“Is anyone at fault—or are we all at fault? In my opinion, we are all at fault... THEREFORE, BREEDERS, EXHIBITORS, AND JUDGES ALL HAVE AN EQUAL RESPONSIBILITY IN THE PRESERVATION IN OUR BREED.”
Important Note: The six critical elements of breed type listed above are in judging order, not in order of importance. All should be given equal weight in judging, regardless of whether they are visible on the go around or only on the table. “Dog People” come in three main categories; breeders, exhibitors, and judges. All three seem to have opin- ions about the ailments of the breed. Instead of playing the “Blame Game,” I believe—from my point of view as an experienced breeder and handler— that we each have a responsibility to ensure that we take an active role in correcting and preserving the breed we love. Breeders; breed the best Ha- vanese possible following the guide- lines set in the breed standard. Ex- hibitors; present the best example of the breed, keeping true to the proper grooming and handling procedures when presenting in the ring. Judges; award the best examples of the stan- dard in the ring, at times making difficult decisions. Breeders, exhibitors, and judges working together in tandem as part- ners is the solution to what ails our breed.
Havanese Judges’ Education has an excellent guide: Havanese Breed Type at a Glance . This guide outlines the six critical elements of the Havanese Breed Type (i.e., What makes a Ha- vanese unique among Toys?): 1. Topline: Straight, but not level, ris- ing slightly from the withers to rump… the result of moderate angulation fore and aft combined with a typically short upper arm. 2. Outline: Slightly longer than tall, with head carried high and tail arched over back. 3. Gait: Springy, with moderate reach and drive, showing free reach and good extension. Not stilted. May show flash of pad coming and going. The topline holds under movement, neither flattening nor roaching. 4. Coat : Soft, silky, wavy and abun- dant. May be corded. 5. Expression: Broad backskull and large, dark, almond eyes; correct ear set follows line of skull; full rectan- gular muzzle is slightly shorter than backskull. The expression is soft and intelligent, mischievous rather than cute. 6. Temperament: Intelligent, play- ful, sweet, and non-quarrelsome.
Back to the blame game; breeders and exhibitors are not showing the best examples of the breed. So, what can we do as breeders, exhib- itors or judges? Is anyone at fault—or are we all at fault? In my opinion, we are all at fault. I like to compare this situation to an equilateral triangle; in geometry an equilateral triangle is a triangle in which all three sides are equal. Therefore, breeders, exhibitors, and judges all have an equal responsi- bility in the preservation in our breed. Breeders need to stay true to the breed. Breeding the best possible Havanese according to “the breed standard.” There will always be room (within reason) for interpretation of the standard. Exhibitors need to show the best example of the Havanese accord- ing to “the breed standard.” Show the dog to its fullest extent, make it shine in the ring, and limit groom- ing to meet the set guidelines of the Havanese standard. Judges need to award dogs that are the best examples of the breed type as they understand it, encourage new breeders and exhibitors when pos- sible, and withhold ribbons, if and when necessary.
T op N otch T oys , O ctober 2022 • 51
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