Page 119 - ShowSight Express, October 27 2020
P. 119

Why do I think so many Toy breeds are popular today? I’m sure that our more modern lifestyles (with few able to afford the expense and time of having large parcels of land to maintain larger animals, zoning requirements, etc.) have contributed to the rise in numbers of the smaller dogs and the decline in larger ones. For example, our residential community limts (as many do) the size of dogs allowed. Also, when you look at the population at many shows, it’s an aging group and smaller dogs are easier to manage for older folks. Not as many people have a need for farm animals and working dogs, and the Toy breeds are great companions with a variety of tempera- ments. I’m sure it’s like many of the breeds other than just Toys; the ones that are more “work” to keep decline, whereas the easier to maintain increase. Some have always been more “rare.” Also, as “new” breeds are added to the AKC roster, some take off and there is a decline in whatever folks had before they discovered the “new” ones. An example I can bring to mind easily is the Havanese, a breed that is immensely popular. Fanciers had something else before their people adopted the Havanese as “their breed.”
Are there specific challenges presented when judging the low entry breeds? For me, low entry breeds are not a particular chal- lenge. I bred and exhibited a low entry breed myself. It might be difficult if one has never had a “hands-on” experience with a really good specimen, as it is too easy to reward a really showy dog that might not be all that correct. However, this is surely not limited to the Toys; just as some may overlook a rarer breed because they feel less sure than with a breed where there are always multiple choices and it’s easier to spot the best one. So maybe the challenge is in edu- cating yourself and not in the actual judging of the rarer breeds, Toy or otherwise. For me, it is important to recognize an outstanding specimen of a rarer breed, [though] it’s tougher to get a “good one” when there’s no gene pool to work with to improve what you have.
Do I have any advice to impart to new judges re: the table exam? As far as the table exam goes, I always speak to the dog as I approach from the front. Toys are “people dogs.” They were bred to be with their people, and you can tell by this if the dog is going to be accept- ing of your approach and comfortable with you or a bit more hesi- tant (or sometimes downright unaccepting)! Pre-COVID, I always looked at the head with my hands as well as with my eyes before seeing the bite. Now, I do ask for the bite to be shown first; the exhibitor can stand away to the side of the table, but I still take the head in my hands so the dog knows I’m going to be going over him (unless he’s freaky and then I ask the exhibitor to hold the head to steady the dog). I guess my advice would be don’t go up and “grab” the dog. It’s a Toy dog...be gentle, don’t startle him.
Any comments regarding judging Toys outdoors versus indoors? Shouldn’t be a big deal. If you’re outside on a hard surface, you don’t have to deal with tall grass and little dogs with shorter legs, but if someone enters a Toy dog where judging is outdoors, the dog should have been trained to walk outside. Weather conditions can make it difficult for any dog. Cold, heat, rain, etc. aren’t fun for the little ones...or the big ones, either!
What have I found to be the greatest challenges and rewards as a judge of this Group? I can’t think of any particular challenges; and like any Group, getting to judge a really outstanding Toy dog is the reward for me.
Would I encourage exhibitors to enter their Toy dogs in Com- panion events? Absolutely. Toys do great in obedience, agility, and rally. They are companions, so why not have fun with them?
CHARLOTTE PATTERSON
I live in a small town in the Florida Panhandle; over 50 years in dogs and 30 years judging.
Do I have any hobbies or interests apart from purebred dogs? I am an avid reader and enjoy gardening.
Can I talk about my introduction to the Toy breeds? I bought a pet Pug from a friend in 1969. When I lost him a year later, I was
fortunate to find a breeder who belonged to a breed club and, as they say, the rest is history.
Apart from size, how would I define this Group? The Toy Group is full of distinct breed types and personalities. Most are big dogs in little bodies.
Do I personally categorize the Toy breeds into any “subgroups?” Usually, care must be taken with the short-faced breeds when judg- ing in the heat.
How important are presentation, conditioning, and expression in the Toy ring? Presentation, conditioning and expression are just as important in the Toy ring as in any other Group.
Is it acceptable to reward a Toy dog with a bad bite? You judge bites as described in the breed standards for each exhibit.
Can I speak to the current overall quality of the Group? The Toy Group is highly competitive within the whole of the dog world. Toy breeders are serious, dedicated breeders and their efforts show outstanding results.
Why do I think so many Toy breeds are popular today? As our world becomes more expensive and our dog population becomes older, many people are turning to smaller dogs.
Are there specific challenges presented when judging the low entry breeds? No, I don’t think so. Judges should be prepared to judge any breed for which they are approved.
Do I have any advice to impart to new Toy judges re: the table exam? Give the dogs and handlers time to settle down. Approach calmly. Don’t talk “baby talk.”
Any comments regarding judging Toys outdoors versus indoors? Be careful of the temperature, and remember tall grass makes dogs look shorter.
What have I found to be the greatest challenges and rewards as a judge of this Group? I think judging any breed is a challenge—and in my experience, always rewarding.
Would I encourage exhibitors to enter their Toy dogs in Com- panion events? Toy dogs do very well in Companion events. They enjoy the attention and time with their handlers.
Is there a funny story I’d like to share about my experiences judging Toys? I was judging in a horse barn when a rat ran across my ring in front of a row of Silky Terriers. None of them moved a muscle or took their eyes off the bait in the exhibitors’ hand.
I would like to add that Toy dogs enjoy competing, and shows in general. I cannot emphasize too strongly [that] oftentimes, people disregard Toy movement and this is very incorrect. Toys should and do have good movement.
LEN REPPOND
I live in a suburb of San Francisco. I got my first show dog in 1959. I’ve been a judge for 26 years.
Do I have any hobbies or interests apart from purebred dogs? I’m an avid gardener, love the arts; love design and architecture as well.
Can I talk about my introduction to the Toy breeds? As a youngster, I saw an Alfred Hitchcock film that featured his
Sealyham. (I thought it was a Maltese!) So, my folks got me one. Years later I saw the same film and realized I had it all wrong. It was a fortuitous mistake on my part!
Apart from size, how would I define this Group? Companion dogs meant to delight the eye.
Do I personally categorize the Toy breeds into any “subgroups?” Not really. Each breed is so unique, what would be the point?
How important is presentation in the Toy ring? These are show dogs. Presentation, of course, matters. However, given a great dog that could use training or capable handling versus an ordinary dog with an accomplished handler, I’ll go with the great dog every time.
TOY GROUP Q&A
 

































































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