TOY GROUP JUDGES Q&A
they should be understood, but not coddled. With Toys, one needs to be aware of size/spacial differences, and this needs to be considered in one’s approach. In my opinion, how do today’s exhibits compare with the Toy Dogs of the past? Today’s exhibits compared to the past… I think that most Toy breeds are well-represented in the show ring with (mostly) depth of quality and adher- ence to the Breed Standards. Pekingese have been consis- tent since the 1950s when Ch. Chik T’Sun of Caversham made his mark in the show ring; some grooming trends, but basically the same make and shape. Japanese Chins are much improved over the past decades; sounder, for sure. Pugs have morphed into what I see as being “cleaner,” with less exaggeration. Why do I think Toy Dogs can become outstanding Show Dogs? Toys can be outstanding Show Dogs, as their major purpose is as companions. As such, they need to engage with people. They are works of art with charis- ma. Toys are often very good at “asking for it” with a soft, beguiling expression. If I could share my life with only one Toy Breed, which would it be and why? Pekingese will always be part of my life. You live on shared terms with them; they are inde- pendent and not demanding. (You give one a toy and they say thank you, and then go off and play with it.) They are loyal and friendly to those they know; but can be a bit aloof (but tolerant) with strangers. They are very clean in their habits and (typically) are not destructive They do not bark without a purpose. Contrary to popular belief, their coat is very easy to maintain and they have fewmajor health prob- lems. Their mesmerizing eyes say it all—easy to share love. I’m smitten. JEFF BAZELL Where do I live? Howmany years in dogs?Howmany years as a judge? I bred my first AKC registered lit- ter while still a teenager living at home. I have been judging for over 30 years now and find it rewarding and relaxing, though the travel can be like falling down a rabbit hole. My husband, Jeff Kestner, and I live in southeastern Ohio in what is known as the Hocking Hills region.
What is my original breed? What is/was my kennel name? St Johns has been a registered kennel name sincemy maternal grandfather was breeding Coonhounds and Fox- hounds in the mid 1930s along St John’s Creek in southern Ohio. My paternal grandmother was a well-known Chow breeder, dating back to the breed’s height of popularity in the late ‘40s. As a family, we have bred over 300 champions in six different breeds through the years. Can I list a few of the notable dogs I’ve bred? Any per- formance or parent club titles? To separate the Brussels Griffon out of the mix, we currently have close to 150 AKC champions, with another 240 titles around the world. We also have proudly bred about 30 performance titlists in the US and another 10 worldwide. Some of our best have in- cluded Ch. St Johns the Dog Faced Boy, Ch. St Johns Your Name in Lights, Ch. St Johns Maximus, Ch. St Johns Isn’t She Precious, and Ch. Winterfell’s Almost An Angel at St John, in Griffons. A lovely pair of Landseer litter brothers named Ch. Michael’s Boat of St John and Ch. Admiral Jack of St John made an impact on the Newfoundland breed be- fore we sold our remaining Newfoundlands in Europe. I’ve also had a long history with many sighthound breeds, but most especially Greyhounds through a long relationship with Judie Donaldson of Kingsmark fame. Have I judged any Toy Breed Specialties? I have judged many Toy Specialties around the world and en- joyed each of the experiences, and I look forward to doing even more. I have judged Specialties for Shih Tzu, Ital- ian Greyhounds, Pugs, Pomeranians, Poodles, Papillons, Maltese, Havanese, Cavaliers, Chinese Cresteds, Chi- huahuas, Japanese Chin, and Griffons, of course, and I judged the first Russian Toy Specialty before they became AKC recognized. Can I offer any advice to exhibitors regarding the pre- sentation of these “table” breeds? My best advice to any- one entering a Toy ring is to be aware of what you have on your lead. DO NOT RUN WITH TOYS! Every Toy must be shown at a breed-specific pace that does not over-work or over-move the dog. Chinese Crested are, indeed, to move a bit faster, but not so fast that the legs fly all over the place and make an otherwise beautiful dog look awful. Al- low your Toys to walk into and out of the ring. Never clutch them over your heart, as this will make them as anxious as you are. Introduce them to loud noises and large dogs be- fore making your show entry. Toys should drip confidence almost to the extent of being obnoxious, if you really want a
“MY BEST ADVICE TO ANYONE ENTERING A TOY RING IS TO BE AWARE OF WHAT YOU HAVE ON YOUR LEAD. DO NOT RUN WITH TOYS!” 28 • T op N otch T oys , M ay 2022
Powered by FlippingBook