Page 68 - Chow LIfe - 2021 04 Winter

there should be a margin for individual preferences. world. Do I go to win? Well, you always hope to do
My own assessment is to try to find the best overall well but it was 30 years in the breed before a win at a
specimens and, after that, decide based on which National happened for me. The Afghan Hound Club
one I would like to take home if I could.” When the works hard to put on a great National every year.
question of politics at Nationals he attends arises he Whether you are exhibiting, spectating or judging,
says, “Unlikely. I am just not one of those people it is an honor and a sight to behold. I love to have
who thinks that politics plays the huge role that so judges attend National after they’ve been approved
many want to think is does… I believe if you can for a while, as most will never see more than one or
breed good dogs and present them well, you will two together at any given show outside of Nationals.
win.” That way they can refresh their memory on what a
variety of styles we have within the breed so as to
He has been to about twenty-five or thirty Nationals not get stuck on only one style being “correct.” I
and says it took him 30 years to win one. He la- also think it would be hugely beneficial for judges to
ments the fact that the National has lost some of its attend performance events for breeds to more firmly
childlike excitement and atmosphere. Perhaps, he cement the form-follows-function mantra we try to
concedes, it is due to the need for new people in the instill in judges at educational programs.
breed and for the new people to be guided. Who are
involved now. He feels newbies are often fed in- CONCLUSION?
formation that is self-serving when they need to be
guided/mentored toward understanding the stan- So, as one sees from this small sampling of responses
dard so they can think for themselves. He loves the to similar questions, we have a good deal of opti-
latitude of the Afghan standard and laments the fact mism, a bit of pessimism, but all careful thoughts
that so many talk as though their own interpretation and opinions from those breeders of experience.
is the only one. Newcomers need to talk with many How would you answer this set of questions if
and extrapolate what feels or sounds right to them. asked?
He says it takes time to digest some of what is said
and the rest has to be hands on with tried and true
experiences. © Dog News. This article is reprinted here with the
permission of the publisher.
3) Attend to win or…

For years (some 30) I have gone to Nationals and
still go just to see the great dogs and talk with other
breeders from around the country and even the

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