TOY GROUP JUDGES Q&A
DR. ROGER PRITCHARD
Where do I live? How many years in dogs? How many years as a judge? I live in Midwest City, Oklahoma. I have been in dogs for 55 years, judging for 50 years. What is my original breed? What is/was my kennel name?My original breeds are Dachshunds and Boston Terriers. My kennel name is Rojes.
What are some of the qualities I most admire in the Toy Breeds? I, of course, want to see the Toy Breeds exhibit correct type. I also want sound movement. Movement is overlooked by some, but it is important. Toys may not be hunting or herding, but correct structure and movement will keep them healthy and sound into old age. Have I judged any Toy Breed Specialties? I have judged many Toy Specialties, including Chihuahua, Pekes, Min Pins, Papillons, and Yorkies. Can I offer any advice to exhibitors regarding the presen- tation of these “table” breeds? The first thing is to get them used to the table. I examine on the table, but judge them on the ground. Also, it is never necessary to run or race with any Toy Breed. Some longtime exhibitors have “downsized” to Toys. In my opinion, has this had an impact on quality? This can’t be generalized. If an exhibitor has had success through hard work in their original breed, they will strive to achieve the same in their newToy Breed. If they downsize because they think the Toys will be “easy,” their chance of success is less. Toy Breeds can require special care. Do I have any advice to offer breeders, exhibitors, and judges? Learn what is cor- rect in your breed from experts and mentors. In my opinion, how do today’s exhibits compare with the Toy Dogs of the past? I think that overall quality in many breeds has improved over the years. Why do I think Toy Dogs can become outstanding Show Dogs? Many of them are flashy, with coats that draw atten- tion. Also, most Toys want to please their owners/handlers, so they performwell in the ring because of this. If I could share my life with only one Toy Breed, which would it be and why? It would be—and has been—Min Pins. They are the King of Toys and are truly a big dog in a small package. They know no fear, sometimes to their detriment. Just for laughs, do I have a funny story that I can share about my experiences judging the Toy Group? I was judg- ing a Min Pin Specialty for the first time and I had nail art; flowers that matched my dress. The dogs were fascinated and kept trying to eat the flowers!
Can I list a few of the notable dogs I’ve bred? Any per- formance or parent club titles? Notable dogs include Bel- tor, Too Hot To Hold, Rojes, John Henry, I Am, Bibelot, Joker Is Wild. Clubs I have formed are Central Oklahoma Toy Dog Club, Poodle Club of Oklahoma City, andMid-Del Tinker Kennel Club. What are some of the qualities I most admire in the Toy Breeds? The qualities I most admire are soundness and breed type. Have I judged any Toy Breed Specialties? I have judged many of the Toy clubs. Can I offer any advice to exhibitors regarding the pre- sentation of these “table” breeds? The dogs must be trained to stand on the table for examination. If there is a DQ on height, they must be familiar with the examination. Some longtime exhibitors have “downsized” to Toys. In my opinion, has this had an impact on quality?No, not if the exhibitor has knowledge of breeding programs and is able to adjust to the Toy Standards. Toy Breeds can require special care. Do I have any advice to offer breeders, exhibitors, and judges? First of all, under- stand the purpose of why the breed was bred. Stay within the limits of the Standard, with no deviation. In my opinion, how do today’s exhibits compare with the Toy Dogs of the past? There is no comparison as to the re- quirements to follow the Breed Standards. They must be held to the same Standard. Why do I think Toy Dogs can become outstanding Show Dogs? Only if properly bred to their Standard and followed
“IF AN EXHIBITOR HAS HAD SUCCESS THROUGH HARD WORK IN THEIR ORIGINAL BREED, THEY WILL STRIVE TO ACHIEVE THE SAME IN THEIR NEW TOY BREED. If they downsize because they think the Toys will be ‘easy,’ their chance of success is less.” 46 • T op N otch T oys , M ay 2022
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