Page 118 - ShowSight Express, October 27 2020

SHARON MASNICK
I grew up in Missouri on a cattle and horse farm, and cannot remem- ber the family ever being without a dog. At 18, I obtained my first Pomeranian. Thus, began my pas- sion for breeding and showing Pom- eranians. Later, I became interested in the Shiba Inu and, when they were first introduced into the Non- Sporting Group, I worked with the late judge Frances Thornton.
I have been a breeder-judge of Pomeranians, Pekingese, Japanese Chin, Shiba Inu, and Toy Fox Terriers.
In January of 2012, I left the advertising world and started to pursue of my dream of judging. I am currently regular status for the Toy Group, Shiba Inu, American Eskimo Dogs, Miniature and Standard Poodles, Standard Manchester, and Junior Showmanship. I am permit status for Xolos, Azawakhs, Löwchen, and Shetland Sheepdogs. I am currently working on others breeds in the Non- Sporting Group. In the public sector, I work for Georgetown Coun- ty School District.
I live on a small hobby farm near Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. I have been involved with dogs for over 30 years. I have been judg- ing since 2014.
Do I have any hobbies or interests apart from purebred dogs? I enjoy reading and traveling.
Can I talk about my introduction to the Toy breeds? I began working for Doll McGinnis Publications in 1997 where I handled the advertising and editorial for Top Notch Toys. Top Notch Toys was the only magazine devoted to the Toy Group, so I soon met and worked with breeders from all of the Toy breeds. It was a wonderful educational experience that allowed me to study, enjoy, and appreci- ate all the wonderful dogs in the Toy Group.
Apart from size, how would I define this Group? The Toy Group is represented by a group of affectionate, sociable, and adaptable dogs with big attitudes.
Do I categorize the Toy breeds into any “subgroups?” No.
How important are presentation, conditioning, and expression in the Toy ring? Presentation is very important to me when judging. I like to see a happy and well-groomed dog enter the ring.
Is it acceptable to reward a Toy dog with a bad bite? I would not reward an incorrect bite.
Can I speak to the current overall quality of the Group? The Toy Group is always represented by great dogs.
Why do I think so many Toy breeds are popular today? The Toy breeds make good companion dogs and they are small, so they can live in a smaller space and do not need a huge yard to exercise. The equipment needed to care for them is smaller as well.
Are there specific challenges presented when judging the low entry breeds? It is a challenge because the majority of the time, you will not have large numbers to examine.
Do I have any advice to impart to new Toy judges re: the table exam? The table exam for most of the Toy breeds should be brief. Look for expression on the ground. It is best to stand back and check for balance, proportion, head carriage, topline, and tail set.
Any comments regarding judging Toys outdoors versus indoors? I prefer to judge inside. If you are judging outside and the grass is tall, it can be difficult to see proper movement. If the grass is damp and tall, you may observe some Toys stepping high.
What have I found to be the greatest challenges and rewards as a judge of this Group? I have found that I have such good quality shown in the Toy Group that I do not have enough ribbons for the placements I would like—and enjoy—rewarding. It is a great feel- ing when you observe the dogs entering the Group ring and you know that you will have hard decisions to make.
Can I name one or two of my all-time favorite Toys? BISS/BIS AM CH. Great Elms Prince Charming II who, in 1988, took home the Westminster Best in Show title.
Would I encourage exhibitors to enter their Toy dogs in Com- panion events? Yes, I would encourage entering Companion events. Obedience Trials demonstrate well-behaved dogs doing routines. There is a dog sport for every dog and owner.
Is there a funny story I’d like to share about my experiences judging Toys? Yes. It was my first time to judge the Yorkshire Ter- rier breed and an exhibitor brought her dog in and placed it on the table—and the dog still had its booties on. We both had a good laugh.
LIZ MUTHARD
Currently, I live in Lake Wales, Florida. I have been “in dogs” for about 45 years as an adult; also had family dogs as a child.
At my age, I’m more interested than active in many things, but I do enjoy swimming (and floating), needlework, reading, and being outdoors on a beautiful day.
My first job “in dogs” (beyond learning pet grooming) was back in the late 1970’s for professional handlers specializing in Toys, mostly the coated Toy breeds. As an apprentice for them, and later for other very successful handlers, I was introduced to many of the Toy breeds.
Apart from size, how would I define the Toy Group? If one looks at the background of the breeds in the Toy Group, there is a great variety; Toy Terriers, Toy Spaniels, and so forth, so there is a mix of temperaments and attitudes to expect from the Toy breeds, apart from the differences in physical appearance.
Do I personally categorize the Toy breeds into any “subgroups?” Of course, a Toy Terrier is going to be different than a Toy Spaniel, as stated above; the personality exhibited should match the breed.
How important are presentation, conditioning, and expression in the Toy ring? Presentation is important in any breed, [though] we should still be able to find the best specimen in each breed. How- ever, a Toy dog with no training and poor presentation can make that a daunting task at times. Conditioning is as important in Toys as anything. A dog in good coat is going to look better than one poorly groomed—for the breed! Expression is part of what makes the dog and is part of the judging process. [This is] not to say a Toy, or any dog, should be expected to be “on” the entire time it’s in the ring, but the judge should be able to see proper expression at some point. A breed that is supposed to be a happy little companion or a bold little dog should not look fearful. So yes, expression is impor- tant and is part of temperament and character.
Is it acceptable to reward a Toy dog with a bad bite? For me, it is acceptable to reward the best dog in the judge’s mind. If a standard specifically criticizes bite issues, then that must be taken into con- sideration, [just as] any deviation from the description of the ideal takes away from the merits of a dog. While I don’t particularly like incorrect bites, it depends on what you consider a “bad bite.” I don’t feel it’s acceptable to dismiss a bad bite just because it’s a Toy, but all things must be considered. When bad occlusion affects the look or expression, it’s tougher to forgive. A Toy dog with serious departures from the standard in other areas is not a good dog just because it has a good bite. I think it has to be “all things considered,” according to the breed’s standard.
Can I speak to the current overall quality of this Group? In my opinion, the Toy Group is pretty strong these days. I feel that many of the Toys have improved considerably during my time in dogs. When one looks at the Group lineup at most shows today, a judge has numerous choices to reward. [This is] an acknowledgement of the effort breeders have put into improving their breeds; a difficult task with often very small litters from which to choose the next generation’s breeding stock.
TOY GROUP Q&A