhibitor [an opportunity] to regain control of their dog.
Any comments regarding judging Toys outdoors versus indoors? I think show dogs should be trained to show indoors or out. The exception would be trying to judge movement in tall grass. How- ever, most clubs will mow the grass prior to the show.
What have I found to be the greatest challenges and rewards as a judge of this Group? Since I started in Toy breeds, I don’t find any challenges in judging this Group.
Can I name one or two of my all-time favorite Toys? One of my all-time favorites was Ch. Snowy Roxanne, a Maltese shown by the late Peggy Hogg. I felt that she had a perfect coat texture for the breed, which wasn’t so easy to find back in those days.
Would I encourage exhibitors to enter their Toy dogs in Com- panion events? Sure, anything that inspires interaction with your dog is a good thing!
168 | SHOWSIGHT MAGAZINE, OCTOBER 2020
TOY GROUP Q&A