Top Notch Toys November 2019

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.

Hampton Court Rachel Dawes RACHEL G R A N D C H A M P I O N

2019 has been a great year for Rachel WE ARE LOOKING FORWARD

TO 2020 WITH OUR HAMPTON COURT AND MOUNTAIN VIEW TEAM

OWNED BY VICTOR MALZONI JR. HAMPTON COURT CLAIRE WISCH ABRAHAM MOUNTAIN VIEW

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our new stars!

PROFESSIONALLY PRESENTED BY ALL CANDIDS BY NOR CAL BULLDOGGER Kelly Shupp pHA

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*TNT all breed stats as of 9/30/19

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B r o n z e G r a n d C h a m p i o n ALFA LAVAL AYRON DOG

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chinese crested * w i t h l i m i t e d s h o w i n g

Owned by roy & joann Kusumoto | BRED BY TANYA ZHUKOVSKAYA | Presented and spoiled by daryl martin

* t n t b r e e d s t a t s a s o f 9 / 3 0 / 1 9

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BACK-TO-BACK

Thank you judges Carolyn Al exander , R i chard Lashbrook & Steve Hayden

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*TNT all breed stats as of 9/30/19

o w n e d b y ROY & JO-ANN KUSUMOTO

B R E D & C O - O W N E D b y DARYL MARTIN

m u l t i p l e b e s t i n s h o w w i n n i n g c h a m p i o n

TIMEB MB PUFF

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THANK YOU GLORIA KERR, ALLEN ODOM

AND LISA WARREN FOR THESE WINS.

T O P T W E N T Y A L L B R E E D *

M U L T I P L E B E S T O F B R E E D S

| B E S T O F O P P O S I T E S E X R E G I O N A L S P E C I A L T Y

EXPERTLY PRESENTED BY ANDREA CARTER

BREEDER/OWNER PATRICIA RUST

|

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GCHB D'ANGELIS DIAPHONOUS MORNING Dominique T op N otch T oys , N ovember 2019 • 13

WE ARE SO PROUD and Champ is always Breeder/Owner Handled. We would like to express our appreciation to all of the judges who recognized Champ for his compact, correct size, lovely head and beautiful carriage and awarded Champ NOHS Best in Show:

Collette Jaynes

(pictured)

Magic Valley Kennel Club Marietta, Ohio | May 17, 2019

Mr. Terry Stacy

(pictured)

Blennerhassett Kennel Club Marietta, Ohio | May 18, 2019

Mrs. Jacqueline Stacy

(pictured)

Blennerhassett Kennel Club Marietta, Ohio | May 19, 2019

Ms. Shelley Hennessy

Bushy Run Kennel Club Vandergrift, Pennsylvania | June 29, 2019

Ms. JoAnne Buehler Marion Ohio Kennel Club Marion, Ohio | July 28, 2019

Mrs. Eva Berg

Columbiana County Kennel Club Canfield, Ohio | August 2, 2019

Mrs. Terry Berrios

Fort Steuben Kennel Association Rayland, Ohio | September 1, 2019

Mrs. Shalisa Neely

Holland Michigan Kennel Club Kalamazoo, Michigan | May 25, 2018

BREEDER OWNER HANDLER RICHARD LEBEAU CO-OWNER MICHAEL J. WHITE MD ASSISTANT JOSH KREPPS

BEAUPRIX@COMCAST.NET

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#1 NOHS English Toy Spaniel [B&PC] again for 2019!*

7 NOHS BIS

in 2019!

8 CAREER NOHS BIS

to date!

i x d

*AKC Statistics 2019

Mrs. Terry Berrios Our sincere appreciation to for awarding Champ his 8th career AKC National Owner Handled Series Best in Show on the occasion of my [perennial] 39th birthday!

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CONTENTS TABLE OF

ARAMEDIA

AJ ARAPOVIC President 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 SAMANTHA ADKINS Production Co-Ordinator Advertiser Relations samantha@aramediagroup.com 512-686-3466 ext. 103

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32

MAILING ADDRESS PO BOX 18567 TAMPA, FL 33679

59 60 60 62 64 65 66

42 44 50 53 54 55

TNT

22 From the 26 Toy Talk 32 Toy Box

The Havanese What’s So Hard To Understand? Kathy Ambler

TNT Top Twenty Toys

Editor-in-Chief Joe McGinnis

BONNIE GUGGENHEIM Editor/Advertising Director 512-971-3280 bonnie@aramediagroup.com DANIEL CARTIER Director, Social Media & Web Site daniel@aramediagroup.com JOSEPH NEIL McGINNIS III Executive Editor Emeritus Chief Media Consultant editor@aramediagroup.com

Maltese Looking Back To ContinueMoving Forward Daryl Martin

TNT All-Breed System

Bonnie Guggenheim

On Judging Maltese Daryl Martin

TNT Breed System

34 Just Judy’s Thoughts For My Fellow Owner-Handlers Judy Thompson

Breed Standard: A Timeless Picture

National Owner Handled System Top Toys

In Words Pat Bullard

TOP NOTCH TOYS is published twelve times per year by AraMe- dia Group, Inc. PO Box 18567, Tampa, FL 33679. Postage paid at Omaha, Nebraska. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form without the express writ- ten permission of the editor. The opinions expressed in this publica- tion either editorially or in advertis- ing copy are those of the authors and do not necessarily constitute endorsement 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. Inquiries to: Michael R. Veras, COO, AraMedia Group Inc., PO Box 18567, Tampa FL 33678512 686 3466 ext 105 or michael@aramediagroup.com.

36 DIY Dog Shows You Can Do It

The Maltese Various Guest Experts

Advertising and Subscription Rates

Yourself—And Win! Cecilia Bozzo

40 Coming Attractions 57

The Biewer Terrier Various Guest Experts

Index to Advertisers

42 Havanese National Week Candids

Photos by Kathy Ambler 59

The Biewer Terrier: A Breeder’s View Debarah Billings

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GOLD GRAND CHAMPION GINGERY'S HIGH VOLTAGE WESTMINSTER AND NATIONAL SELECT

THANK YOU TO ALL THE JUDGES WHO APPRECIATE ELLIE’S BREED TYPE AND MOVEMENT.

handled by VICTOR HELU

owned by JACQUI DIPIETRO & ARLENE BUTTERKLEE

bred by ARLENE BUTTERKLEE

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2019 NAT IONAL BEST IN SPECIALT Y SHOW WINNING SILVER GRAND CHAMPION

DIVINE’S TAKES THE CAKE AT SARCENET

#1 MALTESE F OR A L L O F 2 0 1 9 *

From our whelping box to National Best in Specialty Show winner and the #1 Maltese*, we are proud to share Joey with true toy dog fanciers.

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TEAM JOEY: LEIGH BRAUN, ELLEN KURLAND, STACY NEWTON, ZACH NEWTON & ANGELA STANBERRY BRED BY STACY NEWTON, ANGELA STANBERRY & ELLEN KURLAND EXCLUSIVELY HANDLED BY HIS “POPPY” ZACH NEWTON, PHA

©TOM MEYER 2019

*TNT BREED STATS AS OF 9/30/2019

# 1 Sarcenet Maltese strives to produce Maltese as described by the parent club standard—a compact toy breed dog of the preferred weight of 4-6 lbs. The Maltese is a breed of moderation. Nothing about him is extreme or substantial, with the exception of his mantle of silky white hair and his lively, playful temperament.

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RESCUE IT’S NOT JUST FOR OTHER PEOPLE

Joseph Neil McGinnis III EXECUTIVE EDITOR EMERITUS

I’ve long felt that if each of us rescued one dog, we’d go a long ways to- wards alleviating re-homing and placement problems in our own breeds. I mean, what’s one more little mouth (or big mouth) to feed and one more buddy to hug? I was elated to find the following by our good friend William H. Miller. Thank you, Billy, for your kind actions and for sharing it with us.

B reeding purebred dogs and rescue do not have to exist in two separate universes. People can do both. Whether it be a purebred dog without a home or a mixed breed, the love of dogs is what brought me into the sport in the first place. There are bad breeders. There are bad rescue groups. Perhaps the dog lover in me is more concerned with giving a chance for all dogs to thrive and find love. Our record holding BIS dog slept side by side with a rescue dog. We were adamant that both of

them were equally beautiful. The rescue never entered a show ring. Most clever folk were well aware that "all bets were off' if there was any commentary about her lack of conforming to the breed stan- dard.

Here’s wishing everyone a Happy Thanksgiving. Take a moment to count your blessings; they are everywhere you look. Especially in your lap or at your feet.

Editor photo taken at Devon Dog Club, Glenmoore, PA, October 5, 2019, by Dr. Michael B. Knight. Inset courtesy William H. Miller

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CHAMPIONS ARE BORN. THEN MADE. WE’LL SEE YOU AT THE NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP

Stay updated on all things NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP

Download the app now! - Interactive maps - Build your own schedule - Pro Shop online & promotions

© 2019 ROYAL CANIN SAS. All Rights Reserved. T op N otch T oys , N ovember 2019 • 23

Desert High Shih Tzu Edward J. and Melody Campbell

Thank you to Houston (Toddie) Clark for this Toy Group 3 win Bred & Owned by Dr. Edward J. & Melody Campbell Exclusively Handled by Angela Cooke GCH Desert’s Vagabond Wind

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Thank you to Michael Canalizo for this Toy Group 3 win Bred & Owned by Dr. Edward J. & Melody Campbell Exclusively Owner Handled by Melody Campbell

CH Desert’s Wandering Wind Dancer

CH Desert’s Wayfaring Spirit

Thank you to Ted Eubank for this Bred by Exhibitor Toy Group 2 win Bred & Owned by Dr. Edward J. & Melody Campbell Exclusively Owner Handled by Melody Campbell

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TOY TALK ETCETERA by Bonnie Guggenheim, TNT Advertising Director & Associate Editor

TELL YOUR STORY!

I t is always wonderful to hear from any of you and the story of how you became involved in exhibiting, breeding or judging and why you are involved with a breed you love. Email your story for possible use in the De- cember issue of Top Notch Toys. Those of you who are success- ful owner-handlers have a special bond with your chosen breed and the recent statistics show the win- ners for Breed, All breed and Na- tional ranks. Tell us in an article or a few sentences how you got to the level you have achieved and what motivated you. Photographs from your very early start are welcome and would be fun to have in a future article. This issue

tell you a skillful owner handler is serious competition. Have a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday, win a lot and tell the fancy about it in Top Notch Toys . I’m dedicated to our totally terrific Toys and want to help you with your ad or answer questions about the best way to promote your special win. Inquiring minds want to know. See you in Orlando at the AKC Na- tional Championship Show. Bonnie bonnie@aramediagroup.com 512.971.3280

features Owner Handlers as a part of the November issue so I’m plan- ning on the follow up for the very important December issue that will be distributed by the hundreds at the Royal Canin Show. It would also be great to hear from our accomplished Juniors who are incredible, amazing and the fu- ture of our much loved sport—in particular the wonderful Toys in Group Five. Owner Handlers usually have a special dog they are showing and have lots more time to groom, train and create an awesome re- lationship with the dog. Use it to your advantage! Professionals will

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# 1 OWN E R H A N D L E D YO R K S H I R E T E R R I E R * *AKC NOHS STATS AS OF 2019

THANK YOU JUDGE NANCY BODINE

G C H B T YAVA’ S S U G A R F OOT ’ S S T R I K E F O R C E MULTI OH GROUP WINNING/MULTI GROUP PLACING/OHBIS

BREEDER AVA TYREE | TYAVA’S YORKIES

OWNER / HANDLER VICKI EDWARDS | SUGARFOOT YORKIES

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BISS CH A LURA Goody Goody Goody Gumdrops

B RED, O WNED & H ANDLED BY L YNN P ARTRIDGE, A LURA IG S C O- B RED BY S COTT P ARTRIDGE, A LURA IG S C O- O WNED BY D INI W ESTMAN

B EST B RED BY EXHIBITOR AT 9 MONTHS 2019 IGCA N ATIONAL S PECIALTY J UDGE E UGENE B LAKE

F ROM THE CLASSES AT 7 MONTHS B EST IN SPECIALTY SHOW J UDGE FRED BASSETT

T HANK YOU TO ALL THE JUDGES WHO REWARD HER QUALITY.

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Twinkle twinkle Little Star, YOU ARE GOING TO GO FAR GRANDVIEWHOW DO YOU LIKE ME NOW@HEAVENLY’S PRINCESS AND HEAVENLY’S RED ALERT FUEGOWITH ALYSSA MOSLEY AND DAUGHTER, ADDY

Owned by Dr. Duncan Simmons & Bonnie Simmons Heavenly Havanese@hotmail.com www.myheavenlyhavanesepuppies.com

Handled by Alyssa Mosley Highsights@gmail.com

Princess bred by Laura Vivolo Red Alert bred by Bette Chiguina

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Ricky GCHS DARKSIDE’S WALKER STALKER BCAT

7 TH CURRENTLY

both candids of Ricky by

in the breed *

2018 - 5th in the All Breed and 8th in the Breed BOB 2018 NOHS Finals BOS and BOBOH TMT 2017 AMTC National Specialty Select and AOM at Westminster Many NOHS Group 1’s Multiple Variety Toy Group placements CO-OWNED WITH MADONNA LEE

Barnum GCHB BARBARY'S KALLMEE THE RINGMASTER

3 RD

in the breed *

Select at Westminster before 1 year old 2018 – 12th in the Breed at 10 months old Growing up to his potential! SUSAN AND STEVE THIBODEAUX COCOA, FL HOME OF EXCEPTIONAL DOGS SINCE 1978

*TNT breed stats as of 9/30/19

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TOP NOTCH TOYS

TOYBOX

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. 32 • T op N otch T oys , N ovember 2019

owned by GEORGE & DEBRA KAILER

bred by GAIL GARVEY

presented by DEBORAH WHEELER

BEST IN SHOW MULTIPLE RESERVE BEST IN SHOW

T H E

A M A Z I

N G

BIS GCHG GAR-V N GW’S THE AMAZING SPIDER-MAN

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JUST JUDY’S THOUGHTS

By Judy Thompson OHA

Judy can be reached at JudyThompsonOHA@aol.com

FOR MY FELLOW OWNER-HANDLERS

W hen I was younger and com- peting at horse shows, I didn’t hop off the saddle and give the reins to my riding instructor and ask her to jump my horse around the course, even though she was a far superior rider. When I skied, I didn’t step out of my bindings and let a better skier use my skis to ski down the mountain, even though she could handle the double black diamonds and I was still on the intermediate slopes. Now that I golf, I don’t give my ball and putter to a golf pro on the green and ask him to putt out for me, even though that would surely save me some strokes. Why then, do we give our dogs to professional handlers and ask them to present the dog to the judges at conformation shows? How much more satisfying would it be to show your dog yourself? What can match the joy of winning with your beloved companion, who then comes home with you and snuggles with you on the sofa? As an owner-handler you and your dog have a special bond, one that might not be possible if he were “on the truck”. You’ve become a team and your dog wants very much to please you, and I think that shows in the ring. Exhibitors often mention that connection, and the pride that

Grooming, trimming, and presenta- tion are not inherited traits. If you have a dog with excellent breed type characteristics, shouldn’t it be put up over a mediocre dog that is presented to perfection? Still, competition is tough and it is in- cumbent upon us to show our dogs in the best possible light. Are we dressed for success? Have we taken some han- dling seminars? Is our dog immacu- lately clean and properly trimmed? Have we asked a friend to take videos of us in the ring so that we can be sure we are gaiting and stacking properly? We need to do our best to show like a pro. On my piano, in a silver frame, is a photo of my first show dog, a Papil- lon bitch I showed to Bronze Grand Champion. She is stacked on a table covered with a purple cloth trimmed in gold bullion fringe. A pointer is emblazoned on the front. Yes, she was at Westminster, and in the photo I am behind her stacking her on the table. No, she didn’t win anything that day, but we were there together and she showed beautifully. I was very proud of her, and it is a memory I will always cherish. Make your own memories, and remember: “An amateur built the Ark, professionals built the Titanic.”—unknown

goes along with training and bringing along a winning dog, especially one that they’ve bred themselves. When those sportsmen gathered for the first dog show in New York City to show off their pointers and set- ters, I’m guessing they showed their dogs themselves. Somehow we’ve evolved to the point where it takes a team of breeders, multiple owners (including one who is willing to pick up the tab for two-page spreads and magazine covers) and a well-known handler with a couple of live-in assistants to campaign a top show dog. What will happen when we turn over our dog to a professional handler? Will the structure, type and move- ment of the dog magically improve? Will toplines becomemore level?Will eye color and shape better fit the stan- dard? Will tail and ear sets suddenly be perfected? Granted, professionals may better train the dog to self-stack with every paw in place. They excel in grooming and artful trimming. They have learned every nuance of show- manship in the ring. But if we are judging breeding stock, and judges are looking for inherited traits that could be passed along to the next generation, then a great show dog is one that has type, structure and movement based on the standard.

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CH COGIE’S ONE WITH THE FORCE Wow!What a Weekend!

FROM THE CLASSES BACK-TO-BACK GROUP 4 GENESEE VALLEY KC A SPECIAL THANK YOU TO JUDGE CINDY MEYER FOR RUSTY’S PLACEMENT

MR. RUSTY IS HANDLED AND LOVED BY MJ HELD | 1442 ORCHARD PARK ROAD WEST, SENECA, NEW YORK 14224 | 716-675-4497 OWNED AND BRED BY CATHLEEN COGAN BIRD

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DIY DOG SHOWS YOU CAN DO IT YOURSELF— AND WIN!

by Cecilia Bozzo

In July, 2019 I was asked to participate in an Owner Handled Survey which was featured in the July, 2019 issue of ShowSight Magazine. I found the responses from fellow Owner Handlers very interesting. The article brought so many different perspectives together. I was asked to write an article for the Top Notch Toys No- vember 2019 issue which features Owner Handlers. I would like to share my perspective on what it takes to be truly successful in the All Breed ring as well the National Owner Handed Series ring.

I bought my first ‘Pet’ Chihuahua in 2009 and attended my first Regional Specialty in 2010. I purchased and began showing my first ‘Show dog’ later in 2010. My first litter was bred in 2012 which produced my foundation bitch. Prior to breeding, I had shown her 99 times! I entered every local show. I was new to showing dogs and didn’t know how to train her, how to groom her, where to show her or who to show her to. A friend of mine with much more experience advised me to enter her in a show under a judge who she felt would find her. Her first time back in the ring 14 months post whelp she finished win- ning her last major, going Best of Va- riety over Specials and a Toy Group 4! Good advice and patience truly paid off. I purchased a puppy bred by Darwin Delaney of Dartan Chihuahuas in 2013.

I realized she was special but could never have fathomed how special she would become until our journey began. Tiffany has been in the top 10 Breed/All Breed for 5 years. She has been number one Owner Handled Smooth Coat Chi- huahua for 5 years. She has earned an All Breed BIS, All Breed RBIS, MBISS. She has earned 19 OH BIS and 15 OH RBIS. She had been awarded in the rib- bons at the Chihuahua Club of America Regional and National Specialty and Westminster Kennel Club multiple times in her youth. She was awarded Best of Variety at the Chihuahua Club of America National Specialty in 2018, RBIS at the AKCNOHS Finals in 2018, Best of Variety at the AKC National Championship in 2018, Best of Variety Progressive Toy Club as well as West- minster Kennel Club 2019! >

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JAM-UPS DAN SU BRAVEHEART

EVERY STEP HE MAKES EVERY MOVE HE MAKES pure Shih Tzu love

OWNED BY: JANIS CLARYOEHLSCHLAGER 3099 SE RIVER BREEZE PLACE STUART, FLORIDA 34996

LOVINGLY AND BEAUTIFULLY PRESENTED BY: BECKY DOSS-MULLINS FREDERICKSBURG, VIRGINIA

CANDIDS BY RANDY DOSS

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“AS AN OWNER HANDLER I’M COMMITTED TO HELPING OTHERS ACHIEVE THEIR DREAMS OF SUCCESS. EVERY JOURNEY BEGINS WITH A SINGLE STEP. Take that step!”

©Krista Droop

be prepared to show your best? Are you paying attention to where your steepest competition may be arriving? Are you prepared to travel? Traveling outside of your backyard is a wonderful experi- ence. You’re able to meet fellow exhibi- tors from all over the Country and are seen showing your dog at wonderful circuits! Watch the Groups! There’s so much to be learned by sitting ring- side through Best in Show. Advertising your dog is an excellent way to celebrate your accomplishments as well as make themknown. It can be challenging as an Owner Handler who may not be able to show every weekend to become known based on STATS and win photos alone. It’s not about ‘Playing a game’ but cer- tainly about ‘Doing the work.’ Another important suggestion I would make is ‘Trademark’ yourself and your dog. Dress the part and show up pre- pared to give your best. Have an unde- niable ‘Look’. The ‘Look’ encompasses much more than a beautiful suit. There are quite economical ways to present yourself and your dog magnificently on a tight budget! The handlers I admire

most have an undeniable appearance and style of showing their dogs. Your dog’s showmanship MUST be excep- tional to catch the Judge’s and specta- tor’s eyes! If successful professionals can fine tune their talent.. So can the ambitious Owner Handlers who strive for excellence. The relationship with your dog may perhaps be one of the most personal suggestions I can offer. The relation- ship with your dog should shine bright. Every time you are in the ring with your dog is a blessing. Dogs will give every- thing they have for you and they have not signed up for your personal endeav- ors. Feel gratitude for your dog in your heart and soul. The love and adoration between you and your dog will be felt by all. For me, there’s no ‘Means to an end’ when showing. I can not emphasize enough how important this has been for me and my journey with Tiffany and will be with other dogs in the future. As an Owner Handler I’m committed to helping others achieve their dreams of success. Every journey begins with a single step. Take that step!

IT CAN BE DONE! So...What does it take? I feel there are a few major factors that are essential. First of all, one must have a truly ex- ceptional dog which represents the breed. Study the breeders of the breed you want to represent and be patient as you wait for an dog you’ve bred or has been entrusted to you. In the All breed ring and the Owner Handled ring. The BEST dogs WILL be found. Possibly equally important is DO THE WORK . This is a loaded sugges- tion. What it means to ‘Do the work’ may not mean the same from one per- son to another. Have you studied the panels throughout the Country? Have you researched the Judges to under- stand what they’re looking for? Have you learned from breed experts how to groom and present your dog to its best? Do you arrive at the venue the day before if possible or hours before to acclimate yourself and your dog to its surroundings? Have you given yourself and your dog enough time to rest and

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T op N otch T oys , N ovember 2019 • 39

The NATIONAL PREMIER ALL-TOY MAGAZINE!

DECEMBER2019 EDITIONFEATURING

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CH AMBLERS OH UNDENIABLE ATTITUDE

I S R E A D Y T O R O C K A N D R O L L !

G C H S W I N D F A L L ’ S D U D E W I T H A T T I T U D E , R O M X A M / C A N C H S O N R I S A S N E N A A T O L D H A V A N A

L O O K I N G F O R W A R D T O A N E X C I T I N G 2 0 2 0 THANK YOU JOHNNY SHOEMAKER FOR THIS INCREDIBLE GROUP WIN A LW A Y S O W N E R H A N D L E D B Y K A T H Y A M B L E R ( A M B L E R H A V A N E S E ) B R E D B Y M Y R N A M C C A L L U M ( O L D H A V A N A H A V A N E S E )

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HAVANESE NATIONAL WEEK

Las Vegas, NV . photos by Kathy Ambler

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Introducing

Grand Champion Amitzu The Littlest Gilmore Girl

Owner Handled Shih Tzu* *AKC NOHS stats as of 10/9/19

Co-Owners: Jeremiah Paul, Esq., Christine Paul, and Therese Forman Breeders: Therese and Mike Forman

Toy Group 1 Owner Handled Toy Dog Club of Puget Sound 10/19 - Judge Mrs. Valerie J. Brown

Best of Opposite Sex/Best of Breed Owner Handled Puget Sound Shih Tzu Fanciers 10/19 - Judge Ms. Elaine Young

Best of Breed Toy Dog Club of Puget Sound 10/19 - Judge Mr. TedW. Eubank

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THE HAVANESE WHAT’S SO HARD TO UNDERSTAND?

Kathy Ambler, Ambler Havanese

T he very first paragraph in the Ha- vanese Standard says it all. De- scribes our wonderful breed in a nutshell. So why is it so difficult to understandwhen you actually are in the process of evaluating a dog for show po- tential at home, or evaluating a class of dogs in the show ring? GENERAL APPEARANCE: The Havanese is a small, sturdy dog of immense charm. The native dog of Cuba, he is beloved as a friendly, intel- ligent and playful companion. He is slightly longer than tall, with a long, untrimmed, double coat. The Havanese has a short upper arm with moderate shoulder layback and a straight top line that rises slightly from the withers to the croup. The plumed tail is carried arched forward up over the back. The unique springy gait is a result of the breed’s structure and playful, spirited personality. These characteristics of temperament, coat, structure and gait are essential to type. The Havanese is a small, sturdy dog of immense charm. Well—your version of small and mine may be two different ideas. But the standard goes on to say, the Havanese must not be under 8.5 inches or over 11.5 inches at the with- ers. As a judge, you can wicket if you are unsure. As a breeder, you should know before you take your dog into the ring if it is within the standard. So if your idea of small does not include an 11.5 inch tall dog, then you are not understand- ing the AKC standard. The Havanese breeders who approved this standard, are telling you point blank, small is any- thing between 8.5 and 11.5 inches and we go on to say, our preferred height is 9 to 10.5 inches. Easy enough, right? Not really. Because the standard goes on to

describe the length of body in relation to height and the amount of bone we want our dogs to have. All to help you understand what is meant by small. The standard uses the word “slightly”—the Havanese should be slightly longer than tall. With a rectangular outline. The standard even goes on to describe the rectangle. The length should come from the rib cage, not the loin. The loin is short! When I evaluate puppies, I want my length to be 2/3 from sternum to last rib and 1/3 from last rib to buttock. If you think a dog looks too long, put your finger on the last rib. Stand back. Does it divide the dog directly in half? Then chances are, your eye is right, the dog is longer than we are describing as slightly longer in the standard. (Could also be that the dog looks long because it is actually low on leg, creating an optical illusion). So, now you understand what the standard means by slightly longer than tall and a rectangle. So, what else makes up a small, sturdy Havanese? Bone. The standard calls for moderate bone. The Havanese should never appear coarse or fragile. The Ha- vanese who is 8.5 inches is going to be smaller than the Havanese who is 11.5 inches, but both should have sturdy, moderate bone. That 8.5 inchHavanese should not be fine boned and the 11.5 inch Havanese should not be heavy boned. Remember, this breed is meant to be a family companion for all ages. I would never want to have to tell a fam- ily with small children that my puppies are too fragile for their family! My ideal is approximately 1.25 to 1.5 pounds per inch tall. So as an example, an 8.5 inch Havanese should be about 10 pounds, to as much as 12. An 11.5 inch Havanese could be 14 to 17 pounds and still be

considered small and sturdy. You as breeders can breed to your preference for size, and judges if all else is equal, can also have a preference for size. You can not award a dog who is under or over- sized, fragile or coarse. Always keep in mind that the HCA preference is 9-10.5 inches. You can not award a poor qual- ity, small Havanese over a good quality, larger Havanese just because you prefer small and feel the breed should be small to be in the Toy Group. And yes, I have seen it happen. So let’s move on next to “Immense Charm”. What does this mean and how do you judge it in the show ring? How does the exhibitor show his/her dog’s immense charm? That is easy! It is described under temperament in the standard! Friendly, playful, alert and intelligent, sweet and non quarrel- some. Aggression and shyness should be faulted. So, why are we seeing ag- gressive Havanese in the ring? Why are they being awarded ribbons? The standard says it should be faulted? Now, luckily we see less aggressive Havanese than shy Havanese. The standard also says, shyness should be faulted. Yet I see Havanese with their tails between their legs, crouching away from judges on the table, simply scared to death, be- ing awarded winning ribbons. I am not telling you do not show it—they need to learn that shows are fun and with some youngsters itmay take awhile. But I per- sonally do not care how wonderful your dog is at home, if it is aggressive or shy in the ring, it should never take home a winning ribbon. And no owner, handler or breeder should ever expect one. Just consider it an expensive handling class. The first paragraph of the standard goes on to talk about the coat. Long, >

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untrimmed, double coat. There seems to be a huge division of thought on what is correct when discussing the coat. First of all, age will determine the length of coat. A coat of shorter length on a younger dog should not be faulted. Even some adults, who have a slower growing coat, may have shorter length. But, it should always be a double coat on an adult Havanese and should never be trimmed! The standard describes the perfect coat. Silky to the touch, soft and light in texture. The outer coat carries slightly more weight. It stands off the body, flows with movement and is abundant and wavy. Dogs can be shown corded as well. Puppy coats can be softer than adults and they also may not have much undercoat development. If the coat is flat, frizzy, curly, it should be faulted. If it is coarse or wiry it is a DQ. The standard is pretty explicit on how the coat should be and goes on to say that head furnishings can be in simple braids. Simple plain bands hold- ing the braids in place. The big issue is what can be done to the coat to comply with the sentence that states “Natural as is consistent with good grooming”. I think it is simply stated in the stan- dard and should be adhered to. Mini- mal trimming of the anal and genital area is allowed but should not be seen on presentation. Hair on the feet and between the pads should be trimmed. No other trimming or sculpting of the coat is permitted. It is to be severely penalized as to preclude placement. For some reason, time after time I see obvi- ously scissored coats being rewarded, and yes many are also flat ironed. Why? The standard calls for a wavy coat! Flat ironing also changes the texture of the coat. It is no longer that soft, wavy, lightweight coat. When a standard says it should be severely penalized and pre- clude placement, why are theywinning? Is the rest of the entry, untrimmed and being shown naturally (but brushed!) that bad that the judges cannot “see” the trimming of the coat and the excessive shaving around the bum? The HCA has stated in their standard, that they do not want this level of grooming awarded. Another area of confusion in the

standard is the part. Most adult Ha- vanese coats will fall down from the middle of their backs to the sides. If they do not, they have an incorrect coat. The coat should not stand off their backs like a Bichon. Remember, it is to be a long coat. Long coats will fall to either side. What the standard says very clearly, is that the coat should not be deliberately parted. Meaning, not a Yorkie or Maltese part that is perfect and done with a knitting needle! And never should the dog’s coat be parted and held in place by hairspray! Yes, I have watched it being done right out- side the ring but Judges, please under- stand that a correct coat is going to part. Time and again I have had handlers and owners tell me they were scolded in the ring for the dogs coat parting. And just where would those judges like the coats to fall? Even brushed straight back, the dog shakes and the coat falls to either side, naturally. The first paragraph also describes the top line in the Havanese. For awhile, when I first started showing Havanese, I saw dogs winning with excessive rises. Putting my hands on them, I realized it was either that they had crooked front legs, poor shoulder assembly or no rear angulation. Or they were a bad combi- nation of all of that. But they had a rise and so the judges were rewarding that. It seems that the breeders have gotten better about choosing keeper puppies with better front legs and somewhat better shoulders and all should be look- ing for that short upper arm. But now, The top lines seem to have gone com- pletely the opposite direction. We now have level top lines. Finding a slight rise is getting harder and harder. I hear it all the time from judges. They are seeing it across the country. We are losing the short upper arm, the top line and the springy gait. I see videos on Facebook and maybe one in five has a slight rise on the move. The well behaved puppy with a level top line wins because the judges can’t get past that cute face and happy temperament. Please remember this is a hallmark of the breed and is what makes the Havanese outline dif- ferent from other breeds. While I am

glad that we have less and less chon- drodysplastic dogs being shown and bred, I would hate to lose this hallmark of the breed. The plumed tail also adds to that beautiful correct outline. While I would not throw out a tight or loose tail, I would hope that breeders would choose mates carefully to try to breed away from those traits. We want to keep that arched tail, another hallmark of our breed. The springy gait is also mentioned in the first paragraph. This is so important to distinguish a Havanese from a Shih Tzu or Lhasa. The structure and at- titude both contribute to the gait. The Havanese should never be run around the ring. They are not a sporting dog and should not have reach and drive as one. They also should not have lift in the front like a Min Pin. And yes, I have seen both being rewarded. They are to be shown on a loose lead. But, this does not mean the lead should be drag- ging on the ground behind the dog. The handler still has to have control over the dog. What is meant here is that the HCA does not want to see the Havanese being strung up like is so popular with other toy dogs. Stringing them up, let- ting them run, or letting them sniff the ground, all throw off the top line on the move. It is important to see the top line rise on the move, not just while stacked. So, no tight leads but also not so loose that the dog is then controlling how they move around the ring instead of the handler controlling the dog. Yes, this is a training issue too, but keep in mind these little dogs are happy, and inquisi- tive and letting them have too much leeway on that loose lead can lead to a disaster. Ihope that Ihavehelpedyouunderstand the hallmarks of the breed. Keep in mind that these are simply my opinions and how I personally have interpreted the breed standard. If you want to know how I evaluate puppies and adult dogs, how I determine overall balance and quality, I would be happy to discuss my thoughts with you. My email address is havayork@yahoo.com.

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#1 Silky * Windy

Presented by Barbara Beissel AKC Handler Owned by Jiri Halonen Janet Aslett Barbara Beissel Mark Benson

Breeders Benson - Beissel - Dillman

*TNT breed stats as of 9/30/19

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Lotus S I L V E R G R A N D C H A M P I O N CH VISTA LAFLEURS LOTUS T'SEAS MI

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MALTESE LOOKING BACK TO CONTINUE MOVING FORWARD

Compiled by Daryl Martin

The following is one of our favorite articles, excerpted from “An Aid to Better Judging” by George F. Foley

T he value of any book lies in the ability of the reader to interpret and to put to good use the information pre- sented. Breed standards—the written word describ- ing each of the breeds approved for admission to the American Kennel Club Stud Book—are the very foundation of pure-bred dogs. Even though some standards are some- what vague and ambiguous, the written specifications for purebred dogs are our imaginary “blueprints.” We believe that pictorial visualizations are an aid in the judging of dogs. Although the American Kennel Club protects the dignity of his judiciary—in the show ring his word is law—it is of- ten the judge himself who seeks to appraise his own work, wondering if he best fulfilled his obligations to the breed. For judging is serious business. With one wave of his hand, a judge can literally change type in a breed; he can throw into discard the work of years; he can reward, he can dam- age the labors and efforts and dreams fo those who seek his personal opinion of their “creations.” For all purebred dogs are creations, bred to fit man-made specifications, designed for particular and specific purposes. Not only does a judge evalute entries in the show ring; breed- ers themselves judge their stock and their puppies, deciding which to keep and which to sell. Buyers also must judge whether to buy this or that dog from specific “lines.” Han- dlers, too, stnad to make or lose on their decisions wheth- er or not a dog is good enough for them to show. A handler stakes his reputation and his livelihood on what he shows. “Surface judging” is relatively easy but the “eye for a good dog” must go deeper than the skin. When a judge under- stands the reasons BEHIND the physical make-up of a dog (and this includes toys as well as utility dogs), then he can interpret the standards both for form and utility. DuringWorldWar II, I was astounded at the progress made in training thousands of men and dogs during a short period of time. Training schools were invaluable. This idea is not new, of course. However, the “how-to” of training dog judges

involves many problems—where to have the schools, length of courses, curriculum to be covered: whether schools should be the responsibility of the parents clubs or the American Kennel Club; and also the school operation itself. In 1960, the Great Dane Club of America initiated a course for judging the Great Dane. As a member of the commitee, I know results have proven to be very successful. Great Dane judging schools are now scheduled throughout the country. We hope that many parent clubs will consider such schools. Instruction and re-instruction of judges does not reflect on any individual judge. And even though great experience is valuable, the outstanding judge will have talent beyond ex- perience, beyond textbook knowledge. A judging aspirant in such a school will soon know if he has the “eye” for line, for form, for substance, for balance, for type, for quality. It is my opinion that “scoring” has never been successful— unless the jduge has this “eye” for balance. A dog might have a near-perfect front but put them all together and , if the dog does not have balance of all of these parts, he is not a good one. Scoring in obedience and in working ability can be ex- act; but scoring for conformation can only be an “aid” to a judge—and a really good judge does not need a score card. It is unfortunate that our judges’ ranks are thinning today. Many oldtimers have died; some judges have resigned. Few- er people have the time required to devote to the study of ca- nine anatomy and breed standards. I believe a judge should also have had experience in breeding, exhibiting, grooming and handling, but not necessarily in each of the breeds he is licensed to judge. Although I feel that the formal training and education of judges and breeders and exhibitors have not been given proper attention, it is my firm conviction that today, on the whole, judges are more conscientious, more honest and less political, then they were years ago. The sport of dogs is, in my opinion a good, clean game.

George F. Foley, founder and chairman of Foley Dog ShowOrganization, Inc., started the company at about the turn of the cen- tury shortly after graduating fromLasalle College. At that time, the field of dog showmanagement in this country was virtually non-existent. During his career, he was superintendent of 41 Westminster Kennel Club dog shows in New York. In 1969 he ran 95 all-breed events. He died in June of 1970. Mr. Foley was also publisher of “Popular Dogs,” a monthly magazine about purebreds.

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CHAennchen’s Taja Dancer

Daryl Martin showing to Judge Ruth Kreucki in Tulsa

CHAennchen’s Raja Yoga and CHAennchen’s Puja Dancer

AM& CANCHMartin’s Flopsy Puff and CHMartin’s Candido

CHCo-Ca-He’s Aennchen Toy Dancer and CH Sea Lord of Gissing

CHVirino of VillaMalta

CHEnricco and CAN& AMCHBeland’s Little Smarty

CHOak Manor Enchantress

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APPEARANCE: Sprightly; vigorous, well-proportioned body; low to ground. Virtues equal, smaller dogs more desirable

HEAD in proportion to size; fair length

SKULL slightly rounded; rather broad between ears; moderately well-defined at temple. Stop moderate

EARS: Drop, set slightly low; profusely covered with long hair

EYES very dark; not too far apart; black eye rims give better expression

BACK short, level. Loins deep

TAIL well-feathered; carriage graceful; tip rests on hindquarters and side

NOSE black MUZZLE delicately proportioned; no lean or snipy

LEGS short; fine-boned; straight; well-feathered

COLOR pure white

FEET small; long feathering

COAT long, straight, silky; hanging evenly down each side; parting extending from nose to tail set-on; texture strong, even; (no undercoat)

SIZE: Weight not to exceed 7 lbs; under 3 lbs ideal

HEAD of medium length; skull top slightly rounded; stop moderate; muzzle of medium length; fine, tapered but not snipy; nose black; teeth, an even, edge-to-edge or scissors bite EYES very dark, round; not too far apart; black rims enhance gentle but alert expression

BODY compact; height from withers to ground equal to length from withers to root of tail; covered with mantle of long, silky, white hair. TEMPERAMENT, gentle, affectionate, responsive, playful, fearless, vigorous. GAIT, jaunty, smooth, flowing; side view, movement seems rapid; forelegs reach straight and free from shoulders EARS set rather low, drop; close to head; heavily feathered with long hair NECK of sufficient length to promote high carriage of head SHOULDER blades sloping BACK: Topline level; loins taut, strong TAIL: Long-haired plume carried gracefully over back, tip lying to side over quarter

CHEST fairly deep

HIND LEGS fine-boned, strong; moderately an- gulated at stifles, hocks; straight (cowhocks or toe- ing in or out are faults)

FORELEGS fine-boned, straight; pastern joints well-knit, devoid of appreciable bend; nicely feathered FEET small, round; toe pads black; scraggly hairs may be trimmed

SIZE: Weight under 7 lbs; 4 to 6 lbs preferred; over-all quality favored over size

ELBOWS held close to body; well-knit

COAT single (no undercoat), flat, silky, long (almost to ground); headhair tied in topknot or left hanging; kinkiness, curliness or woolly texture objectionable

COLOR pure white; light tan or lemon on ears permissable but not desirable

RIBS well-sprung

TUCK-UP just slight

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ON JUDGING THE MALTESE

Reprinted From April 2011 by Daryl Martin

In your mind what constitutes a Mal- tese and makes it unique from any other breed? Most importantly, it is a Toy breed with a white silky coat, with black eyes and nose that flows around the ring. With this in mind, our standard describes our dogs and basically, this will be the end result. M any times in our standard, the word medium is used, which in judging should be kept in mind. Nowhere does it say anything about exaggerated necks, legs or heads. Our standard calls for a dog ideal from four to six pounds, but overall quality is to be considered before size. Sometimes pounds do not prop- erly describe a dog as you can have a large rangy dog that only weighs five pounds and you can just as easily have a very well bodied smaller dog that can also weigh five pounds.

faces either. The Maltese expression is enhanced by black rims around the eyes and a black nose. As fashion has set in other breeds, the word “Halo” or the skin around the eyes does make a more pierc- ing expression, however, nowhere in our standard is that called for. Many dogs that are from local areas where the sun is out longer or stronger often have better halos. However, if a dog is a very good specimen of the breed, it should not be penalized for lack of ha- los providing the total eye pigment is around the eye. If the Maltese flows around the ring, generally the build of the dog is cor- rect. Just think if you can put a plate on the back of the dog in your mind, and it doesn't go up and down, but stays level, all the legs are working correctly. Also, the tailset should be coming straight off the backline, up and over the back with the tip touch- ing the hind quarters. If you see a twitch to the tail, it is working like a rudder, and there is something wrong with the rear assembly. Maltese are real clowns and love at- tention. If they are naughty in the ring, that is part of their personality. I have just touched on a few things for your education about the breed. Please contact our Co-Chairmans, Daryl Martin or Mary Day daryld- martin@sbcglobal.net or marylday37@ hotmail.com and we would be happy to give you more information.

Our dog's coat texture is unique as it is silky but not at all the same as Yor- kies or Silkies. You can have aMaltese that has silky hair and has 100 hairs per square inch, which will make it look fuller, but still silky, or you can have a dog that has silky hair and only has about 50 hairs per square inch as well. Beware as sometimes Maltese that have less hair may not necessar- ily have silky hair, but very fine hair that easily breaks and this does not mean it is silky. Those types of dogs can have a very fine undercoat that mats, therefore easily damaging the long hair that grows. Our dog's expression is unique to our breed as well. They are not rounded heads, often referred to as Chihua- hua heads, and not totally flat terrier heads as well, as our standard states, moderate from the rounding of the skull to the moderate stop as well. Of course, we do not want an upturned Shih Tzu faces, or downnosed pencil

“MALTESE ARE REAL CLOWNS AND LOVE ATTENTION. IF THEY ARE NAUGHTY IN THE RING, THAT IS PART OF THEIR PERSONALITY.”

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