JUDGING IN MOSCOW by Gene Sisneros
H aving grown up in the 1970s and 80s, there has always been a cer- tain mystique about Russia. I was always fascinated by and won- dered what life was really like in this vast expanse on the other side of the planet, so when I was invited by the Russian Kynological Federation to judge in the Russian capital of Moscow in November and to present a seminar on my breed, the Pomeranian, I could not have been more excited to accept the assignment! The trip planning was very organized, and even the daunting visa applica- tion went smoothly. I tried to study up on Russian custom, reading things like “don’t look people in the eye, don’t talk to people, and don’t go anywhere alone.” Needless to say, I looked at people, spoke to people, and went around alone. I tried to learn a few Russian words and phrases, because I find that wherever I travel, if I at least make an effort to communicate in the native language the people are much more responsive and friendly. It was a seven day trip, and I arrived early Thursday, October 31 to snow and was met at the airport and taken to the beautiful Crowne Plaza World Trade Center, with a gorgeous view of the river and one of the Seven Sisters across the river. As I don’t sleep well on planes, I was exhausted and spent most of the day in bed. Friday morning I went on a private tour of the Moscow metro sys- tem, in which I was told about the his- tory of Moscow and the development of the underground system under dif- ferent leaders. As a way of giving to the people, many of the stations are works of art and incredibly ordered and punc- tual. After the tour, I walked around Red Square in the snow, had lunch at a Georgian restaurant, and shopped a lit- tle. That evening was the welcome din- ner for the 47 judges from around the world. All but fellow American Bruce Schwartz were FCI judges, and it was an honor to be included with such an
amazing “family” of judges. There were three days of FCI CACIB shows, as they added a show on Mon- day because it was a holiday, National Unity Day. The shows were held at the huge Crocus Expo Center, the site of the 2016 World Dog Show. Saturday, November 2 was “Russia 2019” with an entry of over 3,400 dogs. Upon arriving at the show site, I was met by a transla- tor who would help me in the ring each day along with two rings stewards. I judged over 70 Pomeranians and I was very happy with the quality of the en- try. The Russians have done very well with the breed. The organization of the show was impeccable and everything was timed pretty much to the minute, especially the group competition and the various bests in show, with com- petition from best baby puppy and best junior to the Russian breed show- case, all overseen by RKF President Vladimir Golubev. Sunday, November 3 was “RKF Presi- dent’s Cup 2019” with over 3,100 dogs entered. I had very nice entries of Poo- dles and Chinese Cresteds, with my stunning medium black Poodle bitch winning Group 9 and BIS 3 andmy Chi- nese Crested finishing behind her with a group 2. The day was capped off by a wonderful gala dinner at the host hotel. Monday, November 4 was “RKF Cup 2019” with 2,600 entries. I was privi- leged to judge Brussels Griffons, Eng- lish Toy Spaniels, and Cavalier King Charles Spaniels and had a few stand- out dogs in each breed. From watching other breeds and the groups, I saw that the quality of the toy breeds was quite high. The show ended with Supreme Best in Show being awarded to the AlaskanMalamute. I took Tuesday off to rest and see some more sights. Wednesday, I attended seminars presented by fellow judges in the areas of canine reproduction and preservation breeding, which has become a topic worldwide and one im- portant to the future of our sport. I was
honored to be able to present a seminar on behalf of the American Pomeranian Club on the Pomeranian, it’s history, standard, breed concerns, and judg- ing. Many Pom breeders attended, and I was thankful for the opportunity to share our educational program. My first FCI judging assignment could not have been better. I foundMoscow to be a great placewithwarmand beautiful people. The shows were incredibly or- ganized and the hospitality top-notch. The quality of the dogs was high, and the exhibitors were friendly and respectful and made my job rewarding. I hope to have an opportunity to return. ABOUT THE AUTHOR Dr. Geno Sisneros acquired his first Po- meranian in 1998 and began showing and breeding in 2001 while attending the University of Alabama at Birming- ham School of Optometry. He has since bred or finished over 30 AKC champi- ons, with multiple best in show all-breed, specialty, bred-by exhibitor and owner handled Poms. He currently serves the American Pomeranian Club as Vice President and AKC Delegate and assists with Judges Education. He is also Presi- dent Elect of the Montgomery Kennel Club (AL), serves as Vice President of the Kuvasz Club of America, and is a mem- ber of the Swedish Pomeranian Club, Pekingese Club of America, and Morris & Essex Kennel Club. He began judging in 2015 and hopes to soon complete the Toy Group.
34 • T op N otch T oys , J anuary 2020
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