Page 116 - ShowSight Express, October 27 2020

any other breed. Expression? Expressions are important to me as they often display the essence of the breed.
Is it acceptable to reward a Toy dog with a bad bite? I prefer to judge the entire dog and not focus on any one fault. Toy dogs still have to be able to eat—and play with their toys, too!
Can I speak to the current overall quality of the Group? As one who is thankful for the varied assignments throughout the US, I can tell you the Toy Group competition is always very competitive. I have witnessed this competitiveness from my early days of show- ing to the most recently judged show earlier this pandemic year. Toys are Tops!
Why do I think so many Toy breeds are popular today? Their size and endearing personalities! Why have other breeds become a rarity? There are very few large breeding kennels, due to the cost of facilities, etc.
Are there specific challenges presented when judging the low entry breeds? Yes. Low entry breeds, by virtue of their numbers, often do not illustrate the unique styles that can be found within certain breeds. Judges would do well to attend as many low entry breed Nationals as possible to observe first-hand the styles within a breed.
Do I have any advice to impart to new Toy judges re: the table exam? No heavy hands! There is no reason to poke and prod any breed! Approach with a calm demeanor and utter, “Hello.” Please do not try to pry open the mouth of a dog that clearly does not want any part of that examination. Kindness goes a long way with a Toy dog.
Any comments regarding judging Toys outdoors versus indoors? I certainly find it more difficult to evaluate the movement of a Toy when the grass is tickling its belly. I prefer indoor rings for Toys.
What have I found to be the greatest challenges as a judge of this Group? Since this is a highly competitive Group, I often find myself splitting hairs when making decisions. It is a great challenge and privilege to judge a group of very good dogs. The greatest rewards? Knowing on the day that one has done one’s best.
Can I name one or two of my all-time favorite Toys? Wow! There have been so many that I could name almost every Toy in the Group, many of which became top show dogs. A few in particu- lar: Ch Gaytonglen Teddy of Mayfair, a Yorkshire Terrier from his correct coat color to his well-balanced body, topline, and expres- sion, owned by Anne Seranne and Barbara Wolferman; another favorite was the Pug, owned by Robert Houshner, Ch Dhandy’s Favorite Woodchuck. He was a Pug with personality, topline, and a becoming expression; the Toy Poodle, Ch Hells’ A Blazen Fagin’s Pride, owned by the Pearsons. He was a beautifully headed and typey Poodle; and the Papillion, Ch Primavera’s Elendil, owned by Chuck Woods, Maxine Gurin and Richard Bauer. He excelled in head type, ear fringe, and body. There are many Toy breeders who, litter after litter, year after year, bring to the ring the fruit of their labors; beautifully sound, friendly, and standard-adherent dogs. Thanks to those who are now gone from the ring and kudos to those still breeding with the conscious goal of the betterment of their chosen breed.
Would I encourage exhibitors to enter their Toy dogs in Com- panion Events? Yes, of course! They often excel at Companion events from barn hunting to rally. Small does not equal a lack of versatility.
Is there a funny story I’d like to share about my experiences judging Toys? I was judging at a local show where an exhibitor showing her Toy Manchester Terrier lost her skirt, mid-gait. She walked out of it and continued to go around the ring, not missing a step so as not to interrupt her dog’s gaiting.
RODNEY HERNER
My name is Rodney Herner and I live in Long Neck, Delaware. I have been an AKC approved judge since 1995. I am currently approved to judge all Hound Breeds and Hound Group, all Toy Breeds and Toy Group, all Terrier Breeds and Terrier Group, all Non-Sporting breeds and Non- Sporting Group, and Best in Show. I have had the honor of judging at the
National Dog Show in Philadelphia, the Morris and Essex Kennel Club in 2010 and 2015, Montgomery County Kennel Club twice, and the Woofstock show in California. My very first assignment (provisional) was at Montgomery in 1993. My international assign- ments include three assignments in China.
My original breed is Toy Manchester Terriers. I bred my first champion in 1958. Since then I have finished over 50 champions under the kennel name Renreh; these included many Toy Group, Best in Show, and National Specialty Winners. Ch. Renreh Lorelei of Charmaron, bred by me and owned by Charles A.T O’Neill & Mari-Beth O’Neill, remains the only Toy Manchester to have won the Toy Group at Westminster. She was also a multi Best in Show winner, a rare accomplishment in the 1970’s.
Over the years, I have held membership in many dog clubs. I served the American Manchester Terrier Club as President and as the Judges Education Chairman for 25 years. I served as President and show chairman of the Delaware Valley Toy Dog Fanciers Asso- ciation. I am also a member of Morris & Essex Kennel Club, Devon Dog Show Association, the American Dog Show Judges Inc., and the Dog Judges Association of America.
I now devote my time to judging, and attending nationals and seminars of breeds that I already judge or plan to judge in the future. I live with my wife of 50 years and best friend, Marilyn. Although I have managed to stick to short-haired breeds at home, as a profes- sional dog groomer of almost 60 years, I have a long background of working with all types of coats.
I have one son, Douglas, who resides in Manhattan and the Pocono Mountains area. I also have two grandchildren who, along with my wife, are the love of my life!
After spending a lifetime living in the southeastern part of Penn- sylvania, my wife and I have recently moved to Southern Coastal Delaware. This area has long been a favorite vacation spot for us and has now become our retirement location. My first time in the show ring (where I showed my mother’s Toy Manchester Terrier) was at the 1957 Devon Dog Show Association, held at the Devon Horse Show grounds in Devon, Pennsylvania. I bred my first lit- ter (Toy Manchesters) in 1957 and finished my first champion in 1958. I applied and was approved to judge Manchester Terriers in 1993. I was approved to judge my first Group (Toy Group) in 2003. I am now approved to judge four Groups: Hound, Terrier, Toy, and Non-Sporting.
Do I have hobbies or interests apart from purebred dogs? In addition to my love of purebred dogs, I have an avid interest in gar- dening and aquariums. Over the years, my wife and I have devot- ed much time to growing orchids and roses. I have always had an aquarium or two of both freshwater and saltwater fish in our home as well as a koi pond outdoors. I also love classical music. As a young man, I played French horn in my high school band and then in my community band. My dog show schedule won out over my concert schedule. I haven’t played the horn in over 50 years.
Can I talk about my introduction to the Toy breeds? It was my mother who introduced me to the world of Toy dogs. She chose a Toy Manchester Terrier as our household pet. She had no par- ticular interest in showing our dog but, as fate would have it, this Toy Manchester came from a well-known line (Grenadier) in New
TOY GROUP Q&A