The dog show magazine celebrating the Toy Group of dog breeds - featuring articles, tips, and information provided with help from breeders, owners, handlers, club members, and judges.
AFFENPINSCHER * NUMBER ONE *AKC BREED STATS AS OF 6/30/23
We Are So Very Grateful To Everyone Who Has Supported Dylan's Remarkable Career.
*
Thank You...
*AKC ALL BREED STATS AS OF 6.30.23
…To All The Judges Who Have Recognized His Extraordinary Breed Type. …To Sergio For Your Unwavering Dedication And Exceptional Care. …To The Clubs For All You Do To Promote The Preservation Of Purebred Dogs. …And To The Many Friends, Both Near And Far, Who Have Supported Our Unforgettable Journey.
DYLAN
2 • T op N otch T oys , A ugust 2023
T op N otch T oys , A ugust 2023 • 3
4 • T op N otch T oys , A ugust 2023
T op N otch T oys , A ugust 2023 • 5
THANK YOU JUDGES ALLEN L. ODOM & DARRYL VICE
6 • T op N otch T oys , A ugust 2023
CIDNEY BIS BISS GCHG BK’S CONEMARA EL CID
# 1 BREED & ALL BREED * SMOOTH COAT CHIHUAHUA *AKC STAT AS OF 6/30/23
OWNERS & BREEDERS: BARBARA K. (KATHY) SMITH & CONNI M. ROBINSON
T op N otch T oys , A ugust 2023 • 7
Fiery WITH
DETERMINATION
Thank you Judges Group 1: Mrs. Pamela Peat & Mr. Smith (Australia) Group 2: Mrs. Smith (Australia) & Mrs. Lee Ann Bateman (Canada) Group 3: Mrs. Angela Pickett, Mr. David Peat,
Mrs. Carolyn Herbel & Mrs. Joan Luna Liebes Group 4: Mrs. Molly Martin & Mrs. Judith Brown OHBIS #4: Ms. Pam Lambie OHBIS #3: Mr. Charles Olvis Jeannie Love, breeder/owner Kimberly Bakker, KC Italian Greyhounds handler/co-owner Karen Day, co-owner
8 • T op N otch T oys , A ugust 2023
GCHB AMORE’S RED VELVET Red
NUMBER ONE ALL BREED *
NUMBER ONE OWNER HANDLED *
NUMBER TWO BREED *
*AKC stats as of 4/30/23
T op N otch T oys , A ugust 2023 • 9
CONTENTS TABLE OF
TNT
AJ ARAPOVIC CEO & Publisher aj@aramediagroup.com Office 512-686-3466 ext. 102 Cell 512-541-8128 HANIFA ARAPOVIC Vice President hanifa@aramediagroup.com 512-686-3466 ext. 104 Cell 512-541-8687 MICHAEL R. VERAS Chief Operating Officer michael@aramediagroup.com 512-686-3466 ext. 101 ALEXANDRA GEBHARDT Chief Marketing Officer, Head Of Digital Brands alex@aramediagroup.com 1-908-288-7733 SAMANTHA ADKINS Production Co-Ordinator Advertiser Relations samantha@aramediagroup.com 512-686-3466 ext. 103 DANIEL CARTIER Director, Social Media & Web Site daniel@aramediagroup.com ADVERTISING DIRECTOR MEEGAN PIEROTTI-TIETJE Customer Relationship Manager meegan@showsightmagazine.com call/text 512.593.5517
26
37
12
65
12 Transition to Toys Susan Thibodeaux 18 Toy Breeder Interview Jennifer Able-Jones 22 The Owner-Handler Matina E. Johnson 26 The Iggyfied Home Lilian S. Barber 34 The Breeder/Owner-Handler Jackie Kuk 37 Candids: 2023 YTCA Linda Ayers Turner Knorr 41 Toy Breeder Interviews Various Guests
65 What Is a Pug? Del Richards 70 Life With Manchesters Jerri Hobbs 72 Living With a Chihuahua Virginia (Jenny) Hauber 76 Rates 77 Index to Advertisers
PATRICIA KARNIK Customer Relationship Manager patricia@showsightmagazine.com call/text 307.413.3377 SOCIAL MEDIA ELMA BEGIC Manager, Social Media & Creative Content elma@aramediagroup.com 1-512-686-3466
MAILING ADDRESS PO BOX 18567 TAMPA, FL 33679
TOP NOTCH TOYS is published twelve times per year by AraMedia Group, Inc. PO Box 18567, Tampa, FL 33679. Postage paid at Omaha, Nebraska. No part of this publica - tion may be reproduced in any form without the express written permission of the editor. The opinions expressed in this publication either editorially or in advertising copy are those of the authors and do not necessarily constitute en- dorsement by the publishers. The editor reserves the right to reasonably edit all copy submitted. All articles become the property of the publishers. Subscription price for third class service in the United States: $75.00. Canadian and U.S. First Class: $110.00. Overseas rates upon request. In- quiries to: Michael R. Veras, COO, AraMedia Group Inc., PO Box 18567, Tampa FL 33678512 686 3466 ext 105 or michael@aramediagroup.com.
10 • T op N otch T oys , A ugust 2023
T op N otch T oys , A ugust 2023 • 11
TRANSITION TO TOYS OR, IT’S A WHOLE NEW WORLD! by Susan Thibodeaux
S ome people start off with a Toy breed. Tiny dogs and their accessories are routine to them, and they don’t think any- thing of them. And then there are those who start with big dogs and one day decide to get a Toy dog. For them, it’s a whole new world. I belong to the latter group. I had American and English Cocker Spaniels for almost twenty years, but my primary breed was the Vizsla for almost forty years. Along the four decades I’ve been in dogs, I also owned two Akitas and an Afghan Hound—not all at the same time—but needless to say, I was quite accustomed to lugging around large, heavy crates and fifty-pound bags of dog food, washing large food bowls and water buckets, and buying leads strong enough to hold large, rambunctious dogs. I did have one Toy dog in the mid-1990s. I bought a red and white Japanese Chin which we named Kitty. Showing her was an ad- venture. Everyone told me that Toy dogs were difficult to lead break, but she was easy to train to walk and gait on the lead. The table, however, was another matter. She never learned to like the table. In the ring I quickly discerned that I had picked a less pop- ular color and was normally the only red and white. That said, she was a lovely dog and we picked up our points fairly quickly. We had Sari Brewster Tietjen for what turned out to be Kitty’s last show, and when she gave Kitty the Winners Bitch ribbon to finish her championship I thanked her and said that I was sur- prised she didn’t check her book. She looked at me quizzically and I explained that every other judge who had awarded Kitty points had checked to see if the self-colored nose was disquali- fying before awarding us the ribbon. She was surprised to hear that and commenced to give me a genetics lesson on colors in the Japanese Chin. I came to find out that she was an expert in the breed. What a lovely blessing that day to be given the opportu- nity to learn from someone with her knowledge. We never bred Kitty because it turned out she had some physical issues that we worried would be passed to the next generation. While she lived to be thirteen and a half, when she passed we de- cided that maybe Toy dogs just weren’t our thing. About ten years ago we realized that most of our Vizslas were senior citizens with only a few years remaining and we were at a stage in our life when we were traveling more. When we had multiple Vizslas with us they took up all the space. We decided to relook at Toy breeds. By this time the Toy Fox Terrier was in the Toy Group and we quickly decided that it would be an ide- al breed for us to segue to. It took many months, but we finally
Everything is tiny with Toys.
brought home our first Toy Fox after a lot of research and searching for the right breeder and puppy. That Toy Fox Terrier puppy was tiny compared to what we were used to. After flying her home, we hit the road to haul our horse to a show in Texas and took her with us. Turned out that traveling with a Toy dog was all we’d hoped it would be. Now, for you folks who have had a lot of Toy dogs, everything being tiny is the norm. But for those of us who’ve spent most of our lives with larger breeds, buying new dog equipment and accessories became an adventure. Everywhere we went you could hear us saying, “Look at the tiny bowl!” “Look at the tiny leads!” “Oh, that little bucket is so cute!” The weather got a bit chilly, “Oh, look at the cute little sweater!”
12 • T op N otch T oys , A ugust 2023
*AKC BREED STATS 6/30/23
T op N otch T oys , A ugust 2023 • 13
Traveling with the Toys in the RV.
Sporting dogs took a little longer to learn to show but then never really changed it up. But Toy Foxes learned very quickly and then changed it every day. And then, the first time I showed in the Toy Group, I had more learning to do. I was accustomed to the Sport- ing Group, and in the Sporting Group we all know where to line up by size and speed. My first time to take Breed with my Toy Fox and I’m standing there trying to determine which dogs I should follow into the ring. I asked several Toy handlers, as we waited, where did the Toy Fox go in the line- up? Their response was, pretty much, “anywhere you want.” Changing from big dogs to Toys has been a learning experience. If you are reading this and thinking you’d never want a Toy dog, let me quote my hus- band who said that he never thought he’d like a Toy breed but now wishes we’d discovered Toy Foxes ten years sooner. And one warning: You start with one, but the joke about them be- ing like potato chips? Can’t have just one? It’s true. When we went from Vizslas to Toy Foxes, we downsized from a minivan to an SUV. Then we bought a motorhome with bunkbeds because each bunk holds four Toy crates. Now we’re looking for a big- ger RV. And in addition to the Toy Fox Terriers, we have two Toy Manches- ters. Potato chips. Our last Vizsla passed away last summer and I’ve been offered Vizsla puppies by several breeders. We are definitely Toy people now. We like the
We never clothed our Vizslas! Our first Toy Fox had sweaters, jackets, and even a cheerleading outfit for my college alma mater. We discovered the joy of carrying a dog in a very small crate, made sweet- er after years of dragging sizes 200, 400, and 500 plastic crates in and out of vehicles and buildings. We discov- ered that instead of large bags of dog food, four days of dog food for one Toy Fox fit in a sandwich bag. We could carry the dog in our arms and even easily fly with it—right under the seat of the plane—a novelty for an Army Family that had flown Cockers and Vizslas in the baggage hold when relo- cated overseas and back. And picking up a Toy puppy’s poop? After all the big dogs? Yep—sometimes even that made us giggle. Not everything that was unique to Toys made us smile. Some things were initially scary. Our first litter was al- most overwhelming. She whelped easily and everyone was fine, but for a person accustomed to one-pound puppies, a four-ounce tiny Toy puppy was frightening. I was afraid to sleep, afraid to let the room get cool, afraid of them being fragile, afraid of hypogly- cemia… you name it, that first Toy litter was stressful. Where once I’d whelped and raised puppies with calmness and confidence, suddenly I was a nervous wreck. They were so tiny! Showing also was different. I had to slow down from running with the Vizslas to “the walk” with the Toys. I also quickly determined that my
tiny—tiny crates, tiny dog food, tiny dog poop, tiny collars, and most of all, the tiny dogs who all think they are as big as my Vizslas were. We are fully transitioned Toy people now. And loving it. Just know that if you get into Toys, it’s a whole new world.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR Susan Thibodeaux began showing dogs in 1978. Ten years ago, after de- cades in the Sporting Group showing primarily Vizslas, Cocker Spaniels and English Cocker Spaniels, she made the decision to segue to the Toy Group and now has Toy Fox Terriers and Toy Manchester Terriers. She is Vice Presi- dent for the American Toy Fox Terrier Club and on the Board of the Brevard Kennel Club. In addition to show- ing, Susan can be found having fun in various events such as Rally, Fast CAT and Barn Hunt, stewarding, teaching handling classes for BKC, and judging sweepstakes and matches.
14 • T op N otch T oys , A ugust 2023
2023 NATIONAL SPECIALTY BREED WINNER TEASE NBISS GCH DAR-RICH ALL STAR ETS MAYBE YES, MAYBE NO
Exclusively Presented by PARKER LOURIER Owned by WENDY HOWARD Bred by DARLENE TETER
T H R E E NUMBER Toy Fox Terrier*
*AKC All Breed Stats as of 6/30/23
© Bob Kohler Photo
THANK YOU JOHNNY SHOEMAKER FOR THIS PRESTIGIOUS WIN!
T op N otch T oys , A ugust 2023 • 15
MBIS MRBIS MBISS GCHG ANABELLE BEAUTIFUL
16 • T op N otch T oys , A ugust 2023
PAP I LLON ALL-BREED* #3
OUR SINCEREST APPRECIATION AND THANK YOU TO ALL JUDGES WHO HAVE AWARDED ANABELLE.
ACCOMPLISHMENTS
• PCA SILVER BUTTERFLY 2020 AND 2021 • CURRENTLY THE #1 BITCH ALL BREED 2023 * • BOS 2022 AKC NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP
• AWARD OF MERIT 2022 PAPILLON NATIONAL • SELECT BITCH 2022 WESTMINSTER • MULTI BIS WINNER AND MULTI-BISS WINNER • BEST OF BREED 2023 WESTMINSTER
OWNED BY JENNIFER ABLE-JONES & JOHNWESLEY JONES BRED BY OKSANA PETROVA HANDLED BY CLINT & KAREN LIVINGSTON
*AKC ALL BREED STATS AS OF 5/31/23
T op N otch T oys , A ugust 2023 • 17
TOY BREEDER INTERVIEW JENNIFER ABLE-JONES
1. Where do you live? How many years in dogs? How many years as a breeder? I live in Roswell, New Mex- ico. I have been breeding dogs for about 23 years. I’ve focused on Papillons for about 19 years, showing them for 15 years. 2. What is your kennel name? How many dogs do you currently keep? My
6. What is your “process” for selecting Show Puppies? Perfor- mance Puppies? I select by a process of elimination. Puppies with disqualifying faults and obvious flaws go to pet homes first, and the rest of the litter is watched for a few more months. I look for a correct, natural stack and movement while also observing their temperament and personalities. I observe how they take to new things such as the bath, nail trims, walking on lead, how they interact with strangers, and how they react in strange situations and environments. 7. How important are Breed Specialties to you? How impor- tant are Group Shows? Where I live in New Mexico, shows are few and far between, so I don’t get picky about which shows I enter. I usually enter whatever is available within a 5-7-hour drive. I do make an effort to attend our National Specialty when I can. We have a really great group of veterans to learn from and new breeders looking to us for encouragement, and it’s always nice to see all of them each time. A great time is al- ways had by all! 8. What are your priorities when it comes to breeding? What are the drawbacks? Since health issues haven’t been a big problem in well-bred Papillons, my priority in breeding is maintaining correct breed type. When breed type is lost and they barely look like a Papillon, there’s not much point to the rest of it. Structure and temperament are part of breed type and it’s all important. The biggest hurdle to breeding is competing with the “Adopt Don’t Shop” mentality. I don’t think we have enough outreach teaching the public that adopting is shopping and they should shop responsibly. There are other options than the irresponsibly bred dogs of the rescues and shelters; of which pit bull mixes make up the majority. The public needs more knowledge and accessibility to well-bred, pure- bred dogs that are well-suited for their lifestyles. 9. How would you define “conditioning” as it relates to your breed? How important is coat care? In our breed, condition- ing primarily includes a healthy diet, coat care, and some exercise, because they’re mostly a companion dog. Exercise should correspond with the individual dog’s energy level. Agility and other performance folks have more physical routines, but even their high-drive Papillons are compan- ions first and foremost.
kennel name is J Bar Papillons. The number fluctuates depending on how many puppies I’m growing out and how many retiring adults I’ll be replacing. Ten or less is what I find enjoyable. 3. Which show dogs from the past have been your noteworthy winners? Having just won Best of Breed at Westminster, Anabelle Beautiful is, of course, the “Super-Star” of J Bar Papillons. She has also earned multiple Bests in Show, mul- tiple Bests in Specialty Show, and countless Group wins, putting her in the No. 3 spot for Group wins and in Grand Champion points. Before her, I hadn’t ventured into the world of campaigning a dog. 4. Which have been your most influential sires and dams? I haven’t campaigned any before Anabelle, but her son, J Bar’s I’m Your Huckleberry, is siring some really nice pup- pies that look very promising. In the last 10 years, I’ve finished nearly 30 champions and approximately 25 of those champions were dogs I bred. Among them was an entire litter that earned our first Dam of Merit. The daughter of that litter is now also a Dam of Merit, and a granddaughter soon will be as well. 5. Can you talk a bit about your facilities? Where are your puppies whelped? How are they raised? I have a nursery in my home where puppies are born and raised. Puppies are raised under foot, but they are allowed to be puppies with minimal expectations. They start crate-training at 8 weeks and go outside several times a day to potty and play. During this tender age, they also learn about baths and nail trims and are exposed to a variety of toys, other animals, and new stimulating environments.
18 • T op N otch T oys , A ugust 2023
My kids and I finished our first champion in 2012 and in the following 10 years, we finished 30 champions. 25 of those are six generations of champions bred and raised by us. Our many accomplishments include Hall of Fame entries, several specialty wins, group placements, Best in Show wins, three years with a bitch in the top 10 and now an incredible Westminster breed win! Many thanks to Clint and Karen Livingston for helping us reach those goals! PRESERVATION BREEDER: THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A WELL BRED, PUREBRED AND MERELY PURE BRED. J B AR Papillons
JENNIFER ABLE JONES J BAR PAPILLONS
© Ambient Exposures
T op N otch T oys , A ugust 2023 • 19
is your breed’s best-kept secret? They are highly intelligent! I have one client who has taught her puppy how to commu- nicate with words using interactive push-buttons. By push- ing these buttons, he tells her when he needs to go outside to potty, when their other dog needs to potty, when he wants a treat, which treat, and when he’s ready for bed, among other things. He also uses it to tattle on her other dog. 14. If you could share a comment or two with judges of your breed, what would you like to say to them? Our Breed Stan- dard states, “Slightly longer than tall,” but the Papillon is not a “long and low” breed. Also, a hackney gait or “throw- ing the front” is incorrect, as is “peddling a bicycle” in the rear. These are faults that ruin the image that the Papillon breed type should provide. Awarding these flawed charac- teristics encourages the breeder to produce more puppies with those faults instead of working to correct them. 15. Do you have any words of wisdom to pass along to newer breeders? My good friend started with a mentor from the AKC New Exhibitor Mentor program and I did not. She found success and made connections much faster than I did. I mentor as best I can through email, phone, and Mes- senger, but I tell everyone about the Mentor Program be- cause a mentor can only do so much from afar. It’s better to have a local mentor to learn from in person; that is where the difference is made. Your mentor does not need to be in the same breed, and having multiple mentors gives you ex- posure to a wider range of experiences so that you can pick and choose the advice that works best for you. Set the bar high for yourself and accept nothing less, but don’t expect to find easy or quick success. Remember that it’s not about the wins, it’s about seeing how your dogs mea- sure up to those bred by established and successful breed- ers who came before you. Sometimes it’s difficult to recog- nize faults in your own dog until they’re standing next to dogs that don’t have them. 16. For a bit of fun, what’s the most amusing thing you’ve ever experienced with a Toy Dog? I once had a female that would climb her five-foot fence and walk across the top rail, then jump down into the run with whichever male she wanted her next puppies to be sired by. She presented quite a chal- lenge to learn from. I had another girl who wouldn’t be touched unless some- one had something she wanted. She would sit at the end of the couch or on the stool of my recliner and, if I’d reach for her, she’d move. She was definitely not a hugger (not unlike myself, lol). It became a bit of a game with her where she’d tease us like she wanted petting, then playfully dart away when we’d reach out for her. She could play this game all day. The females can definitely have a mind of their own.
For Conformation, they simply need to stay well-groomed and they need to be well-socialized and happy. Coat care is most important for Conformation shows, which is pret- ty challenging in New Mexico’s extremely dry climate. A “desert-fried coat” is not real competitive, so I prefer a high-fat, healthy diet to promote healthy skin and coat. I go through a lot of heavy conditioner and have to keep them inside, which they aren’t always happy about. They’d much rather be outside chasing lizards and bugs. Otherwise, Pa- pillons are a “wash and wear” breed. 10. Are there any health-related concerns in your breed? Any special nutritional needs? We test Papillons for PRA, NAD, VWD, and CFVII, but the issues are, thankfully, not very common. We also do the OFA exams for patellas, eyes,” and hearts. Luxating Patella is the most common issue we encounter. Though my vet worries about removing otherwise good dogs from the gene pool, I find that the best way to avoid producing luxating patellas is to cull hard and don’t make excuses for breeding a luxated dog. As for nutrition, a high-fat diet not only promotes healthy coats, it also promotes milk production. Milk is mostly made of healthy fat and good moms should produce plenty of it. 11. Do you think your breed is supported by a sufficient num- ber of preservation breeders? Actually, no. Preservation Pa- pillon breeders are badly outnumbered by backyard breed- ers who don’t care about quality and accomplish nothing with their dogs except producing puppies. I often run into people who are surprised by what a Papillon is actually sup- posed to look like. When I first started out, my exposure to “dog shows” was limited to just the annual show I’d watch on TV after Thanksgiving dinner. However, I fell in love with Papillons and decided to dive in. I began at “ground zero” and worked my way toward becoming a reputable breeder. A local dog trainer showed me how to find the shows to enter and I started entering them. I immersed myself in this lifestyle and have learned what it truly means to be a “Preserva- tion Breeder.” Through knowledge, determination, and drive, I’ve grown passionate about quality and intolerant of excuses. 12. Is your breed well suited to be a family dog? Who are the best candidates to own your breed? Papillons are excellent family dogs. The males are very loving and attentive, and the females can be judgmental snobs but provide endless entertainment. Active families make the best homes for Pa- pillons because they are an active and energetic breed. They love power walking, hiking, backpacking, and all the out- door activities. They are known for being quick and agile. 13. What is the biggest misconception about your breed? What
20 • T op N otch T oys , A ugust 2023
GCH * KALLMEE A HEART OF GOLD N FIRE
SELECT AT 9 MONTHS OLD AT THE LARGEST ATFTC NATIONAL SPECIALTY IN RECENT YEARS BEST IN SWEEPSTAKES WITH 26 ENTERED!
FINISHED FROM BRED BY PUPPY IN A FEW WEEKENDS WITH MULTIPLE BESTS OF BREED. ALREADY A GRAND CHAMPION AND ALMOST HALFWAY TO HER BRONZE AT TEN MONTHS* THANK YOU JUDGES FOR THE ACCOLADES FOR OUR PRETTY PUPPY! WE’RE VERY EXCITED ABOUT TREASURE!
*PENDING AKC CONFIRMATION
BREEDER OWNER HANDLED SUSAN AND STEVE THIBODEAUX KALLMEE—HOME OF EXCEPTIONAL DOGS SINCE 1978, COCOA, FL
T op N otch T oys , A ugust 2023 • 21
THE OWNER-HANDLER A CYCLE OF LEARNING AND LOVING by Matina E. Johnson Photo credit: Alvin Atlas, DVM
I was asked to write an article about the owner-handler. It’s always difficult to know what might be of interest. So, looking inward to my own retrospective over the years was where I decided to focus, to pen into words how my outlook and priorities have developed, and having now been in the sport for 18 years, what I want to focus on in the next part of this journey. When I was new to the sport, the owner-handler aspect did not exist as a separate competition. A sponge soaking it all in, I loved every part of the sport. When you’re new, it is the perfect time to study the history and functionality of your breed, work with a mentor, learn to condition and train, and take an active role in both your breed clubs and all-breed clubs. This needs to happen for many reasons, not only as vital training for new owner-handlers, but to continue the cycle of breed clubs in general. This is what I would suggest as a starting board for any newcomer. As you gain experience with your dog, it will grant you the opportunity to develop other great relationships as well— with other owners, handlers, breeders, your veterinary community, and as an ambassador for our sport in general. When our community at large sees us taking great care of our dogs, it has an echoing impact. The legislation that will impact this sport in the future has a direct correlation to the positive message that active people continue to bring to the forefront. That message can absolutely shine forward the love of our dogs and the hobby both they and we enjoy. I think whether someone is an owner, breeder, or handler is much less important than if they can develop into a true dog person, having the knowledge of form, type, and function, and the unteachable experience that comes with time. For me, preservation breeding became an interest which added a whole other dimension. The future is more than one dog; it’s a process and one you may never see to completion. So, you have to mentor, share, and pay it forward to have real success in the long term. It is a cycle of learning and loving, and sometimes also losing and then gaining hope again. At the end of the day, I’m happy to see all exhibitors, with their dogs nicely conditioned, taking their best dogs home.
22 • T op N otch T oys , A ugust 2023
CHECK OUT OUR NEWEST
BROOKVIEW’S HAN YOLO
THANK YOU, JUDGE MR. RAYMOND V. FILBURN, JR.! THIS BOY NEEDS “no hands” TO STAND STRONG ON A WIN PODIUM!
THANK YOU, JUDGE MRS. LINDA HURLEBAUS!
ALWAYS EXCLUSIVELY BREEDER-OWNER HANDLED BY Matina E. Johnson
AKC BREEDER OF MERIT YTCA TOP BREEDER 2017 BKC BREEDER OF THE YEAR 2017 AKC SPORTSMAN OF THE YEAR 2018 & 2019 WWW.BROOKVIEWYORKIES.COM
T op N otch T oys , A ugust 2023 • 23
Advertisement feature
How Clean is Your Whelping Pen?
B reeding dogs is an exciting and rewarding experience, but it comes with its challenges. One of the breeder’s biggest concerns is maintaining the health of the mother and her puppies even before they are born. As the whelping box is their nursery, it is crucial to keep that area hygienically clean and healthy. We recently asked some breeders what their greatest challenges were in maintaining a sanitary whelping environment and these are their top 5 concerns: INFECTION CONTROL Infection control is one of the most significant challenges breeders face in maintaining the cleanliness of their whelping box. Puppies are born with a weak immune system, which makes them more susceptible to infec- tions. Therefore, breeders need to take extra care to prevent the spread of infections in the whelping box. One of the ways to prevent infections is to maintain proper hygiene in the whelping box. Breeders need to clean and disinfect the whelping box daily to prevent the buildup of bacteria and viruses. Not only should they wash their hands thoroughly before handling the puppies, but they also need to ensure the cleanliness of any visitors to avoid transmitting any germs to the growing puppies. There isn’t a breeder out there who doesn’t worry about fast spreading diseases like the parvo virus. WASTE MANAGEMENT Waste management is another significant challenge breeders face in maintaining the cleanliness of their whelping box. Puppies are cute but produce a lot of poop, which can lead to an unsanitary environment. Breeders need to ensure that they clean up any waste promptly and dis- pose of it properly. Breeders should also use appropriate bedding material that is absorbent and easy to clean. This will help to prevent the buildup of waste and reduce the risk of infection. Keeping poop waste out of the whelping box is a top priority. There are many options available including self-cleaning ones. ODOR CONTROL Odor control is another challenge breeders face in maintaining the cleanliness of their whelping box. Puppies’ constant pooping can lead to a foul odor in the home environment. This can be unpleasant for both the puppies and the breeder and can raise some eyebrows if potential buyers come by to see and socialize with the litter. To control odor, breeders need to regularly clean and disinfect the whelping box. Odor-neutralizing products, such as baking soda, can help absorb any unpleasant odors.
PROPER VENTILATION Proper ventilation is essential for maintaining the clean- liness of the whelping box. Poor ventilation can lead to a buildup of harmful gasses and airborne pathogens, which can cause respiratory issues in the mother and her puppies. Breeders should ensure that there is enough fresh air circulation in the whelping box. They should also avoid using harsh chemicals or cleaners in the whelping box, as these can irritate the puppies’ respiratory systems. TEMPERATURE CONTROL Temperature control is another challenge breeders face in maintaining the cleanliness of the whelping box. The ideal temperature for a whelping box is around 85 degrees Fahrenheit. Breeders can use a heat lamp or heating pad to maintain the desired temperature. However, they should be careful not to overheat the box, as this can lead to heat stress and dehydration in the puppies. Breeders should also ensure that the bedding material is kept clean and dry. Wet bedding can lead to the buildup of harmful bacteria and mold, which can be harmful to the puppies’ health. By taking proactive steps to address these challenges, breeders can provide a safe and healthy environment for their puppies to grow and thrive.
24 • T op N otch T oys , A ugust 2023
Try it: 50% Off with Risk-Free Trial!
TM
®
Smart, self-cleaning dog potty
Clean up at the touch of a button
Go from soiled to spotless in seconds • Significantly reduces odors • Cleans up fast and easy • Promotes healthier litters • Accelerates potty training • Saves 10 hours per week
Introducing a smart, self-cleaning indoor potty for your home or whelping box.
Clean remotely via app
Save time and money Rolls away mess so you spend less time cleaning, less money on cleaning supplies and less on trash removal. Clean environment Rolls up waste and locks away odor for healthier whelping pens & homes. Better health App highlights changes in potty frequency and stool consistency to help monitor pet health.
Machine measures 34" x 24" x 6". Battery pack option available.
SPECIAL OFFER for Top Notch Toy readers! www.brilliantpad.com/TNT
SCAN HERE to see BrilliantPad in ACTION!
Have questions? Call 312-348-7915 or email hello@BrilliantPad.com
THE IGGYFIED HOME by Lilian S. Barber
(A version of this article appeared in the January 2013 edition of SHOWSIGHT.)
M ost people refer to them as Ig- gies or IGs. For the uninitiated, they are Italian Greyhounds, a breed that graces the Toy Group at AKC shows but is integrated with the larger Sighthounds in the FCI-based Standard used through- out most of Europe, Asia, and South America. They fit flawlessly into both. They also are fantastic com- panions for people with an eye for beauty, a love for fun and the unex- pected, a willingness to accept a few charismatic foibles and no embar- rassment at sharing love with a highly devoted animal. These dogs are not couch potatoes indoors like their larger Greyhound cousins. They are small enough to en- joy romping and playing wildly in the tiniest apartment. They can be active almost to the point of being hyper, and that energy can remain with them into their double-figured years. Activities like Agility or Lure Cours- ing or less structured active play on a regular basis can help to tone this down. Keeping two IGs is easier for some people, especially if no one is at home for quite a few hours during the day. More than two, however, can complicate housetraining problems and possibly accelerate the wild be- havior. It’s quite important to “IG proof” the home by eliminating high backed furniture or moving it against a wall, removing anything that could become a booby trap for an IG leg, such as a webbed chair, inviting win- dow sill, or other high-up attraction. Most IGs consider it great sport to leap from one chair or sofa back to an- other. These dogs also have an amaz- ing ability to sense that something on a table or countertop, although
essentially out of sight, might be deli- cious or possibly a fun plaything; and they usually are sufficiently agile to do something about it. Puppies and young adults can be surprisingly de- structive chewers. The best solution is to keep temptation out of reach. The IG not only has excellent vision but the other senses are keen as well. Most of ours have been able to hear a magnetic refrigerator door being opened from two rooms away. They are adept at begging, those “to die for” expressive faces, making the house rules regarding no between meal hu- man food treats difficult to enforce. Above all, the IG, although gener- ally cordially aloof with strangers, is
extremely affectionate and loves to be with its person or persons. Walk- ing, either on city streets or down country lanes—or anywhere in be- tween—is a favorite pastime and is a healthful occupation for both dog and owner. Those walks must be on a lead, however, as the average IG is highly motivated to chase small ani- mals and, although they are not the type of dog that is likely to run away from home for the sheer joy of ex- ploring, the lure of going after some- thing that is moving away rapidly has caused many an IG to become lost, not to mention that most of them have little sense regarding danger from automobiles.
26 • T op N otch T oys , A ugust 2023
is Just a
in a Barbie World
Owner Handler: Trenna Howard Tapdogs Italian Greyhounds, Las Vegas, NV TapdogsIGsLV@icloud.com
Breeder: Judy Pikop
Sire: CH Pikop’s Dream Catcher Dam: Pikop’s Black Cavier
Photograph by W. Bucky Howard III
T op N otch T oys , A ugust 2023 • 27
a night isn’t enough for most IGs, so they will appreciate a clamshell or snuggie type of dog bed that can be used for a snooze during the day— preferably several of these through- out the home. Beds the humans share with their IGs should never be those exaggeratedly high ones that some people like for some reason. The lower the distance to the floor, the better. An Asian style platform bed is safe and ideal. IGs are not yappy like some other small breeds, and a single dog is rarely a barker; but most are quite generous with their warning big dog woofs if something unusual occurs. They will respond in a different manner from one another to visual and audible stimuli. A group of them can be easily set off to howl if something prompts it, an activity sometimes referred to by adoring owners as “singing.” Neigh- bors tend to call it something else. Once started, they aren’t easy to stop. There are those who say the Italian Greyhound is low in intelligence, but very likely these people are confusing intelligence with trainability. I find IGs to be highly intelligent, although this varies considerably from dog to dog. Even the trainability level is quite good as long as the training is done with the proper mixture of positive re- inforcement and firmness. I’ve often been asked, since we have lived with IGs for nearly 50 years, what are their most common personality traits. This is extremely difficult to answer, since there have been no two completely alike. I believe more than any other breed these dogs are truly individuals, which actually explains one of the fac- tors of their irresistible charm.
Almost everyone has heard stories of the difficulties encountered in house- training this breed. They aren’t the easiest dogs in the world in this re- spect; but they are far from impossi- ble. If one keeps in mind that these are small dogs with small bladders, the first hurdle can be overcome. Don’t make them wait. They also don’t like going out into the cold, wind or rain. The best results are obtained with dual housetraining, which means supplying the little prince or prin- cess with some kind of indoor potty device. The type that uses artificial turf has resulted in some great suc- cess and is not quite as unattractive as an area of sopping wet newspapers or a litterbox. For outdoor potty pur- poses, in areas where a doggie door is safe to use, most IGs can be fairly eas- ily trained to use it. Living with one or more Italian Grey- hounds can be a sensuous experience. Not necessarily lap dogs, typically, IGs prefer to sit or lie next to their person, making as much body contact as possible, chin resting lightly on an arm or leg, and will nearly always re- main in this position until the human gets up or something exciting is start- ing to go on somewhere. Gently strok- ing a silky neck or body is a calming influence for both human and canine. Being bonded with its human also makes the IG a warm and cozy bed partner. Almost all of them appear to be genetically programmed to dive under the covers without having to be taught how to accomplish this. There is also no need to worry about an IG suffocating while buried in a blanket or comforter. They will auto- matically know how to come up for air when necessary. Eight hours of sleep
ABOUT THE AUTHOR Lilian S. Barber acquired her first Italian Greyhound in 1966 and has lived with from one to 18 of this breed at any given time ever since. She has bred more than 70 AKC champions under her La Scala kennel name. A dog of her breeding was the Top Toy stud in Great Britain, and one of her dogs is behind many of the winning IGs in Brazil. In 1989, Lilian was approved by the AKC to judge Italian Greyhounds and has judged breed specialties in Italy and Australia as well as several times in the United States, including the National Specialty in 2003 and 2010. Lilian judged IGs in Japan in October 2013 along with the other Toy breeds for which she is approved. Lilian has written four books about the Italian Greyhound, has been the IG Breed Columnist for the AKC Gazette since 1977 and frequently writes articles for other dog magazines. She has served on the Judges’ Education Committee for the Italian Greyhound Club of America, was one of the creators of the Illustrated Standard for the IG, and is a past president of the IGCA and the Kennel Club of Palm Springs. Most importantly, Lilian absolutely adores this breed and can’t imagine living without at least one or two of them.
28 • T op N otch T oys , A ugust 2023
Ruscelli
Ruscelli
Breeder owner handler: Megan Pangborn, Ruscelli Italian Greyhounds
T op N otch T oys , A ugust 2023 • 29
Edelweiss Kennels
Jackson
Dottie
GROUP WINNING, TOP 10 GCHB VIVA GIMME ONE MORE CHANTZ
CH EDELWEISS GAMBLING POLKA DOT BLUES
Oopsie
Sassy
CH EDELWEISS MISS JACKSON IF YOU PLEASE
CH EDELWEISS 1 FISH 2 FISH RED FISH BLUE FISH
Joey
Smokey
GCH EDELWEISS BIG SHOES TO FILL
CH EDELWEISS FIRE IN THE SKY
30 • T op N otch T oys , A ugust 2023
DECADES OF EXCELLENCE IN CHINESE CRESTEDS 4 GENERATIONS OF EDELWEISS DOGS
Hella
Kate
CH EDELWEISS ONE LESS EVERY DAY
CH EDELWEISS ON WEDNESDAYS WE WEAR PINK
Whitey
Jiggy
MULTI TOP 20 GCHS EDELWEISS 1.21 JIGGAWATTS
CH EDELWEISS WHITE BOYS CAN’T JUMP
King
Zilla
MULTI GROUP WINNING EDELWEISS DO YOU KNOW WHO I AM
MULTI GROUP PLACING GCHB EDELWEISS I’LL TAKE MANHATTAN
T op N otch T oys , A ugust 2023 • 31
Top 10 20 Top 2023 * 2022 *
MULTIPLE GROUP PLACING GCHS EDELWEISS Sting Like A Bee
bred & owned by KATHY KNOLES exclusively handled by CHRISTA COOK assisted by MARINA ROSE
T op N otch T oys , A ugust 2023 • 33
JACKIE KUK THE BREEDER/OWNER HANDLER
I breed Yorkshire Terriers under the Prefix JaLa along with my Mom, Laura Vance. Although Mom no longer exhibits or raises puppies due to her health, she is still a huge part of JaLa Yorkies. I wouldn’t be where I am today without her. I attended Ross Uni- versity School of Veterinary Medicine and finished my clinical training at Michigan State University. I work in a busy, five-doctor small animal practice in Elkhart, Indiana. 1. How were you first introduced to the sport of purebred dogs? To your breed? I grew up with purebred dogs. When I was little, we had an Old English Sheepdog and two Miniature Schnauzers as pets. When I was a young teenager, my Mom and Stepdad started showing Boxers. They raised beautiful Standard Poodles, which was my first exposure to helping raise puppies and I loved it. I guess most teenagers don’t enjoy coming home after school to clean up after 12 Standard Poodle puppies, but I found it so rewarding. Near the time of my high school graduation, Mom was looking for a smaller coated breed to show and raise. Being a groomer, she was exposed to a lot of different breeds and the one she kept going back to was the Yorkshire Terrier. Shortly before I graduated high school, she bought her first one. “Rosie” ended up being a pet only, as she was too small and didn’t have the right coat as she matured, but anyone who met Rosie fell in love with her—and I fell in love with the breed. 2. How many years in dogs? How many as an Owner Handler? As a Breeder? I started in dogs assisting my Mom as a kid, then started in the show ring as an owner handler in 2005. I’ve been breeding my own dogs for the past 15 years. 3. Do you attend show handling classes? Have you attended in-person handling seminars? In the beginning, I regularly attended handling classes at Kin- ley Training Center in Ohio. I learned so much from Carolyn Kinley. She was such an incredible resource and gave me such confidence to continue with my dreams. Early on, I would also sit ringside with my Mom after we’d finished showing and watch other Breeds, Groups, and BIS. I would watch the han- dlers I admired, how they touched their dogs, held their leads, and interacted with their dogs. Watching was so informative for both of us, and we learned so much. 4. Have you found virtual learning tools to be helpful? Videos? Web- sites? Social Media? AKC Canine College? These tools have become more available since I started show- ing, so I haven’t utilized them as much. I enjoy reading the ar- ticles from experts. I’ve watched some videos on YouTube in the past few years, and recently, I listened to the wise words of George Alston again. His words have always resonated with me and pushed me to be better. I also follow Will Alexander and listen to his Dog Show Tips.
5. Do you compete in the National Owner-Handled Series? Are rankings important to you? I enjoy competing in the National Owner-Han- dled Series. It is nice to see this part of the sport showcased. The competition in Groups has been amazing and tough in my area, which I love. I re- ally love when you see dogs competing in both Variety Groups and NOHS Groups. Rankings are nice when they reflect on the quality of the dog. I love seeing a quality owner-handled dog do well in both NOHS rankings as well as All- breed and/or Breed rankings. 6. How important is the Bred-By Class to you? How important are Specialties? The Bred-By Class is extremely important to me because I am immensely proud of the breeding program I have. When I present a dog to the fancy whether it is a class dog or a special, I am present- ing it because I am proud of it and I think it is wor- thy, and I like that this class allows the judge to know I bred this dog. I definitely believe in qual- ity dogs over quantity of champions produced. Specialties are important to attend when you can so that you can take your breed’s pulse and see where it’s at, see other breeders’ hard work, meet new breeders/exhibitors, and make con- nections. Winning your class or earning a place- ment at a Specialty is an honor, especially when you have dogs and breeders traveling from all over to come together.
34 • T op N otch T oys , A ugust 2023
CH JALA’S RAZZLE DAZZLE EM’
# 8 All breed Yorkshire Terrier *
# 4 Yorkshire Terrier NOHS **
In her first 2 months out... Multiple OH Group Wins OHRBIS Group Placement
*AKC STATS AS OF 6/30/23
**AKC STATS AS OF 7/16/23
FLASH! Select Bitch at the YTCC Specialty Thank you to Dr. Andrea Bradford for the recognition in a large lineup of top quality specials the day following the YTCA National.
Breeders/Owners: Jackie Kuk, DVM & Laura Vance Handler: Jackie Kuk, DVM
T op N otch T oys , A ugust 2023 • 35
7. Is it a challenge to compete with your breed as a Breeder/ Owner Handler? It certainly can be a challenge depending on where you live. When you are new to the breed, coat care can be a challenge. So, having a mentor can be very helpful. 8. Who have been your mentor(s) as an Owner Handler? As a Breeder? I wish I could tell you I had this specific amazing mentor who taught me so much and introduced me to the breed, but I can’t. Unfortunately for me, this breed was very difficult to get started in with good dogs. For us, the dog show fancy became our mentors—there are so many peo- ple who have no idea they even mentored us. I learned so much by watching, reading, and buying every Yorkshire Terrier grooming video I ever could. I watched every professional handler like a hawk while they groomed and handled their dogs. Some of it was trial and error, and in the process, we had some very worthy dogs that didn’t fin- ish. I will forever be proud of the fact that we worked hard and didn’t give up. It makes every success in the whelping box and in the ring all the sweeter. It is also why I am al- ways willing to help any newbie who truly wants to learn and has a deep appreciation for the breed. Today I have wonderful breeder-friends who I can discuss upcoming breedings with, and their feedback is so valuable. Having those relationships in dogs is amazing and a huge part of the fun. 9. How important is the Breeder/Owner Handler to the future of the sport? To your breed? They are the future! The sport certainly needs profes- sional handlers, but my goodness, the shows would be quite small without the breeder/owner handlers. We are the backbone of this sport and the future. Every breed needs them to continue. 10. What advice would you give to Owner Handlers who are thinking of breeding their dog(s)? Have a great veterinarian who understands breeding and is willing to work with you, and then find someone who can help you make a good match. Don’t fall for popular sire syndrome or which boys are highly ranked. Rankings sometimes match the quality of the dog, but they certain- ly don’t always match the quality of what they sire. Know your dog(s) faults and don’t double up on them. And al- though Yorkshire Terriers are beautiful dogs with lovely coats, remember, they can’t walk on those pretty heads. So, please make sure they are physically sound! 11. What are your goals as a Breeder/Owner Handler? Is there a victory that has eluded you? My goals are always to produce Yorkshire Terriers that are sound in mind and body, that represent their Stan- dard well for me to present to the fancy. I love having fun with my dogs in the ring, and to be show dogs, they have to love it as much as me. So, happy show dogs are also a goal. And while I’ve had many successes and victories in the ring with several dogs, who wouldn’t love an Owner- Handled BIS or National Specialty BISS? My Mom and I
“I WATCHED EVERY PROFESSIONAL HANDLER LIKE A HAWK WHILE THEY GROOMED AND HANDLED
always have goals for our dogs and our breeding pro- gram, but the dogs always come first—always! 12. Is there a funny story that you can share about your ex- periences as a Breeder/Owner Handler? Well, yes. I have to laugh to myself even thinking about this story because I will never forget it. I was still fairly green as a handler. It was my first weekend out with my very first bred-by champion as a special; day three of three. He’d been awarded Select Dog the first two days behind the No. 1 dog in the country. I was struggling terribly to get his topknot in on that last day. I must have put it in and taken it back down three or four times. Finally, I gave up, and said, “It is what it is.” So, I moved on and finished grooming my boy. Well, my boy won Best of Breed, and during the win photo the judge asked me if I knew the profession- al handler who was showing the other boy? Yes, I did. She then asked me to ask him to do my boy’s topknot for the Toy Group. I was shocked, and so embarrassed. Embarrassed that I didn’t get my topknot right and embarrassed to go ask this handler. But we did go ask, because my Breed judge was also my Group judge. The professional handler was as taken aback as we were, but very kindly did my boy’s topknot. Both the profes- sional handler and myself were in the Toy Group that day, as he had another breed as well. When I put my boy on the table for examination in the Group ring, the judge asked, “Did he do it?” and I happily replied, “Yes.” Both my boy and the professional handler’s dog received Group placements that day, and we all still fondly remember that story and laugh. I got better at my topknots pretty quickly after that. THEIR DOGS. SOME OF IT WAS TRIAL AND ERROR, AND IN THE PROCESS, WE HAD SOME VERY WORTHY DOGS THAT DIDN’T FINISH. I will forever be proud of the fact that we worked hard and didn’t give up.”
36 • T op N otch T oys , A ugust 2023
2023 YTCA YORKSHIRE TERRIER CLUB OF AMERICA & YORKSHIRE TERRIER CLUB OF THE CAROLINAS
National and Regional Specialties . July 23-26, 2023 photos by Linda Ayers Turner Knorr
T op N otch T oys , A ugust 2023 • 37
Page 1 Page 2 Page 3 Page 4 Page 5 Page 6 Page 7 Page 8 Page 9 Page 10 Page 11 Page 12 Page 13 Page 14 Page 15 Page 16 Page 17 Page 18 Page 19 Page 20 Page 21 Page 22 Page 23 Page 24 Page 25 Page 26 Page 27 Page 28 Page 29 Page 30 Page 31 Page 32 Page 33 Page 34 Page 35 Page 36 Page 37 Page 38 Page 39 Page 40 Page 41 Page 42 Page 43 Page 44 Page 45 Page 46 Page 47 Page 48 Page 49 Page 50 Page 51 Page 52 Page 53 Page 54 Page 55 Page 56 Page 57 Page 58 Page 59 Page 60 Page 61 Page 62 Page 63 Page 64 Page 65 Page 66 Page 67 Page 68 Page 69 Page 70 Page 71 Page 72 Page 73 Page 74 Page 75 Page 76 Page 77 Page 78 Page 79 Page 80Powered by FlippingBook