2022 WESTMINSTER KENNEL CLUB
WESTMINSTER TOY JUDGES THE
JAMES J. (JIMMY) MITCHELL
SHAWN JAMES NICHOLS
1. When did you learn that you would be judging some of the Toy breeds at Westminster this year? It was well over a year ago that I received an in- vitation to judge an assignment of Toy and Herding breeds at the 2022 Westminster KC. 2. Which Toy breeds did you judge? How were the entries? Overall quality was well-above average with Toy Man- chester Terriers, Italian Greyhounds,
1. When did you learn that you would be judg- ing some of the Toy breeds at Westminster this year? I got the in- vite in February to re- place Ann Ingram from Ireland. It was a tremen- dous honour to be asked to fill such big shoes. 2. Which Toy breeds
did you judge? How were the entries? The only Toy breed I judged was Toy Poodles, which is my original breed. The variety, sadly, seems to be on the decline in popularity as people gravitate to breeds that require less maintenance and work. The entry was slightly larger than in previous years. 3. Can you tell us about the overall quality in the breeds you judged? Any standouts? Is there any cause for concern? My BOV and BOS were really the only two to consider in the small entry. I think the BOS dog has beautiful type but needs a little more time. The BOV winner was in beauti- ful condition and showed her heart out. The big- gest concern would be the dwindling numbers in the breed. There simply aren’t the significant breeders that we once had; many have retired or passed on. I think the variety is strong in several of the Asian countries. 4. What are your thoughts about the show’s lo- cation at Lyndhurst? Did you miss being in Man- hattan in February? Lyndhurst, to me, will always be Westchester. I must say you couldn’t ask for a better backdrop for an alternative venue for such a grand event. David Hellman, David Haddock, and Florence Fotti, along with all the members of the Westminster Kennel Club, have done an outstand- ing job of recreating tradition for us all to enjoy. Goes to show you, traditions are hard to break, no matter the disruption we’re confronted with.
and Brussel Griffons leading the numbers list. 3. Can you tell us about the overall quality in the breeds you judged? Any standouts? Is there any cause for concern? With Westminster usually drawing quality entries, this year proved to be no exception from BOB to AOM. 4. What are your thoughts about the show’s location at Lynd- hurst? Did you miss being in Manhattan in February? My first “Garden” was in 1958. Manhattan will always reign the favorite, but as times change, sometimes we have to move on. Hopefully not! As for Lyndhurst, it was my first outdoor 1,000-plus dog show. A kid from the project... a Castle. WOW!! 5. Please share your thoughts on Westminster’s significance to the fancy. What does the show represent to the general public? To you, personally? From the fancy to John Q. Public, Westmin- ster is unique in its own way. The exhibitor waits for the May an- nouncement of the coming panel. To the public, it’s the Super Bowl, U.S. Open, and Wimbledon. My fourth assignment here and the “Toys” are in good shape! “WITH WESTMINSTER USUALLY DRAWING QUALITY ENTRIES, THIS YEAR PROVED TO BE NO EXCEPTION FROM BOB TO AOM.”
40 • T op N otch T oys , J uly 2022
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