Page 64 - Chow Life - Summer 2017

A Judges Critique

Italian Chow Chow National

by Judge Dr. Gail H. Forsythe

2017 Associaione Nazionale Italian Chow
Chow (ANICC) Judge’s Report
Judge: Dr. Gail H. Forsythe, Lionheart [1975] CKC Perm. Reg’d., Canada
Chow Chow photo credits: Vanessa Nicolau, South Africa.

Italy!!! A wonderful country with exceptional hospitality,
fabulous cuisine and one of the most prestigious Chow Chow
dog shows in the world. It was a great honor to judge the 30th
anniversary of the Associaione Nazionale Italian Chow Chow
(ANICC) show on April 30th, 2017, in picturesque Volta Man-
tovana. The show drew a record entry of 202 Chow Chows; 101
males and 101 females with 157 exhibited.
My immense thanks to Madame President Isabella Milani,
Direttore del Raduno, and all ANICC officials for their invita- Judge Behan and I alternated between the genders throughout
tion and generous hospitality. Special thanks to my excellent ring the day; this judging system made it possible for everyone to
steward “Maximillian”, who transcribed all my detailed critiques, observe all the dogs. Lastly, I wish to extend a huge thank you to
in a very efficient manner. Many thanks to the hard working all the Chow Chows and their handlers, for being so patient with
breeders and exhibitors who traveled long distances to exhibit me, during my examinations.
their beloved dogs.
It was a pleasure to share the honours and the day with my Overall Impression
distinguished colleague, Chow Breeder/Judge Mr. Philip Behan,
of Ireland and his charming wife Pauline. April 30th began with a My overall impression is that the future of the Chow Chow
traditional horse carriage ride along the canal and across the idyl- breed is in very good hands. The quality in both genders was
lic Italian countryside. The distance was 6.5 km from the hotel to more than pleasing; it was very high. In females, I found these
the show grounds. It was sunny, birds were chirping and the sky a overall strengths in a majority of exhibits:
vivid shade of blue; the perfect way to start a Chow Chow show!
1. dark tongue and mouth pigment – a distinctive and essential
The show site is very impressive with a beautiful villa hotel and breed trait;
a large covered show ring with grooming area.
The venue easily accommodated many eager ringside ob- 2. scissor bite with good attention to full dentition;
servers, while protecting the dogs from the elements. Chow
Chow fanciers came from all over the world; to name just a few: 3. excellent bone to provide the required substance for the
Norway, Siberia, Spain, South Africa, the USA, and the UK. The breed;
trophy table was extremely impressive.
4. superb muscle tone with both well developed thigh, and
After introductory ceremonies by Mme. President Milani, lower thigh, to enhance stamina and working function;
judging began. Judge Behan had the honor of judging males and
Best in Show; I had the great 5. harsh coat texture of proper length to protect against the
pleasure of judging females elements;
and Best in Show Puppy.
6. proper size to fulfill the Chow’s role as a guarding
and hunting dog;
7. proportionate rib spring to provide heart and lung
room for function; and

8. sound temperment: selectively aloof, but reliable
companions. A few bitches lacked experience for the
examination. In some cases, handler nervousness
caused the dog to pull away, in anticipation of show-
ing the bite, pigment and dentition. Not one exhibit
demonstrated any hint of aggression; had that een the
case, the dog would have been immediately dis-
missed. Overall, I heartily congratulate the breeders