Page 45 - ShowSight Presents The Golden Retriever
P. 45
NT: As was true in 1993, today there are a few outstanding dogs at many shows (though not all), a few very poor dogs and the majority somewhere in the middle. What
I do see is an expansion of the mediocre dogs in the middle by percentage. I have had the fortune to judge dogs in the past couple of years that were of the high- est caliber, equal to or better than those 20 years ago. However, the vast majority in the ring now are dogs that, although not blatantly unsound or completely lacking
in type, are average at best and should not be in show homes. I find it disappointing that breeders are not more judiciously evaluating their litters, keeping one or two for the ring and letting the rest go to loving pet homes. Quality control starts in the whelping box and our novice exhibitors deserve to start with an outstanding puppy, co-owned if necessary.
5. What do you think new judges misunderstand about the breed?
BA: I feel that I know the breed and the standard and
that is what I judge by. I do not know what other breed judges do, but I do think most Goldens in the group are good examples.
PD: It is very easy for new judges to be caught up in the razzle dazzle of profuse, beautifully groomed coats that can artfully mask some serious structural issues. Despite all the tendencies today, more is not necessarily better.
LH: This is not an easy breed to be consistent in. The styles are varied and coat colors are varied. I believe they
get caught up in the flash and lose sight of the overall characteristics. This breed should be based on form and function first.
GK: New judges have a ring full of dogs that many times do not fit our standard. They have short legs, coats blown up and open, they are never shown at moderate speed with a loose lead (also called for in the standard) and lack ath- leticism. When only a few fit the written standard, then the generic show dog is chosen.
KL: New judges are not understanding that this is supposed to be a workmanlike, kind, gentle, affable breed—not a fired-up, fluffy, food-possessed hyper animal.
DM: I don’t really know. Proportion is important... do they know that? I personally know it, but do I follow that in judging the breed? I couldn’t tell you. I can only point at what is in the ring. Sometimes it’s there, sometime
it isn’t.
CGM: I think new judges get caught up in what they see
advertised and what walks into their ring each weekend. Just recently, a breeder-judge of another breed comment- ed to me that most judges do not actually get to see what a correct Golden looks like. So, when a proper Golden comes into their ring and it doesn’t look like the others, it is most often overlooked.
BP: The Golden shouldn’t be a generic show dog, flying around the ring at excessive speed, coat blown out or brushed up its legs. This is a breed that should present a balanced picture of a moderate, hunting dog. They are certainly beautiful, potentially breath taking, but first and
foremost a working retriever. You have to physically feel for the structure. This isn’t a breed for a quick, pat down. Can you actually put your hand on the forechest? How long is that upper arm? Where do the ribs end and the loin begin? You have to bend over and actually get your hands in there and feel those bones. One of the biggest misunderstandings for breeders and judges alike is front reach. It’s not just where that foot is going but where
the “reach” is coming from. A correctly built Golden can
reach from the shoulder, not the elbow.
JP: I fear too many newer judges focus on more generic
characteristics rather than breed hallmarks. They look for soft, full coats that are not correct and more rectangular than off-square bodies. Others worry about the many dif- ferent head styles. Some get hung up on color rather than structure. Color, so long as it falls within the required parameters, should be the very last thing considered and then only if there is no other way to reach a decision on the winner in a class.
MS: Too many don’t seem to understand the what and why of correct structure, soundness, gait—or of classic breed type (and the several styles present) in the Golden.
NT: I think that judges learning about the breed, or just starting their judging of the breed, are perplexed by the wide variety of styles in the Golden ring. It is important to stay focused on the breed’s purpose and origin, which was to be a hunting retriever in northern Scotland, in rough terrain and icy conditions, requiring agility, mod- eration, strong jaws and skull and proper dense coat, in a biddable and powerful package. Our standard allows for great variety, both in size and color; the wrapping on the package is far less important than the gift inside. A 221⁄4" pale cream male Golden is as correct (or, you could say conversely, as extreme) as a 243⁄4" dark copper male Golden. That 21⁄2" difference and color range, can cause
a new judge to sort by a simple trait rather than focus
on balance, movement, muscling, correct coat texture, front assembly and so on. I also have talked with new judges who are not comfortable with dogs that move at a moderate speed, or are handled by novices. Goldens are a breed that is shown at high percentage by professional handlers, or expert owner/handlers. Poor presentation
is hard to see through and I encourage new judges to
ask that dogs stand on their own for final decisions to allow the dog to shine through what might be unskilled handling techniques. Goldens that have correctly made fronts will drop their heads to just above the level of the topline as they move, rather than hold their heads up as they go. In addition, movement that is ground covering and effortless, with feet barely rising above the ground, is to be cherished far more than speed for the sake of speed or high stepping motion. The former is not as flashy as the latter, but it is indicative of a properly made retriever. Finally, it is important for new judges to understand that a Golden should be a moderately coated dog. Long, silky furnishings or soft, puppy-like coats, are not in keeping with Golden breed character. I encourage those starting with the breed to make decisions with their hands when
WITH BARBARA ALDERMAN, PLUIS DAVERN, LINDA HURLEBAUS, GLORIA KERR, KATHY LORENTZEN, DR. DANA MASSEY, CONNIE GERSTNER MILLER, BARBARA PEPPER, JEFFREY PEPPER, MARCIA SCHLEHR & NANCY TALBOTT
