TOY GROUP JUDGES Q&A
DR. TROY CLIFFORD DARGIN
the top winners. A special ShowDog has that special some- thing that says, “Come, look at me.” We all know it when we see it. It’s breathtaking. This can’t be taught and usually can’t be trained out. It’s unusual to see, and when we do, we forgive the overall little parts because, in the end, judging is about the overall dog compared to the Standard. If I could share my life with only one Toy Breed, which would it be and why? Shih Tzu, the best breed. I will just have a pool boy to do the grooming. I’m done with that! Just for laughs, do I have a funny story that I can share about my experiences judging the Toy Group? I have many funny stories. If they are in the Toy Group or not, I can’t remember. Come findme at a show and I’ll share some with you! TED EUBANK What ismy original breed?What is/was my kennel name? My origi- nal breed is the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. My kennel name is Pinecrest Cavaliers. Can I list a few of the notable dogs I’ve bred? Any per- formance or parent club titles? Notable dogs include CH Pinecrest Rock The Boat, who won BOB at Westminster KC in 2007 at age 20 months, and again in 2008. That year, “Rocky” was Best in Show at two National Specialties, won eight all-breed BIS and 75GroupOnes, BOB at the National Dog Show and a Group One, and Best in Owner-Handled Group at the AKC National Championship. He was No. 1 Cavalier and No. 7 Toy in AKC in 2007, and Breed Winner andGroupTwo at theAKCNational Championship in2009. CH Pinecrest Kiss Me Kate was the No. 1 Cavalier Bitch and No. 4 Cavalier in 1996 when AKC first recognized the breed; mother of 12 AKC children and many grands. What are some of the qualities I most admire in the Toy Breeds? Most of the breeds are tremendous family pets. They love being with their people. Have I judged any Toy Breed Specialties? Yes, Cavaliers, Pugs, Chihuahuas, Shih Tzu, Yorkshire Terriers, and Chi- nese Cresteds. Where do I live? How many years in dogs? How many years as a judge? I live in Dallas, Texas. I have owned Cavaliers for 30 years and have judged at point shows for 23 years. Can I offer any advice to exhibitors regarding the presen- tation of these “table” breeds? Presentation is so different from breed to breed. My advice is to get a good mentor in each breed and follow the advice from someone who knows proper presentation. Some longtime exhibitors have “downsized” to Toys. In my opinion, has this had an impact on quality? Not that I can see.
Where do I live? How many years in dogs? How many years as a judge? Due to the Pandemic, I live all over; I fled NYC to take care of parents in Iowa. Now I live between the Omaha area (when I’m visiting parents); Nashville, Miami, NYC, and Philadelphia.
What is my original breed? What is/was my kennel name?My original breed is the Shih Tzu. Falling Star is my kennel name. Can I list a few of the notable dogs I’ve bred? Any per- formance or parent club titles? I have had numerous ROM titles. I actually don’t apply for them anymore because I can’t keep track. The titles are not why I show. I had 10 ROM as of 10 years ago, I probably would have double that now. In 1996, I got my first Group One, Am./Can./Int’l. Ch. Munchkintown O’ Falling Star ROM. That year, I bred 10 champions. I bred another 10 champions in 1998-1999. In 2000-2001, I bred 9 homebred champions; 12 in 2004; 11 in 2006; 8 in 2010, to name a few. At present, I have bred close to 100 homebred champions. What are some of the qualities I most admire in the Toy Breeds? I admire their ability to make you smile. They are all so sweet and willing to please, and they love you… and, their sweet faces. Have I judged any Toy Breed Specialties? Yes. Can I offer any advice to exhibitors regarding the presen- tation of these “table” breeds? Don’t pick the dog up by the tail or by the throat, it hurts themand throws off their perfor- mance. Relax and realize it’s a table; they are dogs, and they are not supposed to be completely still. A good judge will be able to analyze what they need to see efficiently to make it a quality experience for both the dog, handler, and judge. Some longtime exhibitors have “downsized” to Toys. In my opinion, has this had an impact on quality? No, but re- cently I sold two dogs to a FrenchBulldog breeder. They are very nice dogs. She’s having a learning curve with groom- ing. This is to be expected. We need to help these people, even the competition. I think it’s easy to look and judge. Instead, we need to help and encourage. Grooming is hard and is a skill you don’t learn overnight. Let’s be considerate and helpful. Toy Breeds can require special care. Do I have any advice to offer breeders, exhibitors, and judges? Love—lots of love. In my opinion, how do today’s exhibits compare with the Toy Dogs of the past? It’s always easy to say that it was much better yesterday. That could be, but even in the past 10 years I see my own breed’s transition. Why do I think Toy Dogs can become outstanding Show Dogs? Well, not all dogs should be Show Dogs and not all dogs can be outstanding Show Dogs. In fact, some of the most mediocre-quality dogs (according to breeders) are
30 • T op N otch T oys , M ay 2022
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