TOY GROUP JUDGES Q&A
DICK MILLER
their teeth and gums were clean and sound. Judges, stay out of the dog’s face. No judge would get in the face of a Dober- man. Chihuahuas dislike judges in “their” space. There is no need to talk baby talk to a Toy Dog. In my opinion, how do today’s exhibits compare with the Toy Dogs of the past? Overall, I feel the dogs of today are better examples of their breeds than in the past. This is es- pecially true for my breed. Why do I think Toy Dogs can become outstanding Show Dogs? Toy Dogs of today that have successful careers in the show ring have been carefully bred for type and tempera- ment. There are exceptions, but the gene pool of Toy Dogs is not ignored when a breeding is planned. Top Toy Dog winners are not the product of an accident. If I could share my life with only one Toy Breed, which would it be and why? I would not waiver from my breed. A well-nurtured Chihuahua is a delight to know and live with day-to-day. Dogs are much like children. A child that is raised to know no limits becomes a very annoying person. Dogs need to be shown limits of tolerance or they will be an annoying pet. Just for laughs, do I have a funny story that I can share about my experiences judging the Toy Group? I usually look at dogs’ bites myself. When we were asked to have ex- hibitors show the bite, I had an entry on my table. After I had completed my examination of the dog, I said to the ex- hibitor, “Bite.” The exhibitor responded, “No, he doesn’t bite.” After having a good laugh, I said, “No, I want to see your dog’s bite.” MADELINE MILLER
Where do I live? How many years in dogs? How many years as a judge? I live in La Harpe, Il- linois. This is a very small town surrounded by corn fields and soy- bean fields. I purchased my first AKC registered dog in 1957. I have been approved to judge since May of 1992.
What is my original breed? What is/was my kennel name? The Chihuahua was my original breed. My kennel name was Mar-Rich. Can I list a few of the notable dogs I’ve bred? Any per- formance or parent club titles?Mar-Rich ‘NMina’s Rumor Has It (Clay) andMar-Rich’sMinuteMan (Rebel) were the two top winners in the show ring. “Clay” was an outstand- ing sire. He was the Chihuahua Club of America’s top stud dog two years running. He won the Variety at the National twice, under Mike Billings and Peggy Hogg. What are some of the qualities I most admire in the Toy Breeds? I admire their boldness; a little dog with a big dog attitude. Have I judged any Toy Breed Specialties? I have judged the National Specialty for my breed three times, and I have judged multiple Regional Specialties. I also judged the Na- tional Specialty in Finland and Russia. I have judged Pe- kingese, Pomeranian, Affenpinscher, Miniature Pinscher, and Papillion Specialties. Can I offer any advice to exhibitors regarding the pre- sentation of these “table” breeds? I feel over-sheltering Toy Breeds has a very negative impact on temperament. Some breeders do not allow others to touch their breed, except for judges in the show ring. It is my opinion that we cannot expect outgoing temperaments with dogs that are sheltered to this degree. Some longtime exhibitors have “downsized” to Toys. In my opinion, has this had an impact on quality? I feel we cannot generalize in this regard. It is dependent on too many variables to make a blanket statement. Toy Breeds can require special care. Do I have any advice to offer breeders, exhibitors, and judges? Breeders/exhibi- tors need to remember the teeth and gums of Toy Breeds. I brushed my dogs’ teeth and gums with Listerine. This made my dogs more ready to have an oral examination, and
Where do I live? How many years in dogs? Howmany years as a judge? I live in a suburb of Detroit, Michi- gan. I have been in dogs for over 50 years, judging for 25 years.
What is my original breed? What is/was my kennel name?My original breed was the Doberman Pinscher, but my claim to fame was the Miniature Pinscher. My ken- nel name was Madric. Can I list a few of the notable dogs I’ve bred? Any per- formance or parent club titles? Best in Show Min Pin, Ch. Madeic’sMotownMagic, was a notable dog. I also bred two different Westminster Breed winners in the 1980s.
“THERE ARE EXCEPTIONS, BUT THE GENE POOL OF TOY DOGS IS NOT IGNORED WHEN A BREEDING IS PLANNED. Top Toy Dog winners are not the product of an accident.” T op N otch T oys , M ay 2022 • 45
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