EDITOR’S PAGE
Chickens, Eggs and
Dog Shows
E
10
DOGSinREVIEW.com
boots, denim and bandanas, going over dogs shown by exhib-
itors who also embraced the theme. I am mortifi ed by theme
days, but even I managed to loosen up, wear jeans and plaid
fl annel in the ring, and steward for all the Groups in that attire.
The day ended with a barbecue, complete with live music.
I was touched that weekend by so many random acts of
kindness displayed by judges who perhaps are not given the
time at big shows to display such niceties. One exhibitor in
her 80s who, in aid of supporting the entry, had entered far
too many dogs of her giant breed to wrangle herself, arrived
at the Group ring very late. The judge had examined all but
the last three Best of Breed winners. I approached her quietly
and asked if the late exhibitor would be permitted to enter
the Group ring. The judge graciously invited the exhibitor
in, had her move her dog, then go to the end of the line, at
which point she apologized to the next exhibitor for the delay,
thanked him for his patience and proceeded to examine the
few remaining breed winners. This might not have been possi-
ble at a bigger show with a more rigidly imposed schedule, or
under a fussy, grumpy judge who might not indulge an elderly
exhibitor who was clearly late. Yet these are the moments that
stay with exhibitors and spectators.
These days it’s so important that all of us who make up the
dog-show community be advocates for the sport and make
participants feel welcome. It is not in everyone’s nature to
be warm and fuzzy. But we can all be respectful and kind. A
spectator sitting ringside might not realize it’s inappropriate
to ask a question of the judge as he or she is waiting for the
next breed to enter the ring. But a polite reply might have that
spectator returning to the next show, or dreaming of their
own show dog one day. A handler being approached at the
wrong time can either snap at a spectator or gently suggest a
better time to come back with their grooming question.
It behooves us all to go the extra mile and be good ambas-
sadors. The sport we are saving is our own.
Allan Reznik, Editor
[email protected]
veryone is familiar
with the old question,
“Which came fi rst, the
chicken or the egg?” Well, a
few recent events have me
pondering a variation of that
question: “Do easygoing,
laidback judges make shows
more relaxed and fun, or do
relaxed, fun shows make
judges more comfortable
and laidback?”
I’m sure I’m not the only
one who has seen the same
judges look stressed and
jumpy one weekend and
then visibly more relaxed
the next. It’s often based
on the ambience of the
show. Ambience, in turn, is often
determined by the show’s entries, venue, VIPs in attendance
and perceived prestige.
What makes dog shows fun is their distinct personalities.
Westminster has its own special vibe. So do the AKC Na-
tional Championship in Orlando; Del Valle; Santa Barbara;
Woofstock; the Bucks/Trenton weekend, et al. Smaller shows
held in more modest settings but run by equally experienced,
dedicated members aim to offer exhibitors and judges re-
laxed informality.
Not all shows need to be extravaganzas; some clubs de-
liberately choose not to partner with a cluster. Along with
the mega shows, we need our smaller clubs that work with
their communities and put on shows that do good at the grass
roots level, encouraging school visits and teaching the public
the importance of the human-animal bond. I remember the
emotional discussions that took place when my two local
all-breed clubs were courted by clusters to leave the state
and go big.
A recent show in my area offered many teachable moments
in good sportsmanship and old-fashioned fun. A Western
theme was designated for one day, with exhibitors, stewards
and judges encouraged to dress accordingly. Many played
along, and it was refreshing to see a few judges, who typical-
ly dress conservatively, decked out in their cowboy/cowgirl