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.
Eros BIS MBISS GCH Aslan Silvergate Enticing Eros
3 Group 1 Wins in a row Multiple Group Winning APC Gold Club Member Multiple RBISOH (Reserve Best in Show NOHS Silver
Owner Handled) Multiple Group 1 Owner Handled Winner
Owned handled by Danielle Heyl, Perfect Poms
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Wisely
BACK-TO-BACK RESERVE BESTS IN SHOW MESILLA VALLEY KENNEL CLUB
THANK YOU JUDGES Mr. Robert Shreve Mrs. Betty Nelson Pollock Mr. John Booth
Owner/Breeder: iLove Maltese Cynthia Chan Lee www.facebook.com/iLovemaltesecr/ www.ilovemaltese.com
Professionally Presented by: Rhapsody Legados Kennel
Tonia Holibaugh Cruz Edgar Cruz Guevara www.rhapsodylegadosshowdogs.com
*AKC stats as of 9/30/22
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#1 Maltese ALL-BREED & GCH SYSTEMS*
GCHS iLove Rhapsody Always Full of Wisdom
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INTERNATIONAL & AKC GCHB CH HEARTY’S WONDER BOY FROM THE STANDARD “IDEALLY, HEIGHT AT WITHERS IS 9 TO 10-1/2 INCHES; BUT, NOT LESS THAN 8 INCHES NOR MORE THAN 11 INCHES.IDEALLY, WEIGHT OF MATURE DOGS, 9 TO 16 POUNDS.”
OWNERS: LESLIE LEFAVE & L SARAH LAWRENCE
BREEDER: PAPITCHAYA SUKONOI
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AWARD OF MERIT FROM THE FEBRUARY 2020 METROPOLITAN NY SHIH TZU FANCIERS SPECIALTY UNDER JUDGE JOHNNY SHOEMAKER.
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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
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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 TAMMI WHITE Advertising Director/Editor 512-971-3280 tammi@aramediagroup.com SOCIAL MEDIA ELMA BEGIC Manager, Social Media & Creative Content elma@aramediagroup.com 1-512-686-3466
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14 Toy Time
40 Italian Greyhound History Information Lilian Barber 42 Third Annual Rocky Mountain Biewer Terrier Club Event LaVon Oeath Euler 47 Short History of the Russian Tsvetnaya Bolonka Candace Mogavero 50 Whose Fault Is It? Terence Farley 52 Rates
Submitted by Terry Smalley & Dana Taylor
16 The Beginnings of the American Kennel Club Sharon Masnick 18 History of the Japanese Chin Sari Brewster Tietjen 23 More Than Just a Pretty Face Susan Ritenour 27 Breeder Interview with Douglas Huffman Allan Reznik 32 Showing a Low Entry Breed Dan Sayers 34 Judging the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Stephanie Abraham
MAILING ADDRESS PO BOX 18567 TAMPA, FL 33679
53 Index to Advertisers 54 Coming Attractions
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.
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On the Cover
Multiple Group Winning
BIS MBISS GCH Aslan Silvergate Enticing Eros Very limited showing CH Aslan Silvergate R.R. Silver Ghost X CH Deja Vu Kiss and Tell
Aslan Pekingese Breeders/Owners/Handlers
Thank you judges for these wins: BIS - Bradley Jenkins | National BISS - David Fitzpatrick, Elizabeth Tilley-Poole Specialty Wins - Desmond Murphy, Richard Powell, Winifred Mee (England), and Gordon Gault (Ireland) Santa Barbara Breeder’s Showcase Toy Group Winner - Janet Allen
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TOP 15 CHINESE CRESTED *
BRED & OWNED BY KATHY KNOLES EXCLUSIVELY HANDLED BY CHRISTA COOK ASSISTED BY MARINA ROSE
GCHB EDELWEISS STING LIKE A BEE
*AKC STATS AS OF 9/30/22
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GCH CH WYNSON’S FIRST MAGNITUDE (GCH CH Marchwind Augustus x Wynson’s High Finance) MAGNUM WYNSON CELEBRATES OUR BOYS AT STUD
GCH CH WYNSON’S JUST CALL ME DAVE (Wynson’s Just Dashing x Wynson’s Truth Or Consequence) DAVE
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CH WYNSON’S IN THE ZONE (Ch Wynson’s Golden Ratio x Ch Wynson’s Black Lily) ZO
WYNSON ITALIAN GREYHOUNDS BILL AND DIANA CHAPMAN | WYNSONDOG@HOTMAIL.COM DASH CH WYNSON’S DASHING IN DENIM (GCH CH Voici Born In Blue Jeans x GCHG CH Wynson Swan Princess)
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TOP NOTCH TOYS
TOY TIME
SUBMIT YOUR CUTE PHOTOS TO OUR TOY TIME DEPARTMENT. Any clear photo will do—black & white or color, regular photo or digital. (If sending digital images, send high resolution 300 DPI for best quality.) Please submit your name and the name of the dog. 14 • T op N otch T oys , O ctober 2022
Multiple Specialty Winning & Multiple Group Winning GCH CH TESSIER WYNTUK RED-E TO REIGN
Silky Breed *
Flash BACK-TO-BACK GROUP 1’S MONROE KENNEL CLUB
Reddi
Owned by MARILYN SOLVASON, SANDY MESMER ANGELA SMITH-TILOT
Handled by ANGELA SMITH, Saginaw Michigan
Bred by SANDY MESMER & KAREN HUEY
*AKC STATS AS OF 9/30/22
CHIC #164841
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THE BEGINNINGS OF THE AMERICAN KENNEL CLUB By Sharon Masnick
S ince September 17, 1884, when a group of twelve dedicated people met in Philadelphia and formed the American Kennel Club, we have had a leading authority on all things “dogs.” For over 135 years, the American Kennel club has acted as the premier re- source for dog lovers. The AKC has promoted the sport of purebred dogs, promoted canine health, and has worked to protect the rights of those who own and breed dogs. Their objective is to advance the study, breeding, exhibiting, running, and maintenance of purebred dogs. In 1886, the first office opened in New York City and Dr. N. Rowe wrote the first volumes of the AKC Stud Book . Judges and superintendents’ applications were accept- ed by the year 1917. The year 1924 was an important one, as rules were ad- opted for Groups and Best in Show judging. Breeds other than Miscellaneous were divided into these five Groups: Sporting, Working, Terriers, Toy, and Non-Sporting. At that time, Best of Breed winners in each Group were judged together to select the best dog of that Group, and then the five Group winners met to decide the Best Dog in the show. In the 1920s, the Hound Group was formed. The Bred-By Exhibitor Class was created by 1950, and in 1971, Junior Showmanship Classes were recognized. In 1984, the seventh Group, the Herding Group, was formed by the split of the Working Group. Since Top Notch Toys is dedicated to the Toy Group, the rest of this article will expand on the wonderful breeds that make up the Group. These breeds currently include
the Affenpinscher, Biewer Terrier, Brussels Griffon, Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Chihuahua, Chinese Crested, English Toy Spaniel, Havanese, Italian Greyhound, Japanese Chin, Maltese, Manchester Terrier, Miniature Pinscher, Papillon, Pekingese, Pomeranian, Toy Poodle, Pug, Russian Toy, Shih Tzu, Silky Terrier, Toy Fox Terrier, and Yorkshire Terrier. The Toy Group is made up of small dogs that can range in type, appearance, and temperament. The dogs that belong in the Toy Group may be small in stature, but they are not lacking in personality. Toy dogs work very hard at being affectionate, funny, playful, and loyal companions. They are popular since they only need small equipment and less area to exercise. Each of the breeds that makes up the Toy Group has a stan- dard, a history, a purpose, and important characteristics. Be sure you are familiar with these, and please find a good mentor to guide you. Remember, AKC has been bringing dog lovers together since 1884 with these core values: loving purebred dogs, being com- mitted to advancing the sport, maintaining the registry, pro- tecting the health and well-being of all dogs, cherishing dogs as companions, committing to the interests of dog owners, upholding the standards for the operation of AKC and to rec- ognizing the importance of clubs. Last but not least, the American Kennel Club has a Code of Sportsmanship. When needing information, or if you have questions, please refer to www.akc.org for wonderful and in- formative information.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR My name is Sharon Masnick, and I have owned a Pomeranian since I was 18. I began to be interested in the entire Toy Group when, for 17 years, I handled the advertising and editorial for Top Notch Toys. I resigned in 2011 to pursue judg- ing. I am now happy to say that I can judge BIS, the Toy Group, Junior Show- manship, Azawakhs, Shetland Sheepdogs, and several Non-Sporting breeds. I am a breeder-judge for Poms, Toy Fox Terriers, Japanese Chin, and Pekingese.
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MBISS GCHS KALLMEE THE AERIALIST
#60 IN THE TOP 100 TOYS!! 2022 NUMBER ONE ALL BREED * AND NUMBER 5 BREED TOY FOX * 2021 NUMBER ONE BREED AND ALL BREED TOY FOX TERRIER ** 2021 NATIONAL SPECIALTY BEST OF BREED
2020 AKC NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP BOB 2021 MORRIS AND ESSEX BOB
2022 NATIONAL SPECIALTY BOS
SIX GROUP 1’S, TWENTY THREE OTHER GROUP PLACEMENTS! MULTIPLE SPECIALTY BESTS
INTRODUCING KALLMEE FEMME FATALE F L I R T ! 8 SHOWS – 11 POINTS – 3 MAJORS – 4 BOS OVER SPECIALS
SUNKISSED I NEED A ME B A I L E Y AND NEW GCH CO-OWNED/BRED BY TAYLOR BLANKENSHIP SUSAN AND STEVE THIBODEAUX KALLMEE—HOME OF EXCEPTIONAL DOGS SINCE 1978, COCOA, FL
*AKC STATS AS OF 9/30/22 **AKC STATS 2021
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HISTORY OF THE JAPANESE CHIN by Sari Brewster Tietjen
L ike gaily-wrapped presents beneath a Christmas tree, the Japanese Chin is a bundle of joy, surprise, and mischief cloaked in an air of serenity and superiority. These little dogs lord over their house- hold and, make no mistake about it, it is their household. They give humans the permission to take care of them according to their desires and wishes. Not that they are difficult to take care of—it is just that they decree the how, why, and wherefore of everything to do with their lives. They may be small, but their impact is considerable. They have a unique way of mentally raising themselves at least twenty feet high and looking down on you so that you become their slave. You may think you are the master, but they know they are the Lords—much loved, trea- sured, and admired. The origin of the Japanese Chin is clouded in the mysticism of Far Eastern ancient rites. Small dogs were known to have crisscrossed the Silk Road accompanying travelers as both presentations of trade and companions on the long journeys. Some of these dogs became the pets of Buddhist Monks who nurtured and mated various types in their sheltered monasteries: eventually, gifts to traveling dignitaries. They quickly assumed their rightful position in the Imperial palaces, where they were closely kept and guarded for the Imperial family by private eunuchs who were charged with looking after the little dogs’ every need, every desire. Mere peasants were not allowed to own them, as the small dogs became treasures more valuable than gold. Navigating the globe by ship soon changed the way merchants traded their goods. During the fifteenth century, traders from the West arrived by sea using merchant ships. Looking for goodwill and favorable deals, they always brought gifts for members of the local nobility and govern- ment. Included as items of goodwill were usually a couple of dogs from the native lands; some dogs were large hunters, while others were of the small lap-type. Eventually, these little dogs were crossed with the exist- ing “pai” dogs, whose roots rested with the caravans of the Silk Road, and other varieties emerged. Countries such as Portugal, Italy, Spain, Holland, England, and later, the United States, covered the seas in search of trade and wealth, changing the lives of all involved, including the little dogs.
Japanese Chin breeder-judge, author, and historian Sari Brewster Tietjen passed away in 2019. Her article on the breed’s history is reprinted here with kind permission from the Japa- nese Chin Club of America.
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JINX # 4 GRAND CHAMPION SAKURA NO HANA PRESS YOUR LUCK National Owner Handler Series for 2022*
Multiple OH Toy Group Winning and Placing Toy Group 1 under Judge Randy Garren Toy Group 4 under Judge Michael Canalizo
Owned & Bred by Peggy Y. Tyler, George Tyler and Valerie Pack Handled by Valerie Pack Peggy y. Tyler ValerIe Pack Sakura No Hana (桜の花) Japanese Chin | AKC Breeder of Merit
*AKC NOHS stats 2022
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Pierce, with the good wishes of Great Britain’s Queen Victo- ria. Both countries wanted to establish trading posts in the closed Empire. When Perry finally accomplished the task, his ships returned home laden with many Imperial gifts for himself, for President Pierce, and for Queen Victoria. Among the gifts presented were three pairs of small Impe- rial dogs; one pair for Perry, another for Pierce, and a third for Victoria. Out of the six, the only ones known to have survived the voyage were those given to Perry. According to official ships’ logs, and Presidential and Palace papers, the remaining dogs never reached their destinations. Perry gave his two little canine presents to his daughter, Caroline Perry Belmont, who was married to August Bel- mont. Their son, August Belmont, Jr., served as President of the American Kennel Club from 1888-1915. According to the Belmont family, the two Chins from Japan—one a dog and the other a bitch—were never bred and died as be- loved house pets without issue. By 1858, a full trade treaty had been negotiated between America and Japan, thus, opening the way for more ships, more gifts. An exodus of the small Imperial dogs soon fol- lowed, being given as gifts or, sometimes, stolen by Palace personnel and then sold to sailors. Additional trading with China and other Asian countries meant that more little dogs soon found their way, officially and otherwise, onto clipper ships and steamers. The long ocean voyage was dif- ficult, arduous, and taxing to the small, frail dogs. Many perished enroute, their bodies wrapped in silk as they were buried at sea. Those who did survive helped to establish the breed on the Continent, in England, and in America. They became not only pets in castles and palaces through- out the Western world, but also beloved treasures for the sailors’ wives, mistresses, and girlfriends. The Japanese Chin lorded over his environment and cared not whether it was a hundred-and-fifty room palace or a three-room cot- tage. His concern was only that he was considered to be the most important object within, and that life catered to his every whim. “THE NAME JAPANESE CHIN IS ACTUALLY A MISNOMER FOR THE BREED AND OWES ITS BASIC ORIGINS NOT TO JAPAN, BUT TO CHINA.”
“As relations between the various countries swayed to and fro, so did the fate of the small four-legged creatures. They were presents of peace, bounties of war and purveyors of trade. Gradually, particular types began to materialize as households specialized in one foundation aspect or another of key breed characteristics. Various toy breeds, among them the Pekingese, Tibetan Spaniel, Shih Tzu, Pug and Japanese Chin, owe their origins to cultivation in the Far East.” IMPERIAL CHIN The name Japanese Chin is actually a misnomer for the breed and owes its basic origins not to Japan, but to Chi- na. It has long been surmised that the Japanese Chin and Pekingese were once the same breed, with the Pekingese having been bred out to create the short, bowed-legged, long-backed, pear-shape-bodied breed of dog known today. The Chin is believed to have been kept basically pure, but in searching through Far Eastern works of art dating from the 17th to 20th Century, several patterns clearly emerge: 1. An early, small Japanese dog resembled the old Conti- nental Toy Spaniel of Europe; aristocratic in bearing, square-bodied, up-on-the leg, distinctive long muzzle, and luxurious, flowing, silky coat. 2.The Chinese Chin was the flat-faced, straight- legged, a bit long-backed, parti-color dog called the Imperial Chin. 3. These two types were blended together to bring about the Japanese Chin of today; a dainty, square-bodied, flat-faced, and richly coated, elegant Toy breed. With the exception of a small Dutch trading post and limited contacts through China and Korea, Japan closed its doors in 1636 to the outside world in an effort to prevent foreign- ers from further influencing their people and culture. This self-imposed isolationist policy lasted for more than two centuries. It was not until Commodore Matthew C. Perry opened Japan in the mid-1850s that Westerners again stepped foot in the country on a regular trading basis. Perry had been sent to Japan by United States President Franklin
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BIS NOHSBIS GCHG Terlingua Dark Side Dazzler BCAT
Vader
All Breed Best in Show NOHS Best in Show Multiple Regular & NOHS Group Winning Top 20 for 2020 & 2021 2019 CCA Award of Merit Bred by: Cara Ryckman, Terlingua Chihuahuas *AKC NOHS STATS 2022 *AKC STATS AS 9/30/22 # 1 # 11 NOHS Smooth Coat Chihuahua * Breed & All Breed Smooth Coat Chihuahua **
Completely Owner Handed by: Marilyn Dempsey
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“IT WAS BRITAIN’S QUEEN ALEXANDRA WHO DREW WORLDWIDE ATTENTION TO THE JAPANESE CHIN, OR JAPANESE SPANIEL AS THE BREED HAD BEEN KNOWN IN AMERICA UNTIL 1977.”
ROYAL FAVORITE It was Britain’s Queen Alexandra who drew worldwide at- tention to the Japanese Chin, or Japanese Spaniel as the breed had been known in America until 1977. Alexandra, a Danish Princess prior to her marriage to the future King Edward VII of Great Britain, received her first Chin as a gift shortly after marrying into the British Royal fam- ily in 1863. Other Chins soon followed, coming from both China and Japan as well as the Continent. She had many, and they were always at her side. One of her biographers, Richard Hough, described her devotion to the breed in his book, Edward & Alexandra: Their Private and Public Lives (St. Martin’s Press, 1992): “She never entered a room or sat down without dogs around her, and often on her lap. When she played the piano, they would be at her feet; and there would often be one lying across her, too. There might be half a dozen of them beside her at a time, and although they looked so similar, she never got their name wrong.” Alexandra popularized the breed, and it became a favorite with members of her “Marlborough House” set. This led to increased attention for the Chin, not only in England where it became a much sought-after lapdog, but also in Europe where it was the darling of the many extended Royal cous- ins. It was also highly favored in America among the well- to-do. The Japanese Spaniel was one of the early breeds accepted into the registry of the American Kennel Club. In 1888, a dog simply called “Jap,” with pedigree and breed- er unknown, was the first Japanese Spaniel registered by AKC. The breed quickly gained stature in the hearts and minds of people all over America, and presently stands mid-way on the list of AKC registered breeds. This is a unique breed: loving but independent; eager but stubborn; snooty but demure. The Japanese Chin is a natu- rally clean dog. They are easy to bathe and are sometimes referred to as the “wash-and-wear” breed. Their coat sel- dom mats and they require no special grooming or scissor- ing. They will wash each other’s faces and clean their feet
at night. They do not like to live in dirty surroundings and are easy to housetrain. They prefer to be on top of things— much as a cat does. They like simple living. A plush pile of pillows on the bed is their idea of a perfect spot for sleep- ing. They are extremely playful, mischievous, and good- natured. They are perfect companions for anyone, from the well-behaved young child to the infirmed elderly. They are good travelers, whether by car, boat, plane, or bike basket. If the breed has a drawback, it is that they are too smart. You cannot own a Japanese Chin, for the Japanese Chin owns you! You cannot train a Chin, for the Chin trains you! In the words of many old breeders, once you have lived with a Chin you will never want to be without one. And, trust me, one is not enough!
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A Column by Susan Ritenour MORE THAN JUST A PRETTY FACE “FANCY THAT”
E veryone who owns a dog knows how pretty they are, but not everyone is aware that they are very smart too. Sure, we all know they are conniving at getting their own way, getting away with “murder” at times with those pretty expressions and the looks they give. (And in their owner’s eyes, they are all beautiful.) Why not let them put those brains to use? Let them enjoy some activities and learn new stuff, just as we learn new things every day. It keeps their brains busy and out of trouble. There are so many different activities you can enjoy with your dogs, in spite of their size. There are too many events to even try to list here, but there is bound to be something you would find enjoyable for both you and your dog. Does your dog like to run? Try Agility. Do you want a well-man- nered dog when you go out and about or to the vets? Try Obedience and getting a Canine Good Citizen certificate. Does your dog like to show off and do cute little gestures you could turn into a command? If so, try for a Trick Dog title. Does your dog like to “hunt” things in the yard or track? Try Barn Hunt or even Tracking. Does your dog like to chase? Try FastCAT. So many more activities are avail- able. There are also activities you can do with your dogs that do not include getting a title, that are just as much fun and help others at the same time. All dogs can do performance events, many even being all- around dogs (performing Conformation, Obedience and/ or other performance events and loving companions). As breeders, we should not lump them into categories of Con- formation only and/or Obedience only dogs. It is up to us as breeders and owners to keep our dogs in the best physical and mental status as possible. To do performance events, spectators watching should be able to tell the dog’s breed. This includes not only Conformation, which is also needed to be able to perform correctly, but they need charisma, mental and physical soundness, and intelligence. They also need these qualities in order to be a good pet. Many people think you cannot train for Conformation and Obedience at the same time. This is just not true. Many dogs have titles at both ends. Training for Obedience is also training for Conformation as the dog has to follow on lead,
stand and pose, and let some stranger touch them in both events. You just use a different command, or lead/collar. (They do learn the difference between a show lead and a collar and leash.) When training heel for Obedience, you want the dog to sit when you stop. So, you train the sit com- mand. You also train the stand command for the stand for exam. Use this command when Conformation training so that they don’t sit. Or use any combination you and your dog come up with that works. No one way is best for everyone or every dog. Know your dog and what he/she responds to. My Chihuahua, Miclanjo Mouse That Roared CGC TDI CD CDX AG ASCA CD (Mouse), was promised when he was a veteran that he could go in Conformation one time. He never showed in Conformation before due to having only one testicle. He did perfectly, although I do think he was surprised that there was actually bait in my pocket and in the ring, as no bait is allowed in performance events inside the ring! Every dog has the potential to do something unique—if you look for it. Mr. Mouse, as his friends lovingly called him, did many tricks but there were no trick titles at that time. However, he and my daughter won many prizes at fairs, parades, school projects, and other activities for creative- ness and perfection. He always won the fastest recall. He loved to jump. He would jump over anything he was told to, within reason, of course. There was a Mastiff in our train- ing classes and Mouse would jump over him lying down. If I told him “no cheating,” Mouse jumped on his back and sat. Then I would tell him to go back and do it right, and he would jump over the Mastiff. Mouse pulled a wagon deco- rated to the theme of the season or parade, if we were in one. He loved pulling it. His heal work was so ingrained in him that if I tried to switch him to my right side he immediately went behind me to the left side. While pulling his wagon, he also collected over $900 for various rescues. He pulled at shows, parades, and anywhere he could. Once, when Dorothy Nichols judged the Chihuahua National Rotat- ing Specialty in Maryland, I asked if she would allow him to pull for rescue. She said he could, but only if he did an up-and-back as well as a table exam. Since he had never
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UP AND COMING SHOW GIRL
MAJOR WIN WITH ELLEN PERRY
SUNNY MARCHWIND SUNNYSIDE
SNOWFLAKE MARCHWIND SNOWFLAKE
CH MARCHWIND EMPRESS OF HER DYNASTY WITH A LITTER OF PUPPIES
UP AND COMING SHOW GIRL
UP AND COMING SHOW GIRL
UP AND COMING SHOW GIRL
ZING-A-LING MARCHWIND AMAYZE ZING-A-LING
DIAMOND CH MARCHWIND DIAMOND AND SILK
EMMA CH MARCHWIND EMPRESS
BOB WINNER AT WESTMINSTER 2018
VICKY GOLD GR CH MARCHWIND SWEET VICTORY
TRUMP CH MARCHWIND TRUMP THIS
GUS GRCH MARCHWIND AUGUSTUS
POTUS CH MARCHWIND PRESIDENTIAL
DESI CH MARCHWIND SPLIT DECISION
HEADLINER GRCH PINNACLE HEADLINER AT MARCHWIND
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www.marchwindigs.net Lois March, MD
PUPPIES AT MARCHWIND
1. careful selection for temperament
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SHOW OR PET www.marchwindigs.net 229-699-0290 please text marchwindigs@yahoo.com
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done this before I didn’t know what to expect, but I picked him up and set him up on the table with wagon in tow. He stood still for the exam. Then she said to take him up and back on the diagonal, which we did. He came to a perfect stand in front of her and presented. Then she said to take him around. He loved the applause as he proudly walked around the ring. Agility training is great fun for most dogs, although han- dlers need be in at least decent shape to run around the ring with them. The obstacles are fun for the dogs and are ad- justed to each dog by their height. Don’t try to go too fast with training of any sort. Don’t move on to new obstacles too many at a time. Let the dog choose his own pace. You can start training early; just don’t let young puppies jump too soon. When training obstacles, both Agility and Obedi- ence jumps, start low and move up to the correct size for your dog. Each dog will learn at a different speed, in any- thing. Let them tell you how fast to go. Therapy work at nursing homes, as well as presentations at schools, Girl and Boy Scout meetings, and 4-H events, is great work as well and beneficial for everyone. It teaches about dogs as well as their care, shows that little dogs can do fun stuff as well as large ones, gives children a chance to be around dogs they may not have seen before, and they learn about different breeds. Nursing home patients will respond to animals when they won’t even respond to their own fam- ilies or doctors. Many a patient has responded early on by petting a dog’s head, and all of a sudden they take off and start working with their therapists and doctors. Once, at a nursing home, a patient would not talk to anyone, not even look at them. There was a therapy session with dogs pres- ent. The gentleman laid his hand on the dog’s head, and be- fore we left he was scratching the dog’s ears. Two days later the club president received a call from the nursing home re- questing to please bring the dog back, as the gentleman had started talking and asked for the dog to be present. Nurs- ing homes have parties for their residents, costume par- ties, holiday parties, and all sorts of activities. Get your dog its Canine Good Citizen certificate and go for a Therapy
Dog title. This allows you to take your dog to nursing homes and hospitals. Older and sick people really appreciate the effort of those who bring pets in for them. After all, they may have had to leave their own pets in order to live in as- sisted living or nursing homes. Small dogs can also play a role as service dogs in areas of di- abetic alert, hearing, seizure, and more. Sometimes, there is no training needed; the dog does it by itself, and after sev- eral times of a certain behavior at a certain time, the owner realizes what the dog is doing. Other times, some training is needed with outside assistance such as Hearing Ear Dogs. Service Dogs will usually wear a vest to let others know it is working and not to interfere or try to pet. The service they provide is priceless and done out of love. One of the newer events are Trick Dog titles. While I have not done this myself as yet, I know there are quite a few small dogs out there doing it. One of those is a Chihua- hua, Sweet Beans Original Outlaw TKN, who at just four months old and weighing in at less than two pounds earned his first Trick Dog title in spite of the pandemic and no dog shows. The tricks he performed were suitable for his age and size, and included hold, retrieve, jump over bar, touch, spin, sit, come, get in box, two-feet step up, four-feet on, and teeter. Just goes to show that simple, everyday activi- ties can be turned into a command for a trick. One trick Mr. Mouse did was a simple bow. (He was always trying to get my attention with his chest down and butt in the air.) I turned that into a “pretty bow” command and, instantly, he learned a new trick. This was before Trick Dog titles, but he loved to perform at nursing homes and seminar events. Most dogs prefer human companionship. They can have beauty, intelligence, stamina, charisma, and the character- istics needed for all areas of exhibiting, either individually or all rolled into one package. Even if you are not interested in competition or titles in other venues, find something your dog likes to do, train it, and enjoy the time with your dog. Your dog will love you for it. And above all, in this time of uncertainty, stay safe. And remember, your dog is more than just a pretty face.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR Susan Ritenour lives in Strasburg, Virginia, in the beautiful Shenandoah Valley. She grad- uated from Strasburg High School and earned two Associate’s Degrees from Lord Fairfax Community College after the age of 40. Susan has always had a love of animals, and Chihuahuas have been a big part of her life since a very young age. There was always at least one dog in the family. She has been in the show world for over 30 years.
Susan became interested in showing in Obedience after acquiring a Chinese Shar-Pei. She successfully put a CD on him as well as his CGC. During this time, she started looking for her next Chihuahua and got “Mouse” from Carolyn Mooney. From her friendship with the Mooneys and John Cipollina, the rest is history. Mouse earned his Canadian CD and AKC CDX as well as his Therapy Dog title and CGC. He also pulled a wagon for rescue and pa- rades, collecting over $900 for rescue in his lifetime. Susan’s first homebred puppy won the Sweepstakes at the first Chihuahua National Specialty she attended. She has bred and shown several Top 10 Breed and All-Breed Chihuahuas as well as BISS and other Specialty win- ners. Other breeds which Susan has owned and shown include the Japanese Chin and the Chinese Crested. 26 • T op N otch T oys , O ctober 2022
DOUGLAS HUFFMAN BROUGHCASTL PUGS
Where did you grow up? I was born in Cape Girardeau, Missouri. Then we moved to North Carolina. When I was a freshman in high school we moved to St. Louis, Missouri. I have been here ever since. I come from a long line of farmers. My great-grandfather, Amiel Heuer, moved from Hanover, Germany in the mid-1800s to Cape Gi- rardeau, where he bought two sections of timberland to clear. He became the pa- triarch of a farming dynasty that continued through the years to 2020. The orig- inal farm produced vegetable crops, fruit trees and kept enough livestock that it was completely self-sufficient. Of course, the farm needed horses for transpor- tation as well as to work the fields. Amiel Heuer and his wife had two sons who worked some of the farm and one of them was, of course, my grandfather, August Heuer. August was a hardworking German farmer who also ran a grist mill and a threshing ring for wheat. His brother took a different route to success by becom- ing a bootlegger during prohibition. As the Heuer family grew and multiplied, many support businesses sprang up in and around Cape Girardeau. I spent my summers from early childhood through age 13 living on the farm. Do you come from a doggy family? If not, how did the interest in breeding and show- ing purebred dogs begin? I didn’t come from a doggy family. Both sides of my family were farmers. They bred and raised farm animals. That was the basis of animal husbandry in my life. My godmother in Pugs, Mrs. Rolla Blaylock, started my interest in showing and breeding purebred dogs. Who were your mentors in the sport? Please elaborate on their influence. My first Pug came from Mabel Blaylock. She had bred the top-winning Pug of all time in the late 1950s, Ch. Blaylock’s Mar Ma Duke. T op N otch T oys , O ctober 2022 • 27
Breeder Interview by Allan Reznik
As a teen, I started showing with Jane Fa- hey. Jane lived in Lees Summit, Missouri. I went to shows with her until she passed away. Her influence on type and qual- ity taught me well. Jane was a prominent breeder and trainer of Pugs as well as Sad- dlebred horses. She schooled me on the importance of type and quality in breeding. Her technique and presentation in the show ring were impeccable and a big influence on my career. One of Jane Fahey’s claims to fame was leading the Inaugural Parade for President Eisenhower on one of her Saddlebred horses. Joan Alexander’s knowledge of structure was a basis for me to choose the right dogs. Joan gave me a more thorough knowledge of structure as form to function. Professional handler Jack Funk taught me about show ring preparation and grooming. Jack was dedicated to excellent show ring preparation. I use what I learned from him to this day. I learned from all the great handlers of the time—Jane Forsyth, Clint Harris, Edna Voyles, Emelyn Mangels—by watching and asking questions. The Broughcastl Pugs are widely known, highly successful and well respected. What breeding philosophies do you adhere to? I only breed from sound, health-tested individ- uals. I have been successful with linebreeding and outcrossing to families that are strong in traits that my breeding has lacked. How many dogs do you currently house? Tell us about your facilities and how the dogs are maintained. I have five adults and seven puppies. All are born and raised in my kitchen. All my dogs have house and sofa time. I have two acres with five paddocks for them to exercise in. The adults all sleep and eat separately in the lower level of my house.
Jane Fahey, top Pug breeder and American Saddlebred trainer, riding Lady Sue McDonald
Top breeder Margery Shriver, Patrick McManus, CH Sheffields Hot Comet, handler Blanche Roberts, Doug Huffman holding CH Broughcastl Blaque Blush, Mike Penny
CH Broughcastl Brigadir of Doun, First Champion Broughcastl Pug, under judge Mrs. Carl Cass
My First BIS with CH Fahey’s Great Balls of Fire, under Breeder-Judge Esther Wolf
CH Tupelo Showboat Tu China Tu with judge Jim Tomsic
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Now presenting AKC Champion CH Gingerbred Olympic Gold CM3 CD BN RE CGCA TKA THDX
Thank you to esteemed judge Richard W. Powell for finding Alondra and giving her best of opposite over specials for her last needed major. Also special thank you to all the judges who have awarded Alondra along her journey. This team has accomplished so much already and they can’t wait to show it in the breed ring as a special. Watch out for the ladies in red.
Loved & Owned by: Grisselle Freijo-Cantrell • Bred by: Eloise Raymond • Handled Exclusively by : Jessica Herzon Chambray
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Who were/are some of your most significant Pugs, both in the whelping box and in the show ring? That list includes: • Ch. Bonjor Clark Kent, 8 BIS, 1 National Specialty (Show Producer) • Ch. Broughcastl Barrister (Producer) • Ch. Broughcastl Blaque Bombaway, 1 BIS (Show Producer) • Ch. Broughcastl Blaque Blush, 12 BIS (Show) • Ch. Broughcastl Bugatti, 30 BIS (Show) • Ch. Blaque Canasta (Producer) • Ch. Tupelo Showboat Tu China Tu, 42 BIS, National Specialty Winner (Show Pro- ducer) • Ch. Broughcastl Barbarella (Producer) • Ch. Fantasia Broughcastl Party Man (Producer) • Ch. Sandcastl Simplistic, 18 BIS (Show) • Ch. Sandcastl Sarpendon (Producer) Each of the above dogs/bitches added good soundness and health to their offspring, or they would not have been included in my breeding program. Please comment positively on your breed’s present con- dition and what trends might bear watching. Type has greatly improved. Sound rear movement is a concern of mine and bears watching. I have been called the “Keeper of the Face.” So many breeders for- give head faults. Not me. The sport has changed greatly since you first began par- ticipating. What are your thoughts on the state of the fancy and the declining number of breeders? How do we encourage newcomers to join us and remain in the sport? The amount of work it takes to raise dogs properly can be overwhelming to new breeders. Sharing informa- tion and experiences would better prepare them. The interest is there. Good mentoring is the key. Where do you see your breeding program in the next de- cade or two? I hope to continue breeding sound, healthy, typey Pugs. Then pass my knowledge along to people I trust to carry on. Finally, tell us a little about Doug outside of dogs…your profession, your hobbies. I was a Marketing major and Piano Performance mi- nor in college. My profession is Cosmetology and Makeup. My Hobbies are the piano, showing American Saddle- bred Horses, Hackney Ponies and, of course, dogs.
CH Broughcastl Blaque Blush, under Breeder-Judge Charlotte Patterson
CH Bonjor Clark Kent winning the National under Shirley Limoges
CH Blaque Bombaway, under Judge Betty Dexter
Stakes-winning Hackney Pony Jezebel
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Grand Champion STARSTRUCK BURNING DESIRE Sire: CH Damon Salvatore Stribrne Prani Dam: CH Starstruck Ready To Be Reckless 2021 BBE BOB AKC NATIONAL MULTI OH GROUP PLACEMENTS She has been shown on a limited basis and is currently closing in on her Bronze Grand. With her natural beauty and feisty attitude she is a joy to show!
Owner/Breeder: Barbara Babcock
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SHOWING A LOW ENTRY BREED
SMALL ENTRIES CAN PROVIDE BIG RESULTS FOR OWNER HANDLERS
By Dan Sayers
D og shows are, fundamentally, a competition. And as with any competitive endeavor, participants compete (in theory) on a level playing field. But one thing that owner handlers soon learn is that dog shows are not exactly “fair” competitions, and an exhibitor’s choice of breed can be a strong indicator of poten- tial success. After all, showing a breed that is largely presented by professionals can be overwhelming, and the odds of achieving vic- tory—even in the classes—can be deflating. The same can be said for exhibitors of low entry breeds, where the lack of competition in the Breed ring can lead to a lack of enthusiasm and an inability to de- velop the necessary skills to compete at a higher level. Exhibitors of AKC recognized breeds with low entries can find themselves in the ring with even less competition than do exhibitors of the Miscella- neous and FSS breeds. Thankfully, all is not lost. The good news for owner handlers of the low entry breeds is that in addition to being competitive events, dog shows also offer exhibitors a chance to achieve goals that have little to do with the actual competition. For the savvy exhibitor, small en- tries can provide big results in surprising ways. THE ONE AND ONLY Finding yourself in the ring as a single entry can be both a disap- pointment and a relief. Although no breed points are on offer, the lack of competition allows the exhibitor a chance to relax while demonstrating the hard work that has been practiced at home and in class. Chances are the judge is likewise relaxed and willing to take a few moments to engage you and your dog a bit more. Feel free to talk with your dog in those moments, encouraging a fun performance while making the memory a good one for you and your dog. Who knows? The two of you might even impress the judge enough to get noticed the next time in a crowded ring.
“...DOG SHOWS ARE NOT EXACTLY ‘FAIR’ COMPETITIONS...”
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“IN THE COMPANY OF AN OWNER-HANDLED DOG, the show ring can seem like nirvana.”
that are resting back at the set-up with their handlers, hoping for a bet- ter outcome tomorrow. For exhibi- tors who find themselves in the Group ring by default, the opportunity to grow—if not win—abounds. Just be- ing in the ring with yesterday’s Best in Show winner (or last year’s Westmin- ster winner) provides an unparalleled chance to watch and learn from the best. (Just imagine yourself on the field with Tom Brady or on the mat with Simone Biles!) Being in close proximity to the sport’s best is an ex- perience without equal. So, use your dog’s low entry status to expect more from yourself by “rubbing shoulders” with the greats. Low entries certainly provide chal- lenges for the AKC and show-giving clubs, as well as for exhibitors, but they also provide opportunities for personal growth and breed aware- ness that are unmatched in the sport. As an exhibitor of a low entry breed, take the time to educate other fanci- ers about your breed by presenting your dog in a manner that gets every- one’s attention. Eventually, you and your dog will get noticed by virtue of your dedicated efforts and your dog’s breed-specific qualities. It’s your job to level the playing field… nobody’s going to do it for you. So, take advan- tage of your circumstances. Mea- sure progress in increments that are unique to you and your dog. The “big win” will surely come, but it will fol- low many, many smaller victories. T op N otch T oys , O ctober 2022 • 33
vana. And when your dog is the only entry in its breed, the experience is simply the two of you visiting with a judge who probably traveled a long way to meet you. Allow the moment to reveal a quiet confidence that you
INTRODUCE THE INTROVERT
Not everyone who shows dogs is a “people person.” In fact, many dog show exhibitors are happiest spend- ing time with their animal compan- ions, and interact with people only when absolutley necessary. For the introverted exhibitor, dog shows can provide a “safe space” where human interaction is mitigated by the pres- ence of a trusted canine companion. In the company of an owner-handled dog, the show ring can seem like nir-
didn’t know you possessed. LOW ENTRIES/HIGH EXPECTATIONS
Of course, owner handlers of a low entry breed get more ring-time than do exhibitors of the more popular breeds. For every Australian Shep- herd or Boxer that makes it into the Group ring, there are dozens more
JUDGING THE
CAVALIER KING CHARLES SPANIEL
by Stephanie Abraham Submitted by the American Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Club
J udging the Cavalier well is a bit like catching a genie in a bottle. Just when you think you’ve “got it right,” up jumps some new as- pect of the breed to remind you that you really didn’t quite understand it at all! Nonetheless, we persevere, and if you are a careful student, you will find that you can succeed in spite of the pitfalls before you. For one thing, while the Cavalier is a true Toy Spaniel, he should not be light-boned or fragile. Just as his ancestors (bred by the Duke of Marlborough) had “to be able to go all day behind a horse,” so too the modern Cavalier must be a sturdy little dog with good spring of rib to accommodate adequate heart and lung room. He must be easily able to enjoy a good hike with his family. He must be as sound as any good-moving dog is sound—even though he is not called upon to race, or to pull a cart, or to bring a wild boar to bay. In other words, his Toy status does not give him license to be a weakling or un- able to physically exert himself. The Cavalier is actually a very sporting dog and those who own one will soon
learn that they have a keen penchant to chase things that move—butterflies and birds beware! Size is another slippery slope for many judges—and breeders alike. While the Standard tells us 12-13” inches at the withers, it is sometimes difficult to grasp the very significant difference in appearance that variation represents. Add to this the acceptable weight variation of 13-18 lbs and it is easy to see that there is considerable—accept- able—difference in size for this breed. [Then] add gender considerations and the presumption that males are larger than females (but not always in every case), you can appreciate the dilemmas facing judges in the ring. The best solu- tion is to educate your eye by immers- ing yourself in the breed; watching literally scores of Cavaliers in order to sort out what is ok and what is not. Oh, did I forget? There is no DQ for size. So maybe, just maybe, your best Cavalier in the ring will be a little under or a lit- tle over that 12-13” recommendation. We need to remember that the world will not come crashing down if we re- ward the very best specimen who may be a bit outside the guidelines.
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L. Sarah Lawrence
five decades dedicated to excellence
CH Chatterbox Blame It On The Sun Best Puppy
CH Chatterbox Wish Upon A Star
CH Chatterbox Breathless Anticipation Best Puppy
CH Chatterbox Crazy In Love BIS Puppy
CH Chatterbox Here Comes Trouble
CH Chatterbox Most Happy Fella
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CH Chatterbox I Dream Of Jeanie
CH Chatterbox It’s All A Dream Best Puppy
CH Chatterbox Princess Leia
CH Chatterbox Ready For Action
CH Chatterbox She’s What It’s All About
CH Chatterbox Reasonable Doubt
CH Chatterbox The Thrill Of Being Me Best Puppy
CH Krissy’s Dream Lover The Number One Shih Tzu in 2009
CH Ming Dynasty’s Spice Girl BIS Puppy
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GCHS Wenshus Shesa Dream The Number Two Shih Tzu in 2012
CH Wenshus Mona Lisa National Specialty Winner
GCH Chatterbox My Boyfriend’s Back
GCHB Chatterbox Light My Fire
GCHG Pekings Midnight Vision At Wenshu Top Winning Black Shih Tzu, Of All Time
GCH Wenshu Leaving Me Breathless Best Puppy
CH Chatterbox A Reason To Dream
GCHB CH Wenshu Thrill Of Da Game
GCHG CH Wenshu In The Midnight Hour National Specialty Winner
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“The head and expression of the Cavalier is a quintessential part of his breed type.”
Temperament and ring behavior is another area where the unwary judge may find himself wanting. I have en- countered any number of judges who are convinced that the only good Cav- alier is a Cavalier whose tail is con- stantly wagging. Now, a wagging tail is a very nice thing in our Cavaliers, and the tail does wag when the dog is in mo- tion. But as judges, we must remember that these animals are not automa- tons. When standing, many of them will wag sometimes, and other times... not. As judges, it is up to us to discern that the exhibits we like and want to reward are happy to be in the ring. We can tell this by the expression in the eye, the willingness to do what the handler wishes, and overall “biddabil- ity.” Any single dog’s worth should not be measured in terms of wags per min- ute. Please understand that I am not advocating any Cavalier be rewarded for atypical behavior. Temperament is the very essence of this breed—a glad, kindly expression, friendliness to all, and an abiding, happy outlook on life. There are any number of ways to de- termine whether or not you are judg- ing a happy dog. Wagging is perhaps one of them, but no Cavalier should be penalized because he forgot his “wag- ger” at a crucial moment during judg- ing. Quality is all. The head and expression of the Cava- lier is a quintessential part of his breed type. The Standard is explicit about many aspects, but one of the things it does not address fully is that there should be cushioning under the eye— to contribute to the dog’s soft, gentle aspect—helping to give that melt- ing “look” that we’ve come to know so well. The dark eyes are frontally
placed, round and full—never oblique. Another thing to keep in mind is that while the Standard says that the skull is “Slightly rounded, but with- out dome or peak; it should appear flat because of the high placement of the ears”—it usually appears flat only when the ears are alert. When the dog is at rest, there actually can be a slight rounding at the top of the skull (not a pronounced curve). This is perfectly acceptable in the breed. The Cavalier is not a breed that single tracks at a brisk trot. Rather, his rear legs move parallel to each other though there is slight convergence when speed increases. They should move straight and true—and angulation front and rear should balance so that reach and drive is maximized. Hack- ney action in front is not acceptable. Again, he may not be doing arduous tasks in the field, but he is built so that he could do whatever came his way (commensurate with his size limita- tions). Note: The Cavalier was bred to be strictly a companion animal. Along the way, his ancestry undoubtedly
included some Sporting and perhaps hunting breeds—with lineage as di- verse as the Spanish truffle dog! While he may exhibit some traits that acknowledge his roots, he was never intended to be anything but a lap dog and companion. Tail carriage is sometimes a sticking point for judges. Ideal carriage should not be much above the level of the back, with carriage between 2 and 4 o’clock being acceptable. But remem- ber, males will sometimes posture in the ring and raise the tail. As judges, it is up to us to decide what to do about that. Personally, I would forgive a tail that I deem to be a bit excitable, rather than put up a poorer conforma- tion specimen. Remember, any one of us can see a truly gay tail in the air (it doesn’t take rocket science), but sometimes I think the easy criticism takes undue precedence when we reward, instead, a dog with straight shoulders or sickle hocks. Bites in the Cavalier sometimes give both judges and breeders absolute fits! Our Standard says that “A perfect,
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