| judges interviews |
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July 1, 2011
First of all, I want to thank you for giving me time out of your busy schedule for this interview. I know
that many dog fanciers will be very interested in what you have to say about judging and about the
sport of dogs today.
1. My first question for you is how did you first become interested in being a dog fancier and what fascinated you about it?
As a child I wanted to be a veterinarian or a movie star. After college, I studied theater in NYC for my Masters and soon after I
became involved in the sport of purebred dogs. My first dog show was in about 1970 when I attended the National Capital KC,
and watched the German Shepherd, Ch. Lakeside’s Gilligan’s Island, owned and bred by Dan Dwier go BIS. My first show dog was
a Gilligan son …one Best in Match and I was hooked!
2. When and why did you decide to become a judge?
My career was in politics and diplomacy in Washington, DC. Dog shows were my hobby and escape. From the beginning, I was
frequently able to pick the winner without knowing why. I was often told that I had a “good eye.” After joining Old Dominion KC, I
began to judge matches. Judging seemed to be both a natural progression and a new challenge.
3. What do you think is the most important single characteristic of the Papillon breed?
Elegant
4. What 3 words best describe a superb Papillon?
Fine-boned, dainty and elegant
5. What behavioral characteristics do you look for in the ring for a Papillon?
Lively, graceful, alert, happy and friendly
6. If you had to choose between a sound dog or a typey dog, which one would you give Best Of Breed that day?
It would depend upon the extent of the deviation from the ideal. Correct type is first, but soundness is an important part of type.
7. When you first see the dogs come into the ring and you look down the line, what do you look for immediately, that catches
your eye?
Silhouette and breed specific behavior
8. What do you rely on more, your physical examination or visually looking at the dog?
I rely on both, but probably most on visually looking at the dog… standing and in motion.
9. How important is movement and what do you look for specifically in how a Papillon moves?
The Papillon has well developed and well angulated hindquarters and well developed and laid back shoulders. I believe balance
is implicit. Historically, they are part of the toy spaniel family. We have many, many Papillons who complete successfully in both
the conformation and performance rings and soundness is essential.
10. What state would you say the Papillon breed is today, what is correct about the dogs today and what needs improvement?
The breed is in a good place. I judged the National Specialty in April and was very pleased with the overall quality. The BOB, BOS,
Select Dog and Bitch, Winners Dog and Winners Bitch, and Best Veteran were all excellent examples of my interpretation of our
Standard. The winners were beautiful, of correct proportion, and sound with outstanding temperaments. It was pointed out to
me later that all of the winners mentioned above were breeder and/or owner handled! To see photos from the National, go to
papillonclub.org, then the Historical Section.
Things that need correction: too much bone, heads too heavy & muzzles too long, body proportion long and low, incorrect front
assemblies. Papillons should not lift in the front like a MinPin. On the other hand, many Papillons are sound, have lovely coats
and furnishings, correct teacup tails, beautiful heads and almost all have friendly, lively temperaments. Papillons continue to
excel in the performance rings, a fact which makes me very proud!
11. When it comes down to it, what makes you decide which dog you select in the ring that day?
I select the dog I would take home.
12. What do you think makes a great show dog?
Conformation to the breed Standard and that important intangible: charisma! A Papillon is a butterfly, not a statue, and he shows
it!
13. Could you comment about the old age discussion about a “Group Dog” vs. a “Breed Dog”?
In this breed, a Group Dog is one who “shows.” In the breed ring, it takes more than showmanship, as the competition is fierce.
When selecting a breed winner, I do not consider how he will perform in the group.
14. What are the qualities of the best handlers in the ring, what impresses you?
The best Papillon handlers have the dog in excellent condition, carefully groomed, and have the dog trained to show on its own.
I like the dogs to free stack and bait and most Papillon exhibitors are well aware of that preference! If a handler is down on the
ground with the dog setting the feet and holding the tail, I suspect a fault of temperament or structure. I always ask the handler
to stand up, take the dog around and do not get back down. Dogs plant their feet where they are comfortable.
15. What advice can you give a novice coming into your show ring?
Relax and have a good time with your dog. I was a dreadful handler and have great empathy with the beginners.
16. What advice can you give a so called expert coming into your show ring?
Please listen to and follow my directions. NEVER run up on another dog. Stay in the background and let the dog show himself.
17. What do you enjoy most about judging?
I enjoy studying different breeds and applying what I have learned. I love dogs and spending a day with them is a pleasure for
me.
18. What is your most memorable moment(s) in the dog show world?
My most memorable moment was Westminster 1983. My first Papillon Special, Ch. Jeja’s Edisto was BOB and Group 4, and also
sired the Winners Dog and the Winners Bitch. My second most memorable day was in 1998 when my Ch. Denzel Loteki Crown
Prince was BOB at the Papillon National Specialty, and was the sire of the Best Puppy.
19. What is your most disappointing moment(s) in the dog show world?
My most disappointing moment(s) was that Ch. Edisto did not win the Papillon National Specialty, but was runner-up three times
in the eighties.
20. I want to thank you again for this interview, do you have any closing remarks or maybe something you would like to say
about showing dogs today that I haven’t asked about?
With regard to showing and breeding Papillons: first, study anatomy and understand structure. Watch other breeds. Watch
handlers. Watch Papillons in performance. Go into the grooming section and watch grooming of other breeds. Broaden your
interest in dogs and you will gain information that will be helpful to you in Papillons. Be honest about the faults and virtues of
your own dogs….win or lose, be a good sport… then go home and love your Papillons!
First of all, I want to thank you for giving me time out of your busy schedule for this interview. I know
that many dog fanciers will be very interested in what you have to say about judging and about the
sport of dogs today.
1. My first question for you is how did you first become interested in being a dog fancier and what fascinated you about it?
As a child I wanted to be a veterinarian or a movie star. After college, I studied theater in NYC for my Masters and soon after I
became involved in the sport of purebred dogs. My first dog show was in about 1970 when I attended the National Capital KC,
and watched the German Shepherd, Ch. Lakeside’s Gilligan’s Island, owned and bred by Dan Dwier go BIS. My first show dog was
a Gilligan son …one Best in Match and I was hooked!
2. When and why did you decide to become a judge?
My career was in politics and diplomacy in Washington, DC. Dog shows were my hobby and escape. From the beginning, I was
frequently able to pick the winner without knowing why. I was often told that I had a “good eye.” After joining Old Dominion KC, I
began to judge matches. Judging seemed to be both a natural progression and a new challenge.
3. What do you think is the most important single characteristic of the Papillon breed?
Elegant
4. What 3 words best describe a superb Papillon?
Fine-boned, dainty and elegant
5. What behavioral characteristics do you look for in the ring for a Papillon?
Lively, graceful, alert, happy and friendly
6. If you had to choose between a sound dog or a typey dog, which one would you give Best Of Breed that day?
It would depend upon the extent of the deviation from the ideal. Correct type is first, but soundness is an important part of type.
7. When you first see the dogs come into the ring and you look down the line, what do you look for immediately, that catches
your eye?
Silhouette and breed specific behavior
8. What do you rely on more, your physical examination or visually looking at the dog?
I rely on both, but probably most on visually looking at the dog… standing and in motion.
9. How important is movement and what do you look for specifically in how a Papillon moves?
The Papillon has well developed and well angulated hindquarters and well developed and laid back shoulders. I believe balance
is implicit. Historically, they are part of the toy spaniel family. We have many, many Papillons who complete successfully in both
the conformation and performance rings and soundness is essential.
10. What state would you say the Papillon breed is today, what is correct about the dogs today and what needs improvement?
The breed is in a good place. I judged the National Specialty in April and was very pleased with the overall quality. The BOB, BOS,
Select Dog and Bitch, Winners Dog and Winners Bitch, and Best Veteran were all excellent examples of my interpretation of our
Standard. The winners were beautiful, of correct proportion, and sound with outstanding temperaments. It was pointed out to
me later that all of the winners mentioned above were breeder and/or owner handled! To see photos from the National, go to
papillonclub.org, then the Historical Section.
Things that need correction: too much bone, heads too heavy & muzzles too long, body proportion long and low, incorrect front
assemblies. Papillons should not lift in the front like a MinPin. On the other hand, many Papillons are sound, have lovely coats
and furnishings, correct teacup tails, beautiful heads and almost all have friendly, lively temperaments. Papillons continue to
excel in the performance rings, a fact which makes me very proud!
11. When it comes down to it, what makes you decide which dog you select in the ring that day?
I select the dog I would take home.
12. What do you think makes a great show dog?
Conformation to the breed Standard and that important intangible: charisma! A Papillon is a butterfly, not a statue, and he shows
it!
13. Could you comment about the old age discussion about a “Group Dog” vs. a “Breed Dog”?
In this breed, a Group Dog is one who “shows.” In the breed ring, it takes more than showmanship, as the competition is fierce.
When selecting a breed winner, I do not consider how he will perform in the group.
14. What are the qualities of the best handlers in the ring, what impresses you?
The best Papillon handlers have the dog in excellent condition, carefully groomed, and have the dog trained to show on its own.
I like the dogs to free stack and bait and most Papillon exhibitors are well aware of that preference! If a handler is down on the
ground with the dog setting the feet and holding the tail, I suspect a fault of temperament or structure. I always ask the handler
to stand up, take the dog around and do not get back down. Dogs plant their feet where they are comfortable.
15. What advice can you give a novice coming into your show ring?
Relax and have a good time with your dog. I was a dreadful handler and have great empathy with the beginners.
16. What advice can you give a so called expert coming into your show ring?
Please listen to and follow my directions. NEVER run up on another dog. Stay in the background and let the dog show himself.
17. What do you enjoy most about judging?
I enjoy studying different breeds and applying what I have learned. I love dogs and spending a day with them is a pleasure for
me.
18. What is your most memorable moment(s) in the dog show world?
My most memorable moment was Westminster 1983. My first Papillon Special, Ch. Jeja’s Edisto was BOB and Group 4, and also
sired the Winners Dog and the Winners Bitch. My second most memorable day was in 1998 when my Ch. Denzel Loteki Crown
Prince was BOB at the Papillon National Specialty, and was the sire of the Best Puppy.
19. What is your most disappointing moment(s) in the dog show world?
My most disappointing moment(s) was that Ch. Edisto did not win the Papillon National Specialty, but was runner-up three times
in the eighties.
20. I want to thank you again for this interview, do you have any closing remarks or maybe something you would like to say
about showing dogs today that I haven’t asked about?
With regard to showing and breeding Papillons: first, study anatomy and understand structure. Watch other breeds. Watch
handlers. Watch Papillons in performance. Go into the grooming section and watch grooming of other breeds. Broaden your
interest in dogs and you will gain information that will be helpful to you in Papillons. Be honest about the faults and virtues of
your own dogs….win or lose, be a good sport… then go home and love your Papillons!
| Jan Paulk's primary career was in the United States Senate in Washington, DC. After a 10 year stint on the professional staff of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, she served 5 Majority Leaders as Director of Protocol and International Travel. In the commission of her duties, she visited over 100 countries and held administrative responsibility for all international conferences in which the Senate participated. After taking early retirement from the Senate, Jan became the director of the US-Asia Forum, specializing in China policy. In 2000 Jan moved to Santa Fe, NM, and in 2004 was appointed by the Governor of New Mexico as Executive Director of the Council on Film and Media Industries. Retiring again in 2009, she is now a full-time student of dogs. Jan judges the Toy Group, the Herding Group, half of the Working Group, BIS and Juniors. She has degrees in Public Speaking and Journalism from the University of Arkansas and a Master's in theater from Columbia University, NY. During her life in politics, Jan found that her dogs grounded her. Her first breed was German Shepherds, but she discovered Papillons in 1975. She imported her foundation bitch from Stouravon Kennels in England and finished her first Champion at Westminster in 1977. She has served as the Chairman of Judges Education for the Papillon Club of America for 8 years. In 1986 she imported an Anatolian Shepherd from Turkey and shares her home with a great grandson of that bitch and a rescue Anatolian. Four Champion Papillons complete the canine family. |
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markburhart@cox.net
markburhart@cox.net
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