TOY GROUP JUDGES Q&A
coats, from rough, silky, smooth, Nordic, or even hairless, and all expressions, from keen and alert Miniature Pin- schers to soft, pouting English Toy Spaniels can be found in our Toy Breeds. They are devoted companions and easy to travel with, plus, they don’t hog the bed like my English Setter or Boxers always manage to do! Have I judged any Toy Breed Specialties? In January, I judged the Toy Dog Fanciers of Southern California in Palm Springs, California. The setting for this show, out- doors on green lawns at the Empire Polo Club, moun- tains in the background, the hospitality of the hosting club including the capable ring stewards, and the superior qual- ity of the sizeable entries there made this event an unfor- gettable pleasure for a Toy judge; truly a classic show like no other in the world. (I’ve heard it’s not so delightful if it is raining!) Can I offer any advice to exhibitors regarding the presen- tation of these “table” breeds? Toy exhibitors are almost always adept and ready for the table exam. Novice exhibi- tors and/or novice dogs are to be given a little more time to settle. I always pause away from the table to allow the team to get settled and to see the presentation stack, showing proportion and silhouette. Face, eyes, and overall expres- sion are best seen and assessed on the table. I also want to see feet and toes, obstructed in grass but easily checked on the table. I will reassess this controlled presentation again when the dog is off the table, standing and using itself natu- rally. I never rush table exams, but it’s always best to move on quickly if a dog is particularly nervous and antsy to get back down. I try to check what I must check as lightly and quickly as possible. Some breed exams at the table will take a bit longer; the newly recognized Biewer Terriers, for ex- ample, which must be lifted and held by the handler to al- low the judge to check the color of footpads and the color and markings of the underside. The breed is coated, so it is necessary to part the coat to see these markings. Some longtime exhibitors have “downsized” to Toys. In my opinion, has this had an impact on quality? The short answer is yes, I think there has been an overall favorable impact on our Toys from breeders downsizing. I think many of these breeders bring a keener focus on structure and movement from the other Groups, especially from the Working or Sporting Breeds. Whereas I completely agree with a traditional view that Toy Breeds are essentially non- functional and must look as close to an ideal as possible, it is most wonderful when the Toy Dog is not only beautiful to see but also beautiful to watch in motion because they em- body a structural ideal. A naughty puppy or a dropped tail is a temporary moment in time for a dog, but it’s impossible to forgive lack of soundness. Toy Breeds can require special care. Do I have any ad- vice to offer breeders, exhibitors, and judges? I think the most important suggestion I could offer and which ap- plies to all of the Toy Breeds is to urge socialization for our dogs. I realize it has been very challenging to get dogs out
into the noisy world due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the interruption of routine life; however, it is a critical ele- ment of showing a dog andwinning. Theymust be relatively happy and secure. It’s hard to know for sure if your dog is completely ready, but please don’t force your dog to show if you see signs of fear. Luckily, I’ve only had one dog suffer a meltdown. Take time to gradually socialize the pandemic puppies. It’s true that some of them could be nearly two years old now. In my opinion, how do today’s exhibits compare with the Toy Dogs of the past? I think, generally, that the Toy Breeds are appreciably better, overall; not on every day or at every show, but overall, unquestionably better. We always saw outstanding, unforgettable examples in the past, but I cer- tainly remember larger classes of mediocrities. It’s become very expensive to raise and show dogs, and it’s easier to learn whelping, grooming, and presentation techniques on the Internet. Serious and dedicated dog people can accom- plish much, but the casual hobbyist with mediocre dogs has a hard time hanging on without recognition from judges. At a good show, I see smaller but more evenly competi- tive classes. The challenges over the past few decades have weeded out most of the dabblers, and so, I believe, we have a higher percentage of serious breeders who are breeding more carefully. I’m very optimistic about the quality curve, it’s going up at the shows on the whole. Why do I think Toy Dogs can become outstanding Show Dogs? An exceptional Toy Dog must be considered as equal to an exceptional dog of any breed in the other Group clas- sifications. You must have an outstanding Toy Dog and a judge who will actually recognize this excellence. Each Toy Breed is unique and the best dog must embody the essence of its distinct breed in order to be an outstanding Show Dog. I don’t believe there are judges today who would dis- regard the value of an excellent Toy Dog, although in the past there were judges who considered diminutiveness an amusing sideshow for ladies and disdained the Toy Breeds. I wouldn’t expect to encounter any judges with a dismissive attitude toward the Toy Breeds nowadays. Breeding beau- tiful, healthy dogs in any breed is an extremely challeng- ing endeavor. Nomatter the breed, big or small, we all come from the same school of dedication, hard work, sometimes hard luck, and sometimes glory. If I could share my life with only one Toy Breed, which would it be and why? The answer must be obvious. If only one breed, it would be the English Toy Spaniel, a devoted and gentle companion. The breed is sensitive, friendly, typ- ically quiet, and easily trained. They are robust and can be athletic, but they are never hyper-active or busy. Centuries ago, they were known as the “Comforter Spaniels” because life was hard and their companionship was comforting. This still holds true, in my opinion! Just for laughs, do I have a funny story that I can share about my experiences judging the Toy Group? I had a beau- tiful Toy Group come into the ring one afternoon. A ner- T op N otch T oys , M ay 2022 • 41
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