| judges interviews |
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ph: 7605339610
markburhart@cox.net
markburhart@cox.net
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July 23, 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 the dog world? What is it that first fascinated you
about it? What was your involvement before becoming a judge?
My husband Bob and I brought home a SPAYED female greyhound from a Humane Society and when we were told how beautiful
she was, we entered her in a local show. At that time you didn’t need your entry to be registered, you just said, “particulars
unknown”. We were very pleased when she won the breed, (no competition), and went on to the group. We were also very
flattered at all the looks she got. Of course those looks had nothing to do with the rhinestone collar AND lead I used. (VBG).
2. Why did you decide to become a judge?
I was asked to do a Whippet Specialty Sweepstakes and by the time I was finished with the entry of about 90, I was hooked.
3. When you first see the dogs come into the ring and you look down the line, what do you immediately look for? What
catches your eye?
Outline, Outline, Outline!!
4. Which do you rely on more, your physical examination or visually looking at the dog?
Depends on the breed. Smooth coated dogs can be judged almost without touching at all except for bite and testicles.
Obviously you need to get down into the coat of a heavily coated breed to see if “artistic license” has been taken by the
handler.
5. When it comes down to your final decision what makes you decide which dog takes home the ribbon on that day?
The dog which most closely meets the Standard for the breed as well as an indefinable something that sets this dog above the
rest.
6. What do you feel makes a great show dog?
See #5 above and then add a great attitude and obvious enjoyment of what he is doing.
7. Could you comment about the old age discussion about a “Group Dog” vs. a “Breed Dog”?
I do not consider how the dog will do in the Group when making my decision.
8. If you had to choose between a sound dog vs. a typey dog, which one would you give Best Of Breed to that day?
A very difficult question. Again depends on the breed and amount of deviation from both the Standard and “never putting a
foot down wrong” soundness. Type is most important to me, but will not put up a badly unsound dog in any breed, toys
included. I would rather withhold.
9. What are the qualities of the best handlers in the ring, what impresses you?
The best handlers are the ones who let the DOG shine, who follow instructions and who DON’T RACE AROUND THE RING. I love
to see a connection between dog and handler and an enjoyment of what they are doing.
10. What advice can you give a novice coming into your show ring?
Make sure teeth and coat are really clean. Do NOT feed when the judge is attempting to see the dog's bite. Watch, listen and
HAVE FUN.
11. What advice can you give a “so called” expert coming into your show ring?
Whether you win or lose, be polite to the judge and to other exhibitors.
12. What do you enjoy most about judging?
The interaction with the dogs and that once in a great while experience of finding a “great one”.
13. What is your most memorable moment(s) in the dog show world?
MOST memorable (and exhausting), was judging the 2000 Whippet Millennium National with an entry of about 700 dogs. Other
great days included winning the breed in BOTH whippets and greyhounds (and a group 4) at Westminster 1976, Judging the
Hound Group at the AKC/Eukanuba show and judging at Westminster.
14. What is your most disappointing moment(s) in the dog show world?
There have been days when I was disappointed in the way certain exhibitors have handled losses. On the whole, very few
disappointments in any part of the dog show world.
15. Where do you think the sport of Dog Showing will be in 10 years from now?
Not sure. Is anyone?
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 the dog world? What is it that first fascinated you
about it? What was your involvement before becoming a judge?
My husband Bob and I brought home a SPAYED female greyhound from a Humane Society and when we were told how beautiful
she was, we entered her in a local show. At that time you didn’t need your entry to be registered, you just said, “particulars
unknown”. We were very pleased when she won the breed, (no competition), and went on to the group. We were also very
flattered at all the looks she got. Of course those looks had nothing to do with the rhinestone collar AND lead I used. (VBG).
2. Why did you decide to become a judge?
I was asked to do a Whippet Specialty Sweepstakes and by the time I was finished with the entry of about 90, I was hooked.
3. When you first see the dogs come into the ring and you look down the line, what do you immediately look for? What
catches your eye?
Outline, Outline, Outline!!
4. Which do you rely on more, your physical examination or visually looking at the dog?
Depends on the breed. Smooth coated dogs can be judged almost without touching at all except for bite and testicles.
Obviously you need to get down into the coat of a heavily coated breed to see if “artistic license” has been taken by the
handler.
5. When it comes down to your final decision what makes you decide which dog takes home the ribbon on that day?
The dog which most closely meets the Standard for the breed as well as an indefinable something that sets this dog above the
rest.
6. What do you feel makes a great show dog?
See #5 above and then add a great attitude and obvious enjoyment of what he is doing.
7. Could you comment about the old age discussion about a “Group Dog” vs. a “Breed Dog”?
I do not consider how the dog will do in the Group when making my decision.
8. If you had to choose between a sound dog vs. a typey dog, which one would you give Best Of Breed to that day?
A very difficult question. Again depends on the breed and amount of deviation from both the Standard and “never putting a
foot down wrong” soundness. Type is most important to me, but will not put up a badly unsound dog in any breed, toys
included. I would rather withhold.
9. What are the qualities of the best handlers in the ring, what impresses you?
The best handlers are the ones who let the DOG shine, who follow instructions and who DON’T RACE AROUND THE RING. I love
to see a connection between dog and handler and an enjoyment of what they are doing.
10. What advice can you give a novice coming into your show ring?
Make sure teeth and coat are really clean. Do NOT feed when the judge is attempting to see the dog's bite. Watch, listen and
HAVE FUN.
11. What advice can you give a “so called” expert coming into your show ring?
Whether you win or lose, be polite to the judge and to other exhibitors.
12. What do you enjoy most about judging?
The interaction with the dogs and that once in a great while experience of finding a “great one”.
13. What is your most memorable moment(s) in the dog show world?
MOST memorable (and exhausting), was judging the 2000 Whippet Millennium National with an entry of about 700 dogs. Other
great days included winning the breed in BOTH whippets and greyhounds (and a group 4) at Westminster 1976, Judging the
Hound Group at the AKC/Eukanuba show and judging at Westminster.
14. What is your most disappointing moment(s) in the dog show world?
There have been days when I was disappointed in the way certain exhibitors have handled losses. On the whole, very few
disappointments in any part of the dog show world.
15. Where do you think the sport of Dog Showing will be in 10 years from now?
Not sure. Is anyone?
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