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.
GCHS CAMPARIS COASTWIND Indy
GCHS. MARTIN’S TIMEBOMB PUFF
*AKC STATS AS OF 10/31/21
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#15 TOY DOG*
#1 BREEDER/ OWNER/ HANDLER MALTESE
MULTIPLE BEST IN SHOW WINNER MULTIPLE AMA BEST IN SPECIALTY SHOW WINNER WESTMINSTER BEST OF BREED WINNER 2020 AKC 2020 TOY BREEDER OF THE YEAR
LINEBRED FROM A LONG LINE OF TOP MALTESE AND PRODUCERS TIMEBOMB’S FUTURE GENERATION WILL BE SEEN IN THE RING SOON. . .
BRED OWNED AND HANDLED BY DARYL MARTIN OWNED BY ROY & JO-ANN KUSUMOTO
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Wisely & Zen Shined in Orlando
Brevard Kennel Club Judge Ms. Laurie Lee Campbell Wisely - Best of Breed Central Florida Kennel Club Judge Mr. Robert Hutton Zen - Best of Breed Wisely - Select Dog American Maltese Association Regional Specialty
Judge Mr. Jordan Chamberlain Wisely - Best in Specialty Show Zen - Select Dog Maltese Club of Greater Miami Specialty Judge Mr. Ramon Valenzuela Podesta Wisely - Best in Specialty Show Zen - Select Dog AKC National Championship Judge Dr. Margaret Reed Wisely - Best of Breed Zen - Select Dog
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MBISS GCHS iLove Rhapsody Always Zen MBISS GCH iLove Rhapsody Always Full of Wisdom (CH Rhapsody’s Stairway to Heaven ROM x MCH/GCHG Always Pearl ROM*)
Thank you judges for honoring Wisely and Zen with these prestigious wins! Thank you Candace Heath for showing Zen for us!!!
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
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Bred & Owned by Dawn Stevens-Lindemaier Co-owned with Michele True
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© Fritz Clark
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Owned by Michele True Co-Owned & Bred by Dawn Stevens-Lindemaier candid photography by ©SueBee Photography
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GCH CH Legacy Chenin Blanc with Evera
2021 3RD OVERALL Top Cavalier King Charles Spaniel in CKCSC USA * *CKCSC 12/28/21
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2021 AKC NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP
BEST OF BREED WINNER
OH GROUP ONE WINNER
THANK YOU JUDGES!
© TAYLOR BLAIRE CAUSEY
B R E E D E R / OW N E R / H A N D L E R • C H E R I E M C D A N I E L C H E R I S T A R M I N I AT U R E P I N S C H E R S
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M B I S S B I S G C H S C H R E H - P I N ’ S I A M C H A R M E D F O R C H E R I S T A R
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Number One AMERICA’S Our sincere appreciation to the many judges who have recognized Indy’s breed type and correctness. YORKIE * TWO TIME NATIONAL WINNER MBISS | RBIS | MULTIPLE GROUP WINNER
Mr. Jon Cole
Ms. Sharon Masnick
Mr. Raymond Filburn Jr.
Mr. Zell Von Pohlman
Ms. Sandra Bingham-Porter
OWNERS: DIANA SUMMERS & MARY KEELING BREEDER: BEATE ACKERMAN HANDLER: DARON NEWCOMB SPONSORED BY: FIRST STEEL SOURCE, RHONDA & NICK WALKER
*AKC BREED STATS AS OF 11/30/21
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GCHS CAMPARIS COASTWIND Indy
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CONTENTS TABLE OF
TNT
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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/EDITOR BONNIE GUGGENHEIM Advertising Director/Editor bonnie@aramediagroup.com 512-971-3280 SOCIAL MEDIA ELMA BEGIC Manager, Social Media & Creative Content elma@aramediagroup.com 1-512-686-3466
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16 Toy Talk 18 Toy Box
48 50 52 54 56 58 60 66
History of the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Robert A. Schroll
Bonnie Guggenheim
Papillons Are More Than Parts and Pieces Charlotte Clem McGowan
Submitted by Jo Ann White & Debarah Billings
22 Top Notch Advertising Scott Toney 26 Navigating Westminster and the Piers: Toy Dog Shows Sharon Masnick
Just Judy’s Thoughts: Toy Dogs As Prey Judy Thompson, OHA
Dog VS. Bitch Pam Guevara
28 Murphy’s Laws As Pertaining to Dog Shows
Candids: AKC National Championship 2021 Taylor Blaire Causey
32 Japanese Chin: Some Thoughts from the USA Dale & Jane Martenson
Candids: New York 2004 Christina Freitag
MAILING ADDRESS PO BOX 18567 TAMPA, FL 33679
36 The Toy Store Shelley Hennessy 42 Dog Shows:
Candids: Blast From the Past Pam Guevara
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.
A Numbers Game? Pamela Peat
Index to Advertisers
44 Cavalier Movement Jeanie Montford 14 • T op N otch T oys , D ecember 2021
Tiffany GCHP Dartan Diamonds Are Forever at Viva
CHIHUAHUA CLUB OF AMERICA NATIONAL SPECIALTY BEST OF BREED
OWNED & EXCLUSIVELY SHOWN BY CECI L IA BOZZO
BRED BY DARTAN CHIHUAHUAS
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TOY TALK ETCETERA by Bonnie Guggenheim, TNT Advertising Director & Associate Editor
A QUESTION AND ANSWER
I f you could ask a question of your fellow breeders and ex- hibitors, what would that be? I would like to consider these questions for future issues. What role do you believe social media plays in your special Toy breed? Is this a positive interaction with others inGroup Five? Do you check out the TNT Facebook page? The National Owner-Handled Series is more important than ever and offers an opportunity to add interest and hone your handling skills while providing great ring experience for your dog and for you. Do you participate? Please elabo- rate if you’d like. How carefully do you research pedigrees when choosing a stud dog? Do you go back more than three generations? What articles would you like to see published in TOP NOTCH TOYS that would be fun or educational? Would you consider writing a breed-specific article for publication? There are many talented, long-time breeders in every Toy breed who could write articles of interest to a larger number of readers. Please share your knowledge with all of us!
Is the Bred-By Class your “go to” class because it is your passion to breed wonderful representatives? Or do you feel that an entry in the Open Class gives you a better chance of winning? There are many skilled and well-known Toy dog handlers. Some specialize in drop-coated breeds while others focus on Terrier-types, but all are hard-working professionals. Who would you consider “tops” in your breed? Would you like to interviewthemand submit anarticle for publication? What question would you like to see in a future survey? Remember, INQUIRING MINDS WANT TO KNOW… so please email your answers for an upcoming issue. Keep our slogan in mind when allocating your advertising dollars: “Don’t get lost in the other magazines, be found in TOP NOTCHTOYS. ” Win lots more, love and enjoy your dogs, and send those adorable puppy pictures for the Toy Box. Bonnie bonnie@aramediagroup.com 512.971.3280
submitted by breeder-owner Eloise Veltman
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One Singular Sensation-Every step you take RBIS OHBIS GCHB MARJA TU CHU SINGULAR SENSATION CH. TU CHU MARJA SUN BEAM ROM ELIGIBLE X BIS GCH. MARJA TU CHU SINGLE STRAND - A CHORUS LINE
Sam
SAM SHOWN WINNING GROUP 1 UNDER JUDGE MARGE CALLTHARP, THANK YOU FOR THIS WONDERFUL WIN.
#1 SHIH TZU OWNER HANDLED 2021 * SELECT DOG AT 2 ASTC REGIONAL SPECIALTIES AND AN AWARD OF MERIT AT THE ASTC NATIONAL IN ORLANDO
TU CHU SHIH TZU KATHY KWAIT
MARJA SHIH TZU MARK & JACKIE STEMPEL
*AKC NOHS STATS 2021
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TOP NOTCH TOYS
TOYBOX
submitted by Debarah Billings
submitted by Jo Ann White
SUBMIT YOUR CUTE PHOTOS TO OUR TOYBOX 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.
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WYNSON ITALIAN GREYHOUNDS
CH WYNSON ’ S F I RST MAGN I TUDE GCH CH Marchwind Augustus x Wynson’s High Finance
CH WYNSON ’ S CAMERA READY GCHB CH Pinnacle Headliner At Marchwind x CH Wynson’s Rags To Riches
THANK YOU TO JUDGE DARRYL VICE FOR THESE PRESTIGIOUS WINS
BILL AND DIANA CHAPMAN, WYNSONDOG@HOTMAIL.COM WYNSON DOGS ARE EXPERTLY AND BEAUTIFULLY PRESENTED BY RHETT BOCKMAN AND MICHAEL LOBINSKE
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NEW FOR 2022!
BA I LEY
Started and finished with a bang! 1st show BOB over an entry of 11 including 4 top specials for 5 points. Finished at the December AMTC District 2 Specialty in Orlando with WB/BOW for 5 points and all points from the 6-9 month class. We’re excited for her future! Bred by and co-owned with Taylor Blankenship CH SUNK ISSED I NEED A ME
CH KALLMEE THE CAPED CRUSADER BATMAN
This beautiful young Toy Fox Terrier will be seen in rings in 2022 with his new co-owner Mandy Halsey of Dynasty Toy Fox Terriers.
SUSAN AND STEVE THIBODEAUX KALLMEE—HOME OF EXCEPTIONAL DOGS SINCE 1978, COCOA, FL
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B I S S G C H S K A L L M E E T H E A E R I A L I S T
#1 TFT * JUDGES ARE RECOGNIZING FLYER’S QUALITY! AT TWO YEARS OLD HIS SHOW RECORD INCLUDES: 2021 National Specialty Best of Breed! 2020 AKC National Championship BOB 2021 BOB Morris and Essex Four Group 1’s, Many Group Placements! NEWS FLASH! 2 BOBs including the CFTFTC Designated Specialty, 1 BOS, 1 Select and 1 AOM in the tough December Orlando cluster. Flyer is always Breeder/Owner Handled.
Thank you judges for the recognition and the comments—our favorite is “he’s a beautiful dog and sure knows how to use his legs!” FLYER
*AKC all breed stats as of 11/30/21 SUSAN AND STEVE THIBODEAUX KALLMEE—HOME OF EXCEPTIONAL DOGS SINCE 1978, COCOA, FL
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TOP NOTCH ADVERTISING SIMPLE RULES FOR EFFECTIVE ADS b y Scott Toney, Midwood Japanese Chin
(Showsight) , Toy (Top Notch Toys) or specific breed publications (The Ori- ent Express), making our audience as broad or as narrow as we’d like. Print ads not only target your specific audience, they are also sustainable (publications are permanent records, and often-valued reference guides), delivered to loyal readers, and can be repeated as often as you’d like. Your message can evolve from month-to- month as the story, history, and wins of your dog grow. SOME SIMPLE RULES TO FOLLOW • Develop a look and feel for your “brand” and stick to it. As stated, you can create a sustained impact
ad has a clickable “call to action” like directing you to a 20% off coupon or a website where you can purchase goods or services, it is very effec- tive—but also very temporary. For the type of meaningful, lasting im- pressions we are trying to make as dog breeders and exhibitors, nothing replaces advertising in print. BENEFITS OF PRINT ADVERTISING There is no better way to target a spe- cific or narrow audience than through print advertising. As dog breeders/ exhibitors, we are fortunate that we can send our message to as broad or narrow an audience as we’d like. For example, we can market in all-breed
H aving spent almost 20 years as a commercial marketing execu- tive for a major bank, I have come to understand the value of an ef- fective marketing and advertising campaign. A comprehensive mar- keting campaign is a multi-pronged endeavor, encompassing advertis- ing, public relations, media relations, and community involvement, to name but a few. For the purposes of this article, let’s examine the role of print advertising, and how you can ramp up the impact of your ads in various publications. PRINT VS. ONLINE ADVERTISING It’s no secret in the Internet age that online publications and advertising have replaced many of our beloved publications, including newspapers, periodicals, and breed magazines. Internet advertising can reach a broader audience for less money, but it’s important to remember that the impact of an online ad can be fleeting. For example, if an online
“PRINT ADS NOT ONLY TARGET YOUR SPECIFIC AUDIENCE,
they are also sustainable...”
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“IF YOU ARE LOOKING TO CREATE A ‘BRAND’ OR A LASTING MESSAGE OR
IMPRESSION ABOUT YOUR DOG (OR ANY ‘PRODUCT’) print ads have proven time and again to be the best way to do this.”
by advertising on a monthly basis. Don’t lose your kennel or your dog’s identity by having radically differ- ent looks each month. Work with a graphics person or the ad contact of your favorite magazine to identify key elements that you will consis- tently use in your ads, such as a font (clear and large enough to be easily read!), color palette, logo, and boil- erplate language. For example, con- sistently using the same signature information such as: a. Owner/Breeder/Handler Info b. Logo c. Tagline d. Contact Info: Email Address, Web or Facebook URLs, Etc. • Make sure you deliver pertinent in- formation. What is the dog’s name? Who is handling the dog? What judge is pictured in the photo? Where was the dog shown? What do you want your audience to know about this dog; i.e., that he’s #1 in the country, cleared for knees, hearts and eyes, youngest to ever win a national specialty, available at stud, etc.? • Use high-quality, true-to-life pho- tos. Make sure your photo is at least 300dpi and shows your dog at a flat- tering angle. Small, technical flaws in the photograph can be photo- shopped, but never at the expense of altering the true look of your dog.
You want your dog to “wow” fellow exhibitors and judges when seen in person and not be a big let-down from an artificially created illusion of them. • While it’s important to have a con- sistent look and feel for your ads as far as stylistic elements, remember to mix up the photos and layout from time to time. Stacked show photos can become boring. A beau- tiful candid shot can really let your peers and judges see the dog’s natu- ral expression. If you want the dog and its handler to be recognized as a team, be sure to include photos of the dog and handler together. Don’t always use the standard lay- out of a headline at the top of the page with a show picture in the middle and boilerplate language at the bottom. Create visual interest by making the reader’s eye move across the page in different ways. Make them want to stop and study your ad. • Don’t over-do it! This is one of the most important pieces of ad- vice I can share. It’s tempting to use too many photos, too much copy or over-the-top, hyperbolic words when describing your dogs. Remember the old saying, “Less is more.” Make your words count, and don’t inundate the reader with too many superlatives when
describing your dog, their win, or the competition they defeated. There is a fine line between a hum- ble “brag” and obnoxious boasting. Not every win was accomplished by “beating top specials” or un- der the country’s most esteemed judge. Choose your words wisely, or after a while they will become only so much background noise. • Recognizing judges: Please respect the judge(s) bymentioning themby name (spelled correctly, please!) and extending your thanks. Re- member, the thank you is not be- cause the judge “gave” you or your dog the win. The appreciation is for their hard work and dedication in honor of our sport and for their upholding and recognizing the breed standard. CREATING YOUR BRAND Print advertising creates a perma- nent record of your message that can be accessed over and over again by multiple people. If you are looking to create a “brand” or a lasting message or impression about your kennel, dog, or any “product,” print ads have prov- en time and again to be the best way to do this. Take your time to place clear and compelling ads on a regular basis and you will be surprised at the positive results.
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DEBARAH BILLINGS BREEDER OWNER HANDLER WWW.WINDSONGBIEWERS.COM
BRONZE AKC BREEDER OF MERIT
#1 ALL BREED * *AKC ALL BREED STATS AS OF 11/30/21
MORRIS AND ESSEX, NATIONAL DOG SHOW & NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP BEST OF BREED
THANK YOU TO JUDGES MS. CAROLYN HERBEL , MR. RICHARD MULLEN, AND DR. TROY DARGIN
Deep appreciation to Susan Giles for her expert care and handling.
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DEBARAH BILLINGS BREEDER OWNER HANDLER WWW.WINDSONGBIEWERS.COM
BRONZE AKC BREEDER OF MERIT
GCHS CH WINDSONG’S SOMETHIN’ TO TALK ABOUT ONLY GROUP WINNING BIEWER TERRIER NEW GRAND CHAMPION SILVER
THANK YOU TO JUDGES MR. EUGENE BLAKE, MRS. JANET TURNAGE NAHIKIAN AND MR. TIMOTHY CATTERSON T op N otch T oys , D ecember 2021 • 25
NAVIGATING WESTMINSTER AND THE PIERS:
TOY DOG SHOWS
by Sharon Masnick
T he Westminster Kennel Club is scheduled to be held on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday, Janu- ary 24, 25 & 26, 2022. How won- derful for Tradition to continue! Anyone who is planning to exhibit should refer to the Premium List for 2022 and follow the website westminsterkennelclub.org for the most up-to-date information. The website will update you on Tickets, Bus Transportation, Parking, and Group Rate Hotels. I am going to mention several infor- mative requirements that are men- tioned in the Premium List. First, the New York City Health Code requires all animals to have a current Rabies Vaccination Certificate issued by a licensed Veterinarian.
Some basic information is to be sure that every owner of a dog picks up pet waste from sidewalks and other pub- lic places. Failure to comply can re- sult in a fine. Also, all animals should not be left off-leash in NYC. On Tuesday, Toy dogs and equipment will be admitted to Pier 36 from 7:00 PM to 10:00 PM E.S.T. on Monday evening. Owners/handlers of Tues- day dogs eligible for Variety Group judging need to arrive at Madison Square Garden (MSG) on Tuesday between 4:30PMand 6:00PME.S.T. Dogs eligible for Group judging will be able to begin boarding the buses from Pier 36 to MSG beginning at 4:00 PME.S.T. All dogs must have the crate sticker with the exhibitor’s name and contact
information (located at their area or on the dog’s crate) for the duration of the show. All parties associated with an entry must accept and agree to comply at all times with the COVID-19 require- ments. I encourage anyone entering to please review their Premium List for all requirements and to refer to the website. Safe travels to everyone and their dogs. Remember to make plans early, review your requirements, and dou- ble-check your list of “must-haves.”
“ANYONE WHO IS PLANNING TO EXHIBIT SHOULD REFER TO THE PREMIUM LIST FOR 2022 AND FOLLOW THE WEBSITE WESTMINSTERKENNELCLUB.ORG FOR THE MOST UP-TO-DATE INFORMATION.”
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 han- dled the advertising and editorial for Top Notch Toys. I resigned in 2011 to pursue judging. I am now happy to say that I can judge BIS, the Toy Group, Junior Showmanship, Azawakhs, Shetland Sheepdogs, and several Non- Sporting breeds. I am a breeder-judge for Poms, Toy Fox Terriers, Japanese Chin, and Pekingese. ABOUT THE AUTHOR
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GR CH SUNSATION RAISED ON COUNTRY SUNSHINE
OWNED AND BRED BY: B I L L AND SUS I E FAGAN, SUNSAT ION HAVANESE
HANDLED BY: NICK GRUBB AND CHE L SAY PAUL GRUBB T op N otch T oys , D ecember 2021 • 27
MURPHY’S LAWS AS PERTAINING TO DOG SHOWS
After trying forever to obtain that elu- sive second major, you have no problem getting the third major the next day. 1 day that it is exactly a major. 2 The novice people who enter every show and will drive 8 hours even if you show at 8 a.m. will not show up on the
show leads. 6 not win Breed. 7 before the Group. 8
Although every dog show has dozens of vendors, the day you forget your tack box will be the day the vendors have no
If you go to the trouble of checking out of the hotel before you show, you will
will win. 3
If you try to build a major, the “stuffer”
4
If you don’t check out of the hotel before you show, you will win Breed and there will be no time to go back and check out
Your dog needs a major to finish. You drive 12 hours to a three-day circuit to discover the superintendent erred in the count and you are one short of a major—and, of course, your dog is WD. You go home, as the next two days are not majors. You get a call Monday morning… the super erred—again… the following two days were majors and your dog would have probably won, as the judges were great for him.
py’s six-month birthday. 9
Your National is always scheduled two days ahead of your most promising pup-
10 Yourdogwill totallyblowcoat one week before the National, and after you have paid for hotel, airline, banquets, etc.
The day you leave your mud boots home, because it is the middle of a drought, there will be 12 inches of rain. 5 28 • T op N otch T oys , D ecember 2021
“IF YOUR DOG DOES BETTER AS A FOLLOWER, YOU WILL ALWAYS BE FORCED TO BE FIRST IN LINE.”
The day you say, “If Buffy doesn’t do something today, off to a pet home she goes!” she wins a five-point major. Of course, she never wins another point and all the pet homes have fallen off the face of the earth. 16 12 17 13 18 14 19 15 20 11 And, we all know about the now neutered puppy we sold as a pet and the littermate we kept as a show prospect. If your dog does better as a follower, you will always be forced to be first in line. And, of course, if your dog does best at the front of the line, someone will have al- ready beaten you there. The judge you didn’t enter under because he hates you/ your dogs/your new hair style/whatever draws an overload and your favorite judge in the entireworld picks up the overload.
Whenever the Group judge is one who adores your dog, the Breed judge will be the one who told you to “pet your dog out.” (But, if you don’t enter, refer to Rule 15.)
A particular judge always puts up the dog for Best of Winners unless YOUR dog goes Winners Dog and there is only a major in bitches.
When you enter a small show that normally has no Specials, five of the Top Ten dogs in the country will be there.
If you do win an easy Breed at PoDunk, NoWhere, you will then learn that a dozen top dogs and their handlers have flown in from the furthest corners of the country and they’re all in the Toy Group. If you win the Group, you will discover that the BIS judge’s all-time favorite dog has just won its Group, and the BIS judge has already given it several BIS.
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*
*
*
*AKC stats as of 11/30/21
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SOME THOUGHTS FROM THE USA by Dale and Jane Martenson
O ne of the great truths regard- ing Japanese Chin is “what was good is good!” The non-evolving quality of theChin has been care- fully guarded by its caretakers and is something that separates it from al- most any other breed. The challenges are real and not for the faint of heart, i.e., single digit of weight, brachycephalic, exacting head type, and parti-color markings with precise symmetry. “If it was easy, everybody would do it” has been the mantra of Chin breeders for centuries. Evaluating the hallmarks of breed type is relatively simple. The applica- tion of the the word “round” best de- scribes the outline of the Chin. Round eyes, rounded foreskull, rounded forechest, and rounded rib. There are simply no sharp edges on the Chin. Polite evaluation, showing respect for the extreme and delicate detail of type, will be appreciated by the Chin and its owner. The oral exam must be done with great care. In the US, we have no cri- teria for missing teeth, so only a vi- sual examination and possible touch is needed to be certain of an aligned, reverse scissors bite. If complete dentition (6x6) is required, the pro- tocol should be after the table exam is finished. Taking the pads of the fin- gertips, roll up one side of the lip and then repeat this on the other. Keep in mind that you will be closing the eye and compromising the breathing of the Chin. Never attempt to do both at once as this is very uncomfortable for the dog, and if it is even possible then the muzzle is too long to consider for an award. When encountering young- er or hesitant Chin, ask the owner
10-Pound Champion-Sired Bitch - Produced large, naturally whelped litters. Offspring includes Specialty & Group winners and some great family companions. Perfect markings, very sound, not enough type to show. Fantastic to live with, ideal for companion or new person to the breed. STRENGTH.
Champion Bitch - Shown in all-breed competition, winning multiple major wins. Good mother, average-sized litters. More uniform quality in her offspring than #1. Puppies required more assistance in weaning. Pleasant type with hallmarks. Not a specialty dog. 8 lbs.
“EVALUATING THE HALLMARKS OF BREED TYPE IS RELATIVELY SIMPLE. THE APPLICATION OF THE THE WORD ‘ROUND’ BEST DESCRIBES THE OUTLINE OF THE CHIN. ROUND EYES, ROUNDED FORESKULL, ROUNDED FORECHEST, AND ROUNDED RIB. THERE ARE SIMPLY NO SHARP EDGES ON THE CHIN.”
to show one side at a time if that is a judging requirement. While stan- dards for the Pekingese expression
will say, “combativeness rather than prettiness,” the Chin is all about dain- tiness, delicacy, and refinement.
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The original point schedule for the American standard allotted 65 points out of 100 for head, eyes, ears, and tail. Without these qualities, along with soundness and condition, you simply do not have a quality Chin. With social status by birthright es- tablished, watching an entry of Chin is a pleasure, and be assured, they have always participated on their own terms. The two current areas of controversy with breeders are pigment of the face and eyes, and the color of the coat. In the US, we have four allowed col- ors: black/white, red/white (self- colored pigment), sable/white (black pigment), and tri color. The UK/FCI shows do not recognize the tri color Chin, but accept the other three colors. Originally, tri was con- sidered the result of impure breeding with Chin. However, with the advent of DNA, it is the matching gene “Kk” to the sable color. With the ease of DNA swabs, breeders “WITH SOCIAL STATUS BY BIRTHRIGHT ESTABLISHED, WATCHING AN ENTRY OF CHIN IS A PLEASURE, AND BE ASSURED, THEY HAVE ALWAYS PARTICIPATED ON THEIR OWN TERMS.”
T he strength of your bitch is key to its survival and key to picking those bitches that are the ones to watch for the next upcom- ing stud. Balancing produc- tion with type can keep your numbers at the most man- ageable point. Once you have gotten to the point of four or five generations of pick-of-lit- ter bitches, your stock will be of consistent quality. Keep- ing different dogs for various reasons (like a color project) shouldn’t really be a factor for your core program. Faults are easily identified and worked around when breed- ers have confidence in their litters. The “A List” faults are things that you keep andwork around, i.e., missing teeth or size. Keeping track of those details of faults in a litter is invaluable information when choosing future matings. The “B List” faults are things that are non-negotiable issues, requiring placement and the possible retirement of the parents. Neurological issues and digestive disorders are deal-breakers for me. Always look at your puppies with honest eyes and never believe your own advertisements! If you don’t take too much com- fort in what you don’t know, and work with what have, the best will rise to the top! In breeding dogs there is a sliding scale of type, and an- other of strength and produc- tion. There is a beginning and ending point in this adven- ture, and knowing where you are is a significant advantage.
Champion Bitch - Specialty competition, lovely type and balance. Produced a couple of litters of two puppies and had a fantastic champion daughter. C-Section, but good mother. 6.5 lbs.
Grand Champion Specialty and Group- winning Bitch - Ending point of extreme type, exactly what you want to show, 5.5 lbs. Bred three times, produced three babies total, one tiny bitch finished. Her two BIS winning brothers have sired many champions. can avoid sable and tri color alltogeth- er, but if they continue crossing sables with black and white stock they will have tri color puppies. Sable can have an extreme amount of black, almost appearing to be tri-col- ored, although the DNA would proba- bly show them to be sable. As with any undesirable marking or color expres- sion, savvy breeders will avoid breed- ing the less than clear sables. AND SPECIFICALLY ON EYES: The JapaneseChin is the only brachy- cephalic breed where the white pig- mentation of the scleral tissue would not be a fault. Chin can have white scleral tissue, giving them a slight amount of white in the inside corners of their eyes. In no way is the breed to be wall-eyed and the pupils should point absolutely straight ahead. The Chin from more direct Asiatic descent will have signif- icantly less pigment under their noses and very white eye tissue.
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In a somewhat recent standard re- vision, the wording “look of aston- ishment’ was added and has been taken to mean more eye white is a prized quality. Any expression trait should be evaluated on the ground, and if
visible across the room, is very likely excessive. Qualities that make beautiful, his- torically correct eyes are shape, size, color, and placement. The amount of white scleral tissue is of little consequence.
Fad breeding for this extreme trait will result in vision impaired Chin for generations to come. The goal for all Chin fanciers should be to leave them for the next genera- tion of Chin lovers as perfect as we found them.
ABOUT THE AUTHORS Dale and Jane Martenson are breeder/owner-handlers of over 500AKC champions, including a dozen BIS Winners and some very well-loved companions.
The author with a Chin whose beautiful head and eye can be seen in the inset photo.
YORKSHIRE TERRIER NATIONAL RESCUE, INC.
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by Shelley Hennessy THE TOY STORE
W alking into a ring full of Toy breeds can be compared to a child walking into a Toys “R” Us store! If it is the Group ring, you are confronted with a variety of breeds; different colors, different shapes, different heads, different tails! Just like a child in a toy store search- ing for the perfect toy, you, as a judge, are also searching for the perfect Toy! The only thing the breeds have in common is their size. They are all small. The Toy Group is the only Group of the AKC’s seven Groups where every breed is basically the same size. Every breed in the Toy Group is judged on the table. Some Toy breeds only come in one color or color pattern. Others may come in a variety of colors, and sever- al have more than one coat variety. In breeds that come in a variety of colors, for example, Pomeranians, Havanese, and Chinese Crested Powderpuffs, try to keep your color preferences (if you have them) to yourself, and judge all colors equally! In breeds where the varieties are judged together, for example, Brus- sels Griffons and Chinese Cresteds, judge both varieties equally! Lucky Chihuahuas; their two varieties are judged separately. There are a variety of head shapes in the Toy Group. Some stan- dards are very specific as to how the head should look. Other stan- dards give a little more leeway… or judges’ interpretation!
“JUST LIKE A CHILD IN A TOY STORE SEARCHING FOR THE PERFECT TOY, YOU, AS A JUDGE, ARE ALSO SEARCHING FOR THE PERFECT TOY! The only thing the breeds have in common is their size. They are all small.”
Havanese standard is unique in that it requires full incisors. The Cava- lier King Charles Spaniel standard states that a complete scissors bite is preferred. While most judges do not seem to have a problem checking the full bite on the Manchester Terrier and the Toy Fox Terrier, this is unfor- tunately not true in Chinese Crest- eds! We see judge after judge in the ring only checking the front bite of the
The Toy Group has more breeds that only require a “thumb exam” than any other Group. They are the Pekingese, the Pug, the Japanese Chin, the Eng- lish Toy Spaniel, and the Brussels Griffon. I always wonder why the Shih Tzu isn’t included in this grouping? Only three breeds require full denti- tion. They are the Manchester Ter- rier, the Toy Fox Terrier, and the Chinese Crested Powderpuff. The
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While some Toy breed standards state that the tail is or may be docked, we are seeing more and more of these breeds in the ring with natural tails! If the parent club has not addressed this issue, it is up to the judge in the ring to determine how they will handle this. Every Toy breed, except two, re- quires a level topline. The Miniature Pinscher standard allows for a level or slightly sloping topline. The Ha- vanese standard calls for a topline to rise from the withers to the croup. The Brussels Griffon and the Chinese Crested both have two coat varieties that are judged together. The Chihua- hua has two coat varieties, but they are judged separately. In addition, the Toy Poodle and the Havanese may be shown corded. Many long-coated Toy breeds are parted down the middle of the back! The Havanese standard, however, states that this is not done in the breed. On the other hand, Chinese Crested Powderpuffs may be shown with or without a part. Please keep the differences between the Toy breeds in mind when you are judging them. And have fun in the Toy Store!
“Please keep the differences between the Toy breeds in mind when you are judging them. AND HAVE FUN IN THE TOY STORE!”
in another section of the standard it states that they have a rectangular outline—confusing. The Chinese Crested standard spe- cifically calls for a rectangular pro- portion. PLEASE remember this when judging. The only Toy breed that does not specifically address proportions is the Italian Greyhound. Different Toy breeds require differ- ent tail carriages. Several require that the tail be on or over the back (or hip). These are the Pug, the Shih Tzu, the Japanese Chin, the Pomeranian, the Papillion, the Havanese, the Maltese, the Pekingese, and the Biewer Terrier. The following breeds do not require the tail on or over the back: the Af- fenpinscher, the Brussels Griffon, the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, the Chinese Crested, the Italian Grey- hound, the Toy Manchester Terrier, the Miniature Pincher, the Toy Poo- dle, the Silky Terrier, the Toy Fox Ter- rier, and the Yorkshire Terrier. The Chihuahua is unique, as its stan- dard allows different tail carriages. It may be carried sickle either up or out, or in a loop over the back. Be sure that you know the correct tail carriage for the Toy breed you are judging.
Powderpuff. Please check the entire bite on the Powderpuff, as they are to be faulted for missing teeth. Several Toy breeds allow for the hair on the top of the head to be tied up. The Toy Poodle may have a topknot tied with elastic bands. The Biewer Terrier requires the hair on the top of the head to be tied in a ponytail and a bow may be used for adornment. The Shih Tzu standard requires the hair to be tied up on the top of the head. The Yorkshire Terrier standard al- lows one or two bows. Havanese may have their hair loose on the top of the head or may have two small braids tied with small elastic bands. Toys may be square or slightly longer than tall (SLTT) in proportion. Some standards actually call for a rectan- gular proportion. The square breeds are the Pug, the English Toy Spaniel, the Yorkshire Terrier, the Brussels Griffon, the Toy Fox Terrier, the Min- iature Pincher, the Pomeranian, the Poodle, the Affenpinscher, and the Biewer Terrier. The SLTT breeds are the Chihuahua, the Manchester Terrier, the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, the Maltese, and the Papillion. The Havanese standard states in one place that the breed is slightly longer than tall, yet
ABOUT THE AUTHOR ShelleyHennessy is currently approved by the AKC to judge four Groups, plus numerous breeds in the other three Groups, Rally, and Lure Coursing. She is a breeder-judge of Chinese Crest- eds, Whippets, and Afghan Hounds. She has participated in Conformation, Obedience, Rally, Agility, Lure Cours- ing, Scent Work, and Barn Hunt. T op N otch T oys , D ecember 2021 • 37
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T op N otch T oys , D ecember 2021 • 39
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H E A R T L A N D B I E W E R T E R R I E R S & H E A V E N S E N T B I E W E R S
GCHB WINDSONG’S HEAVEN SENTTO THE HEARTLAND CM WINSTON
THANK YOU JUDGES MS . JAN M. PAULK
MR . T IMOTHY CATTERSON MR . DOUGLAS A. JOHNSON
Owned by Rose Kitta and Kathy Totten Bred by Debarah Billings Handled by David Harper
T op N otch T oys , D ecember 2021 • 41
DOG SHOWS only shown a few times in a year, and that dog may be an exceptional speci- men of its breed. But since it hasn’t been shown extensively it likely won’t be a top-ranked dog. Rankings inher- ently favor dogs that are shown every weekend. This doesn’t mean a top- ranked dog isn’t of exceptional qual- ity. But no matter the quality of the dog, a top ranking cannot be achieved without many wins. A NUMBERS GAME? by Pamela Peat
D og shows were developed to evaluate breeding stock. In the last 10 years, as I have discussed dog shows with fellow breeders/ exhibitors, one of the topics that has been raised by many exhibitors is the focus on rankings. Instead of cher- ishing a single win under a judge you deem is an authority on your breed, exhibitors want to collect as many wins as possible as they chase the highest ranking. Let’s first talk about shows and en- tries. When exhibitors are focused on rankings, they don’t consider whether a show has a quality entry that may provide them with a new stud dog to use or a breeding program to con- sider. They are entering shows to gar- ner wins and points, regardless of the quality of the competition. If your pri- ority is to be #1 Dog, you may choose to skip your National Specialty if you do not believe your dog has chance to win, and elect to attend a different show instead. In doing so, not only do you not have the opportunity to see the various entries, but those who are at the National do not get to see your dog. In many cases, Nationals are the only time these dogs come together at a single event. If, however, you are focused on rankings, a breedwin else- where is worth more than even Select at the National. Since rankings are such a priority for many people, does the ranking of the dog equate to the quality of the dog? This depends on whom you ask. There may be a beautiful dog that is
Finally, there are two different sets of rankings for conformation dogs: Breed and All-Breed. The Breed rankings are primarily what I’ve dis- cussed here, but All-Breed rankings take into consideration competing above theBreed level. This systemcan allow a dog shown only a few times to be highly ranked because it includes all of the breeds. For instance, if your dog is awarded Best in Show, in many cases this is worth dozens of Group or Breed awards. Said dog may be ranked #1 in the All-Breed system, but #4 in the Breed system. Is the #1 Breed dog better than the #1 All- Breed dog? As a judge, I am there to evaluate breeding stock, and can only judge what is entered. As an exhibitor, I can choose to enter a show or not, and this decision may be affected by a pursuit of a ranking, my view of the judge, the importance of a show, or a multitude of other factors. So, are dog shows a numbers game? For judges, probably not. For exhibitors? Of course, we all start wanting those 15 points for that new champion!
BIO
Pamela Peat became actively involved in the dog world in the 1970s as a breeder of Dachshunds, and is cur- rently breeding and exhibiting Affen- pinschers under the Pramada prefix. She has also bred and shown Pomera- nians. While raising a family and be- coming a Reproductive Endocrinology Nurse Practitioner, Pam was active in all-breed and specialty dog clubs in multiple capacities in Minnesota and Arizona. In addition, she partici- pated in performance events with her Dachshunds and Pomeranians. Pam is a parent club approved mentor for both Dachshunds and Affenpinschers. Her judging career began in the early 1990s, and she currently judges all Hound, Toy, Terrier, and Non-Sport- ing Groups and both Corgi breeds. Pam has had the opportunity to travel and judge in Taiwan, Japan, Korea, Australia, South Africa, Sweden, and Italy as well as the US and Canada.
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National Owner Handled Series Finals Orlando Toy Group 2 Thank you Doug Johnson
GCH NARWYN WHEN IN ROME Always Breeder/Owner/Handled Kat Smith, Narwyn Havanese Multiple Group Placing Multiple NOHS Group Placing
T op N otch T oys , D ecember 2021 • 43
CAVALIER MOVEMENT
IS IT SOMETHING SPECIAL? IS IT SOMETHING UNIQUE?—BY NO MEANS!
by Jeanie Montford (A version of this article was originally published in The Royal Dispatch.)
T he Cavalier King Charles Span- iel is quite normal—one could almost say their structure and proportions are generic—there are no extremes of proportions or conformation such as we find in the Dachshund or the Pekingese or the Bulldog, for example, which will dic- tate specialized and distinctive gaits. How important is it to consider Cav- alier movement? Where do we put movement on our list of priorities among head and expression, temper- ament, coat, and markings, etc.? Do all breeders consider good move- ment anessential goal of theirbreeding program or are they more concerned with pretty faces and lots of coat?Why do we want our dogs to move well both in and out of the show ring? If a dog is moving with all of its bones and joints in proper proportion in relation to one another, it will move
more efficiently with less wear and tear on the joints, expending less en- ergy to get from A to B. Hopefully the dog will live well into a comfortable old age without developing arthritis or other joint inflammations. Our Standards for the Cavalier are mercifully clear and to-the-point when describing movement: Country of Origin, UK Standard: “Free-moving and elegant in action, plenty of drive from behind. Fore and hind limbs move parallel when viewed from in front and behind.” US Standard: “Free moving and elegant in action, with good reach in front and sound, driving rear ac- tion. When viewed from the side, the movement exhibits a good length of stride, and viewed from front and rear it is straight and true, resulting from straight-boned fronts and properly made and muscled hindquarters.”
I do not believe there is any difference in the essential meaning between these two standards. I interpret “move parallel” to be essentially the same as “straight and true.” Some of the factors that affect move- ment are, firstly, structure andconfor- mation. In order to produce the ideal movement described in the Standard, the dog needs to be well-angulated in both fore and hind quarters. If the angulation is balanced front and rear, then, ideally, at the trot, the hind foot should step into the place of the fore- foot as it is lifted. Ideally, in a well-angulated front as- sembly, the point of the elbow will be directly beneath the highest point of the shoulder blade when the dog is standing. If a dog is straight (upright shoulder blades and steep upper arm) in the front assembly and is over- angulated in the rear, the dog has too
True and Parallel Movement in Front, with the Leg Forming a Straight Column of Support Under the Body
True and Parallel Movement Behind
Close Movement Behind
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Lack of Drive, Little Flexion of Stifles and Hock Over-Reaching, Causing the Dog to “Crab”
“Sound driving action” at a phase of the trot that shows flexing of hocks and stifles, good reach of hind feet well-forward under the body, and cor- rect topline.
“Free moving and elegant in action.” This dog shows wonderful reach and drive, correct topline and tail carriage.
much “drive” behind and the hind feet will have to pass the front foot to the side (over-reaching), leading the dog to move at an angle to the direction of movement—i.e., crabbing. Tomove “true,” the dog needs tomove both feet on each side in the same plane. If the feet are tracking prop- erly, then the dog will move “parallel” or “straight and true.” I believe that if a dog is coming towards me, I should only see “two legs” as in a horse com- ing down the center line in dressage. Cavaliers should not single track when viewed from in front or be- hind—they have a low center of grav- ity and they should not be moved around the show ring at great speed. There should not be any tendency for the feet to converge! The legs should provide a straight column of support under the dog. Any deviation such as cowhocks, bowed hocks or crooked fronts will lead to excessive strain on the joints and ligaments. The conditioning and musculature should not be underestimated—no matter howperfect a dog’s bone struc- ture might be. It will be unable to move, as its structure would suggest, if it’s unfit and lacking in strong and responsive muscles and ligaments. It is these ligaments and muscles that
You know that they will show this just as easily in parks and gardens as in the ring. Watching our Cavaliers move with joy and animation forms a great part of the pleasure we derive from our dogs. It’s our responsibility to breed and develop the whole Cavalier: the melt- ingly beautiful expression; the ame- nable, loving temperament; and the silky-coated beauty, but also one who can live a long and active life, free from pain and discomfort because of its correct conformation and ease of movement. ABOUT THE AUTHOR Jeanie Montford, Elvenhome Cava- liers, a founding member of ACKCSC, has a long and successful history in our breed. She started breeding Cavaliers in the early 1970s and has bred and/ or owned over 100 Cavalier Cham- pions and has over 30 All-Breed BIS and over 30 Specialty BIS winners in Australia and internationally. She has been a licensed judge since 1980 and has judged in Australia, New Zealand, United Kingdom, US, Peru, Sweden, Finland, and Japan. She is one of only three judges who have had the honor of being asked to judge our National Specialty twice! T op N otch T oys , D ecember 2021 • 45
enable a dog to move its bones from place to place! These begin to develop early in life, and growing puppies, if given too little exercise or confined to a puppy pen, may never develop strong ligaments. Too much or prolonged ex- ercise and encouraging fast develop- ment with high protein foods may lead to malformed bone growth and prob- lems later in life. Steady growth gains and free exercise (when and for as long as the puppy wishes) are best and will hopefully result in a good-moving dog when mature. Conditioning and the sensible development of fitness and muscles can make dramatic improve- ment to the movement of a dog with basically good structure but who is slack and soft in muscle tone. And last, but not least: the dog’s tem- perament, attitude, and training. You can have the best-constructed and best-conditioned Cavalier, but if the dog doesn’t want to move with drive and enthusiasm its virtues will never be revealed to the judge in the show ring. Some wonderful dogs drive their owners to distraction through active or passive non-cooperation (I speak from experience here) while others show with flair and joie de vivre, demonstrating glorious, easy, ground-covering and true movement.
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