TOY GROUP JUDGES Q&A
“P.S. I thoroughly enjoy all Toy Breeds.”
to the designated Standard can Toy Dogs become out- standing Show Dogs. If I could share my life with only one Toy Breed, which would it be and why? Properly, the Toy Poodle; I was able to produce many champions of the breed. Just for laughs, do I have a funny story that I can share about my experiences judging the Toy Group? My best en- joyment in judging the Toy Group is to learn that the win- ner was bred by the exhibitor. P.S. I thoroughly enjoy all Toy Breeds. BENSON RAY
Spaniels, Japanese Chin, Pekingese, and Pugs require the judge’s thumb being swept across the teeth to check the bite; the other Toy breeds have to have the mouth/lips opened to check detention. The breeds listed for thumb exam are un- dershot breeds and the thumb examwould show that easily. In my opinion, how do today’s exhibits compare with the Toy Dogs of the past? In coated breeds, there is lots more sculpting done of the coat. Excessive trimming is of- ten done. There is a lack of correct grooming of some of the Toy breeds. Why do I think Toy Dogs can become outstanding Show Dogs? They are small, less expensive to maintain, can live in the house with you or on the road, requiring little space. If I could share my life with only one Toy Breed, which would it be and why? I would share my life with the Pomer- anian because I have owned at least one since age 11. They are intelligent, easy to train, vivacious, great watch dogs, and loyal to their people. Just for laughs, do I have a funny story that I can share about my experiences judging the Toy Group? I was doing the Group recently and when I didmy last look after the go- around and table exam, one dog in particular just focused and stared into my eyes as if to say, “Pick me.” When I turned to walk on, the dog barked at me once. I stopped and looked back, and the dog barked twice. When I went back down the entire line and came back to this dog, he barked at me three times… still staring. SANDY WALKER
I grew up on a farm in South Carolina and I had my first Pom at 11 years old. I have bred many Pomeranian champions as well as Pekingese, Toy Fox Terriers, Shiba Inu, Chihuahua, and Japa- nese Chin champions.
Where do I live? How many years in dogs? How many years as a judge? I live in South Carolina on a small hobby farm. I have been judging for 11 years. What is my original breed? What is/was my kennel name? My original breed is the Pomeranian. My kennel name is BenRay. Can I list a few of the notable dogs I’ve bred? Any perfor- mance or parent club titles? Notable dogs include Ch. Ben- Ray’s Sundancing Simon, Ch. BenRay’s Emmy Timstop- per ROMX, Ch. BenRay’s Golden Josh and Envy ROM, Grand Ch. Ben Aires Moonchipper, and Pekingese BIS BISS Grand Ch. Ben Aires Razzmataz. What are some of the qualities I most admire in the Toy Breeds? I admire small size (as they are Toys), pretty fronts and heads, breed type, and sound movement. Have I judged any Toy Breed Specialties? Yes, I have judged Specialties for Chinese Crested, Pekingese, APC National for Pomeranians and a Summer National for Pomeranians. Also, I’ve judges several Toy club shows. Can I offer any advice to exhibitors regarding the presen- tation of these “table” breeds? Be sure the dog is trained to stand for examination on the table prior to showing. Prac- tice makes perfect. Some longtime exhibitors have “downsized” to Toys. In my opinion, has this had an impact on quality? No. Toy Breeds can require special care. Do I have any advice to offer breeders, exhibitors, and judges? In coated breeds, keep up with the required coat work. Always present a clean and well-groomed dog. From a judging standpoint, I still exhibit and I am shocked at the improper examina- tion of Toys on the table. Judges, learn to pick up the Pe- kingese correctly. Know which breeds you check the front, front and side, and “thumb.” Brussels Griffons, English Toy
Where do I live? How many years in dogs? How many years as a judge? I live in Stow, Massa- chusetts, where I was born into dogs. My parents had Bedling- ton Terriers, and later switched to Min Pins. I started judging Obedience in the mid 1980s and Papillons in 1990.
What is my original breed? What is/was my kennel name? My original breed is the Papillon. My kennel name is Bedmark. Can I list a few of the notable dogs I’ve bred? Any per- formance or parent club titles? I didn’t breed her, but my first Papillon, Am./Can. CH/OTCH Josandre Touch of
48 • T op N otch T oys , M ay 2022
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