TOY GROUP JUDGES Q&A
about my experiences judging the Toy Group? One time, in the early 1990s, I was showing the Maltese, “Henry,” at a local all-breed show where the Best in Show judge asked that I take the dog on an “L” pattern on a loose lead. I head- ed down and then across, turned around, and the dog took off by himself, putting every foot down right, all the way back to the judge on the mats. He stopped and baited, then turned around and barked at me while I was catching up to him. He was very proud of himself. As I arrived back at the judge and picked up the lead, all I could say was, “Well, at least it was on a loose lead!” Needless to say, we ended up with the red, white, and blue ribbon. Since then, I have seen this attitude fromall the Toy Breeds from time to time in my ring, and it is always quite entertaining and reminds me why I love this Group so much. For anyone who would question it, Toy Dogs are indeed very smart; there’s always a clown in the bunch, and humor can always be found at the Toy rings! JANET ALLEN Tzu, and Japanese Chins. As partner in Sing Lee Peking- ese, I made up over fifty champions with numerous BIS and BISS (including two National BISS) winners. In ad- dition, I handled (and owned) Pugs, Papillons, Yorkshire Terriers, Pomeranians, Chihuahuas, Tibetan Spaniels, and a BIS Norwegian Elkhound. Licensed for the Toy and Non-Sporting Groups, Junior Showmanship, and Best in Show, I have enjoyed judging in the United States, Canada, and Sweden, awarding CCs in England, Australia, andNew Zealand, and judging all breeds in South Korea, China, and Taiwan. I have judged Regional and National Specialties in Chow Chows, Lhasa Apsos, Bulldogs, Bostons, Chinese Shar-Pei, Shiba Inu, French Bulldogs, Chihuahuas, Shih Tzu, Pekingese, Pomeranians, Papillons, Pugs, English Toy Spaniels, Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, Chinese Cresteds, Miniature Pinschers, Japanese Chins, York- shire Terriers, and Silky Terriers. I was honored to judge at Westminster in 2014. Retired after a career as an academic medical center administrator, I am active in local all-breed and specialty clubs, and with judges education. I am always happy to make new friends—with dogs as well as people. Where do I live? How many years in dogs? How many years as a judge? I live in a rural community north of San Francisco. I have been “in dogs” for 45-plus years, judging for 30 years (Toy and Non-Sporting Groups). Since 1975, I have been involved in the sport as a breeder, owner, han- dler, and since 1990, a judge. I was successful in Chow Chows under the Tai Yang prefix, with multiple cham- pions, including BIS and BISS win- ners. I became involved with other Oriental breeds; Pekingese, Shih
What is my original breed? What is/was my kennel name? My original breed was the Chow Chow (Tai Yang), but I quickly addedPekingese tomy home. I was in partner- ship for over 20 years with J. Robert Jacobsen (Sing Lee). I owner-handled many Toy and Non-Sporting breeds; be- sides Pekingese and Chows, notably Japanese Chins, Pugs, and Yorkshire Terriers. Can I list a few of the notable dogs I’ve bred? Any per- formance or parent club titles? Some of the Pekingese I have produced include Ch. California Gold Sing, Ch. Raf- fles Jubilation Sing Lee, and Ch. Windemeres Gold Fever Sing Lee. These are among 12 BISA Pekingese and 20- plus BISS winners. I am recognized by the Pekingese Club of America as a Breeder of Merit, with multiple Register of Merit sires and dams. Also, I produced multiple Group and BISA winning Chow Chows, notably Ch. Tai Yangs Beefeater. What are some of the qualities I most admire in the Toy Breeds? As form follows function, the function of Toys is to be decorative and amusing (plus some that exterminate rodents); these are qualities that I admire in Toys. I think, “Would this dog look good/be happy on my couch?” Does this dog “make me smile?” Have I judged any Toy Breed Specialties? I have judged many Toy (and other breed) Specialties and Group Shows in theUnited States andworldwide. Pekingese assignments have included Pekingese Club of America, multiple Pe- kingese Regional Club Specialties, and Specialties in Aus- tralia, New Zealand, England, and Canada. I am pleased to be sought-out as a “Toy Specialist,” known for having gentle hands, a friendly approach, and an appreciation of breed type. Can I offer any advice to exhibitors regarding the pre- sentation of these “table” breeds? I believe that Toys (any breed) should be of sound body and mind, with presenta- tion combining this with breed-specific type and appro- priate grooming. There is no reason why Toys should not be outgoing and self-assured; well-socialized and trained. They need to be happy in their surroundings. They should not be expected to be “stuffed animals.” Rather, they should be inquisitive, animated, and engaging—calm but fun! Some longtime exhibitors have “downsized” to Toys. In my opinion, has this had an impact on quality? The im- pact on quality by judges/breeders/exhibitors from “larger breeds” can be positive in that some bring to Toys a better understanding and value of structure and soundness. Look at the influence in the past decades of the Stacys and Beth Sweigert on the Affenpinscher breed, the Langseths (and more recently, MaripiWooldridge) on Japanese Chins, and Karen Pricket Miller, Doug Johnson, and Jamie Hubbard on English Toy Spaniels. Toys should be treated not as deli- cate and sheltered, but as “real dogs.” Toy Breeds can require special care. Do I have any ad- vice to offer breeders, exhibitors, and judges? Toys, and re- ally any dog, should be treated with respect and gentleness;
26 • T op N otch T oys , M ay 2022
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