THE HAVANESE
some have a tearing problem. I am talking about more than that. This is a lot of routine work. On the other hand, I have watched some overdo the grooming part, even using flat irons to take the curl out so it “flows” nicely. A correct natural coat will, on its own, do this. It is hard for a judge to know if the exhibitor has done this and you have to judge what you see. DAVID & DARLENE SCHEIRIS What is the biggest problem facing your breed today? Judge’s not utilizing the entire Ha- vanese standard as it is written. To many times judges are using a single word or parts of a sentence rather than taking in the whole sentence and paragraph to truly evaluate the Havanese. The word natural is the most misused and miss quoted in our standard. “Havanese should be shown as naturally as is consistent with good grooming.” “Havanese should be pre- sented at a natural speed on a loose lead to properly assess the character- istic springy gait.” No where in the standard does it state that the Havanese is to be shown anything but with “good groom- ing” The coat should be clean and well conditioned” Make placements in accordance to the standard is all a great breeder ask of great judges.
describes the “essence” of this de- lightful breed. In my opinion, the correct structure and resulting breed specific gait are lacking in many ex- hibits...they do not have one or all of the required top-line, short upper arm and moderate shoulder layback. BETTY PEPLIN Do you feel the average exhibit you see is properly conditioned and trained? I can tell you that from ringside most of the Havanese are ring trained quite well. I do like this as a judge, it can help to really be able to judge the dog and not have to bounce around to see them move. I know some pup- pies can not contain themselves, understandable, but I want to see them put the feet where they are sup- posed to be. Bouncing won’t work here. Table work, to properly go over the dog, feel the rise, structure etc... It helps if they stand still. Training classes take time but it is worth it. Conditioning of the flesh is hard to tell unless you put your hands on them. As far a grooming goes, some of them could be groomed a bit more some less. I know Havanese are supposed to be natural but some, have gone overboard in making them look “not” so nice. I personally like to see a Ha- vanese that has had a brush put to it, (no mats) and had some time put into it to be not so stained, I know
KATHY AMBLER What is the most difficult trait to protect in a breeding program ? I have talked to judges who judge the Havanese across the country and I hear over and over from them, that we are losing the short upper arm. That one element of the Havanese structure plays a huge part in our breed’s outline and spring of gait, hallmarks of the breed. In watching the breed in the ring, I am seeing more and more “generic” reach and drive. Why? Because the judges love dogs that can move out like a sporting dog. But unfortunate- ly, it is not correct for the Havanese. Running or moving too fast, ruins the Havanese spring of gait. That jaunty little bounce also goes along with their happy personality. The short upper arm also plays part in creating the rise to the rear in the top line...al- though it is supposed to be slight, I am seeing more and more dogs with arti- ficially created top lines, and unfortu- nately, they are still being rewarded in the ring. A Havanese without a correct top line, does not have the correct outline and this is an outline breed. JIM FEHRING What is your main concern for this breed overall, conformation-wise? The very first paragraph in the Havanese breed standard, to me,
64 • T op N otch T oys , J uly 2018
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