1. Please tell us a little bit about yourself. Where do you live? How many years in dogs? How many years as a breeder? What is your kennel name?
2. In your opinion, is your breed in good condition overall? Any trends that warrant concern?
3. As a Preservation Breeder, can you share your thoughts on the sport today? How’s the judging these days?
4. How important are Performance Events to you as a Preservation Breeder? As an Exhibitor?
5. In your opinion, is social media good for the sport? Is it harmful?
6. What are the biggest challenges facing the dog show community as a whole today and how can these be addressed?
7. What are some of the positive changes you’ve seen in the sport over the past decade?

Benjamin Sánchez García

1. My name is Benjamin Sánchez García, and I am based in Jerez, located in the southern part of Spain, a city world-renowned for its wine industry. Besides my passion for dogs, I am a veterinarian by profession. Currently, I work for the government, primarily in animal health programs, focusing on ensuring the well-being of animals across various sectors. This has given me a broader perspective on animal welfare and a deep understanding of different species, but my heart has always been with dogs.

My journey into breeding started formally in 1992 with my FCI kennel prefix, “Fraguel’s.” Over the years, my breeding program has evolved, and today, I specialize in Whippets, Spanish Water Dogs, Pembroke Welsh Corgis, and the Ratonero Bodeguero Andaluz. However, my love for dogs extends far beyond these breeds. In the past, I have worked with many other breeds, which has allowed me to learn from different canine temperaments, traits, and physical characteristics.

As for dog shows, my involvement began in 1989 as an exhibitor. Interestingly, my first experience with dog shows goes back much further—to 1974—when I attended the Jerez Dog Show as a visitor at just five years old. That early exposure left a lasting impression on me, setting the stage for what would become a lifelong passion. I became a judge in 1997, initially for National Open Shows, and by 2018 I had earned my FCI International All-Breed Judge certification. This progression has given me a rich, multifaceted experience in the dog world, from breeding and exhibiting to judging.

2. The condition of each breed varies significantly, especially because I work with multiple breeds, each with its own unique set of challenges and developments. Overall, most breeds are in good health, and I believe breeders are generally doing their best to preserve important traits. However, I have noticed a concerning trend: the overall quality of some breeds has declined over the past 15 years or so. This is not just a localized issue but a global one. The quality that we used to see—both in terms of conformation and temperament—seems to have diminished somewhat. Part of this may be due to a shift in breeding practices, where the emphasis is sometimes placed on achieving fast titles or breeding for appearance rather than maintaining the full Standard of the breed. While most breeders are dedicated to preservation, some may prioritize other aspects which can lead to a dilution of important characteristics that make a breed truly distinct.

3. The state of the sport today varies considerably from one country to another. In my view, the United States has developed the sport more robustly than many other parts of the world, offering more opportunities for both exhibitors and breeders. However, in Europe, we are facing different challenges, primarily due to changing laws related to animal welfare. These laws, although well-intentioned, sometimes create obstacles for breeders who are working to preserve specific traits in a breed. There is also a growing “war” against breeding in some regions, driven by certain animal rights groups that don’t fully understand the role of responsible breeders in preserving healthy, well-balanced dogs.

In terms of judging, I don’t think it has evolved significantly in recent years. Judging is still generally solid, but there are areas where we could improve. One key issue is education—both for judges and exhibitors. We need to ensure that judges are consistently trained and up-to-date with Breed Standards, but equally important is educating exhibitors and the general public about conformation and the purpose behind our decisions. In today’s climate, many people don’t fully understand why certain traits are valued in a breed, which can lead to confusion and criticism of the judging process.

When it comes to the number of shows, I believe we’ve reached a point of oversaturation. There are too many shows, and as a result, the quality of entries and the prestige of the titles have decreased. Instead of focusing on quantity, we should aim for fewer, higher-quality shows that attract more entries and offer titles that truly mean something. The current “fast title” culture, where titles are achieved quickly and sometimes without real merit, is not beneficial for the sport in the long term.

4. Although I have never been personally involved in performance events, I appreciate their role within the dog world. These events offer a unique opportunity for dogs and handlers to bond while achieving performance titles, and they promote an active, fun way for dogs to showcase their abilities beyond the Conformation ring.

That said, I sometimes question whether performance titles contribute to our understanding of a breed from a preservation perspective. In some cases, focusing on performance might even contradict the goals of preservation, especially if physical traits that are essential for conformation are neglected in favor of performance abilities. This can be a delicate balance, and as breeders it’s important to maintain the breed’s original purpose and physical structure while also supporting other areas of competition.

5. Social media is a double-edged sword. On one hand, it provides a valuable platform for promoting our breeds, connecting with other breeders, and reaching a wider audience. It allows us to share knowledge, showcase our dogs, and celebrate achievements in a way that wasn’t possible before. However, it also has its downsides. Misinformation can spread quickly, and the focus on aesthetics in photos and videos can sometimes overshadow the true purpose of breeding and showing dogs according to the Standard.

Moreover, social media can contribute to the “fast title” culture I mentioned earlier. People may be more focused on how many titles a dog has rather than the quality of the dog itself, which can be harmful to the sport in the long run.

6. From a European perspective, one of the biggest challenges we face is simply surviving. The dog show community is being attacked from multiple angles, particularly by groups that oppose breeding and the concept of purebred dogs. These challenges require us to be more proactive in educating the public about the importance of preservation breeding and the value of maintaining purebred dogs.

We need to focus on increasing the sporting aspect of dog shows and making them more accessible and engaging to the general public. Transparency is key—sharing our goals, methods, and the reasons behind what we do can help to bridge the gap between breeders and the broader community.

7. I don’t want to sound overly negative, but it’s hard to point to many positive changes in the sport lately. The difficulties seem to be mounting, and I haven’t seen as much progress as I would hope. However, we do have better tools and access to more knowledge than we did in the past. Advances in genetics, health testing, and breeding practices give us more control over the outcomes of our breeding programs, but at the same time, we face significant challenges in sharing this work with a broader audience due to
external pressures.

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Judging the Whippet

The most wonderful thing in the world for a Whippet judge is to place your hands on the neck of a fit and correct Whippet and feel the taut muscle sing beneath your fingertips.

Slide your hand onto smooth shoulder blades lying tightly against the body. Run your hand across the broad back and loin—the spine is slightly visible (not prominent), and from the quality of the muscle, you know this is a flexible back and croup.

Onto the thigh—the muscle is thicker but not bulgy. Now, very important—continue to the second thigh, and find the same tight muscle there, with good width, not narrow.

Ahh. Heaven can wait. This fit, flexible Whippet is the ultimate pleasure.

Often, judges who are new to the breed have trouble understanding the topline. It is a gentle arch over the loin, not over the back. What we are looking for above all is a flexible body.

A Whippet running full speed, in the double suspension gallop, will pass continually through concave-convex movements. In other words, the body has to be flexible enough to look like a horseshoe when the legs meet beneath the body and a hammock when the legs are fully extended. A rigid, high spine will prevent this movement.

That’s why I view a strongly arched topline as a serious fault, while less arch is not as serious. The Whippet standard instructs that the dog is built for speed and work. Aspects of incorrect structure that would impede speed are the most serious.

Feet are very important. “No foot, no dog” is an old saying from horse breeders. A glance at a Whippet foot will tell you all you need to know. No need to pick it up or handle it.

“Feet more hare than cat, but both are acceptable,” the standard says. Whippets have good feet. Flat, splayed, or soft feet without thick hard pads are very rare in my experience.

“The back is broad, firm, and well-muscled, having length over the loin…. There is a definite tuckup of the underline.” The Whippet underline is strongly pronounced. Sometimes new judges ask if the topline and underline should match—the answer is no.

The topline’s job is flexibility; the underline is a bellows. The ribs are extremely deep at the brisket to protect powerful lungs, and then each back rib is sculptured successively shorter.

The standard requires “length over the loin” because all that deep chest is going to be pushed up into the loin during the concave moment.

Whippets whose ribs remain approximately the same length lack breed type; their underline will be more similar to a Labrador Retriever than a sighthound. This lack of a pronounced underline will diminish the Whippet’s speed and therefore is a serious fault.

Yet, judges reward many Whippets with this fault because their long bodies are able to move with lots of reach and drive. Whippet breeders sometimes cringe when a novice judge urges us to look at the wonderful movement on the dog they put up—if the dog achieved the movement by having a tubular shape or a loose body.

Check the standard—shape comes first. We don’t want to get a virtue (lots of reach and drive) by means of a fault (lack of underline). It is possible to have “symmetry of outline” and “powerful gait” both, together, perfectly harmonized in a beautiful dog.

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The Whippet

It is an exciting time to be a Whippet fancier. The breed is enjoying unprecedented success and popularity in so many areas of competition. As breeders we have always emphasized the versatility of the Whippet, and labeled it a well-kept secret. Now, for better or worse, the secret is out, and Whippets are setting records at the highest levels in the show ring, and dog sports as varied as agility, dock diving, flyball, lure coursing, and barn hunt, not to mention Whippet racing, which is actually the breed’s original purpose and forte. The Whippet, not the Greyhound, was the original breed of dog designed to compete on the racetrack, as well as serving other purposes in his humble history.

The origin of the Whippet remains somewhat debatable. Clearly there were medium-sized sighthound type companions and hunting dogs portrayed in early Roman sculpture and artwork. The ancient Greeks depicted small Greyhound type dogs on pottery and sculpture as well. And, of course, there are many early tapestries that show hunting dogs of a Greyhound style, many larger, but some smaller, in their coursing and hunting scenes. All of these throw the original descendants of the breed into question.

It is ironic that the Whippet as he is regarded today has a reputation as a cultured companion, because the origin of the breed in its modern incarnation was extremely humble and that of the lower and working classes of British society. There is no doubt that this smaller racing dog and all-purpose utility dog was established with the miners of the northern counties of England. Throughout the 18th and 19th centuries, a quick and hardy, smallish and streamlined hound was prized by the colliers and was considered the “poor man’s racehorse.” J. Wentworth Day, in his volume The Dog In Sport (1938) writes, “They were bred originally for rabbit coursing, and it is generally reckoned that the bitches are faster than the dogs. To-day no miner in the North of England considers himself properly equipped if he is not the owner or part-owner of a Whippet. Apart from rabbit coursing in the open, a great deal of Whippet-racing goes on in industrial and mining districts, and in a good many country villages all over England. Racing is generally known as ‘straight running.’ The dogs race down a series of lanes or tracks divided from one another by string. The ‘lure’ is a handkerchief or colored rag which the owner waves frantically at the end of the track.

The truth is that Whippets—not Greyhounds—were the original racing dogs, and the weekend race meetings were a means by which the often impoverished citizens of Northumberland and Durham could add a few shillings to the family coffers. In addition, the dogs served a useful purpose in poaching rabbits for the stewpot, and ridding the pantry of vermin. A versatile and accomplished Whippet was an important part of the collier’s family and enjoyed his prized role serving as household companion and excellent foot warmer in addition to his other duties.

These duties required an efficient dog of great speed, quickness, and sprinting ability. There is no doubt that some terrier blood is part of the Whippet’s development, which added gameness and courage. He hunted more closely to his master than any other sighthound. To hunt far afield would have been a likely death sentence for both the poacher and his dog. Thus, we have a dog that was bred for at least two centuries to be an efficient small game and sometimes vermin killer, an incomparable sprinter, and one that is affectionate and utterly devoted to his human family.

This dichotomy of character is one of the most appealing aspects of the breed, and all good breeders of Whippets share a great admiration for his versatility, and they breed to preserve all of these desirable traits. As breeders, we consider it vital to respect the origin and purpose of this elegant, sound, and especially athletic hound.

The Whippet Standard does an excellent job of describing the essentials of the breed. The American Whippet Club also has an Illustrated Standard, available on the AWC website, which can help aspiring judges to grasp and understand these priorities. Around the world the Whippet Standard may have some variation, but the “non-negotiable” aspects of the breed, that of a medium-sized, very fit, elegant athlete, with smooth yet muscular curves, and low but not exaggerated side gait, are universal.

To further expand upon the Standard and to provide some insight to aspiring judges, I have compiled some commentary from a number of Whippet breeder-judges. Their responses are both illuminating and consistent, and I suggest that anyone who judges the breed, or wishes to judge the breed, take these comments to heart. All of the judges I have requested commentary from have enjoyed great success not only in conformation, but also in many of the performance events that Whippets compete in: racing, coursing, agility, obedience, rally, barn hunt, dock diving, and others. Their experience in the breed cumulatively totals more than 250 years, and they are all AWC approved mentors.

The list includes:

• Mary Beth Arthur (Marial)
• Gail Boyd (Ableaim)
• Lisa Costello, Tracy Hite (Tivio)
• va Kimmelman (Merci Isle)
• Donna Lynch (Hamrya)
• David Samuelson (Dashing)
• Cindy Scott (Brookwood)
• Harold “Red” Tatro (Redglen)
• Denise Tatro (Redglen)

Here Are Some of Their Comments With Regard to Judging the Whippet:

1. Do you think that the Standard adequately describes the Whippet?

“I think our General Appearance section says it all. I refer to it first when someone I am mentoring asks me about Whippets.”

“Yes. It defines the key characteristics, medium size, elegant and fit…a graceful outline balanced with muscle, powerful gait and elegance is the Whippet. The best line: ‘all forms of exaggeration should be avoided.’”

“When educating judges or judging the breed myself, the general appearance of the Whippet Standard is always at the top of my mind. Great thought is given to the three main considerations:

‘Symmetry of outline, muscular development and powerful gait are the main considerations; the dog being built for speed and work, all forms of exaggeration should be avoided.’”

“Since the publication of our Illustrated Standard, I have heard many compliments from non-Whippet people that it is outstanding and I agree. It really spells out what a Whippet should be.”

2. Would you add anything to the Standard?

“In my opinion, I think it’s fine as it currently reads…I do wish there was an easy way to drive home the phrase, ‘form follows function.’”

“I would address the correct head shape and eye. I would change words. I do not like the wording about ‘barely perceptible stop.’ This has allowed for fill between the eyes and some almost downfaced Whippets to be viewed as correct.”

3. Please comment on your priorities when judging.

“My priorities while judging/breeding for our breed is foremost: type, shape, and balance. Athletes! Our Standard describes a ‘medium-sized athlete.’ I then look at conformation and structure. All of these aspects will lead to whether or not the dog is sound and how he will carry himself on the move. While moving, I want to see the shape of the dog to remain present with a correct topline. The side gait should be easy, without big effort, showing reach and drive. The head is the last thing I consider…I do love a beautiful expression and face with a long strong neck, but barring any faults, I will not put a pretty face over a better dog. And color is immaterial. No preference to color or markings. My priorities: Shape/Type, Balance, Athleticism, Soundness.”

“I prioritize traits that make the breed a beautiful athlete. My ideal has its parts fitting together in a harmonious way, not looking like they were put together by a committee. My ideal has a smooth outline in profile, from above, and from head on. It has a flexible topline that does not drop off steeply or have an accentuated arch. There is depth of body with a pronounced curve of underline, a fit body with adequate length of loin; broad thighs in profile that carry down the second thigh; true moving down and back with low, effortless and balanced side gait, but not TRAD.” [ed. Note: TRAD = “tremendous reach and drive.”]

“First look is for correct outline as without this the dog is not a good Whippet. Then I look for overall fitness and athleticism…overweight, soft and flabby is the only thing I have ever withheld a ribbon for! Movement is easy to assess as there is no coat…but there may be color and markings that create illusions. Soundness with reach and drive that is not overdone is what I want. Finally, I look for the ‘icing’ features: a good head, nicely made with a strong underjaw; large forward-placed eyes (dark eyes are pleasant, but one must learn about eye color of the dilutes as well); a broader backskull and a nicely-set, crisp rose ear. I also want a good, sound foot as this is a running hound and foundation is critical. Thus overly long or splayed, flat toes (or conversely) a very small cat foot is not desirable. Since ‘all forms of exaggeration should be avoided,’ I desire a foot in between a cat foot and a hare foot. One feature I ‘split hairs’ with is tail carriage on the move. Whippets with higher tailsets will often carry their tail too high, breaking the horizontal plane of the topline—this distorts the outline that I desire in a Whippet.”

“For me, my priorities when judging the Whippet is shape, which includes topline and bottom line, continual flow from a well arched neck, smooth neck into shoulder, a flexible loin, and finished off with a powerful rear. Not correct is the one that peaks in the middle of the back and falls off fast. At first glance, the Whippet should impress the judge as an athlete. On the move, wasted motion would alert that there will be a reduction in speed.”

“I look for a moderate package with correct outline/underline, properly conditioned. A Whippet should move effortlessly, without wasted motion. Not always easy to find…”

“Conditioning is very important to me and I carefully evaluate muscle when judging.”

“For me, the Whippet is an athlete first and foremost…when it comes to structure, I look for those traits that will contribute to a functional, running dog. The overall body shape is the essence of the Whippet. Correctly placed curves in both topline and underline allow full body extension and flexion in the double suspension gallop. Muscle width and length through the loin is the ‘engine’ of the running dog. The arch in the topline should be placed over the loin, not in the middle of the back and not over the rump. There should be a gentle slope through the croup, not round, not flat. Too much or too little topline can result in poor extension and/or inefficient stride recovery leading to less speed and agility. Shoulder assembly and how it is attached to the body is also very important. Although we do not have the 90 degree angle desirable in some breeds, there should be moderate angulation, good layback of shoulder and length of upper arm paired with bend of pastern. I also look for moderate rear angulation, not too straight, and especially not excessive (overangulation) which is counterproductive to speed. I look for a strong rear with shorter hocks that can drive from the hip, and a front with reach that extends from the shoulder and not the elbow.”

4. Are there any particular concerns with Whippets today?

“Two things: One, over-angulated hindquarters created by an excessive length of second thigh. A second thigh longer than the upper thigh is a detriment to the Whippet’s speed. Second, the Whippet’s underline is just as important as the topline. In profile, the deep brisket should extend back from the elbow, then curve upward to the tuckup.”

“In comparison to many breeds, I feel our breed is in pretty good shape. I guess my biggest concern for our breed would be shape: we are getting a lot of long bodied dogs with short legs. This is not conducive to what they are made for and what the basis of our breed is.”

“I think like all breeds, the fronts on Whippets are the area that needs improvement. While we may not have a breed with a 90 degree angle in shoulder, I think we are seeing many upright shoulders and shorter upper arms that restrict the reach of the dog. We don’t see as many over-angulated rears anymore, but there are still some that are sickle-hocked and shuffle in the rear and don’t have the powerful drive the breed should have. Many breeders prefer the longer-bodied Whippets, but those run the risk of being flatter in topline; but they typically have big sidegait which often blinds some judges!”

“Straight pasterns and an overwhelming abundance of flat backs or incorrect toplines (the rise beginning too soon).”

“Unfortunately, we have some of the same issues many breeds do: straight fronts with shorter upper arms; lack of return of upper arm; straight pasterns; and cathedral fronts. We also tend to see longer rears and over-angulation that makes for extended sidegait. While the Standard states powerful gait as a main consideration, this does not mean TRAD, or moving like a GSD. Some lines have tall hocks—this kills rear drive. We also continue to have a color prejudice in the breed (parti-color and white), particularly under all-rounder judges.”

“One thing concerning to me is the number of Whippets I’m seeing with an actual pro-sternum. Understanding the difference in front fill and pro-sternum is important. Front fill comes naturally with well-placed shoulders and return of upper arm, while pro-sternum gives the appearance of heaviness and reduces speed.”

“The heads especially concern me. I am also concerned about loss of body shape as well as extreme side gait. This is what I consider to be the ‘drag of the breed’ right now.”

“Today I think there is too much emphasis on baiting and it drives me crazy! I like to see them as natural as possible and I stress that to other judges.”

5. What is most important for a person wanting to judge Whippets to focus on?

“The General Appearance section should be the start and it is very good…I also encourage attendance at coursing and racing events.”

“Outline and movement, and, in a perfect world, a prospective judge should attend a field trial to truly get a feeling for the importance of the Whippet structure and standard. They need to see how the Whippet utilizes its body (and especially its pasterns) in the field.”

“Too many judges don’t understand the curves or the underline, and that needs to be said over and over.” “I believe those wanting to judge Whippets need to understand that it is not an easy breed to judge. Understanding anatomy—the rise over the loin—requires one to know what and where the loin is. Do not judge on ears, and Whippets should not have TRAD!”

“Learn to see the correct outline of the Whippet both standing and moving. Learn to appreciate the Whippet that is fit and firm both to the touch and when moving. Understand that the U.S. Whippet Standard has a large range in height from top to bottom and all are equally acceptable. We have no preferred height if it’s within the Standard. Forget about the flash and dash of perfectly marked colors, or the dog that stands like a statue with pretty ears up for hours staring at bait!”

“I think some of the hardest things for new judges to understand are the variations they will see in shape and size. I think many judges think Whippets should be small even though our size description and limit hasn’t changed in over 50 years. When mentoring, I am regularly asked whether the longer—or shorter—cast dogs are correct. I then discuss how both can be correct as long as the dogs have balance and shape. Do the dogs move with rhythm and smoothness, and do they maintain shape and hold their topline? The Standard allows square to slightly rectangular, so it can vary. Also, since color is immaterial, the judge should look at a dog from both sides, especially if the markings are random, which may give false impressions.”

“A judge of Whippets should focus on balance, both standing and moving. There should be coordination of action and symmetry of stride between the front and rear when moving. When standing, balance means all the parts appear as one unit, fitting neatly into one another. Remember, a Whippet should not be faulted for being too big or too small if it measures within the breed Standard. Attributes that are detrimental to running ability are to be faulted. The dog should be fit and hard to the touch. Well-conditioned muscles should not be faulted. Well-conditioned muscles will have good development and definition. However, coarseness or excessive bulginess should be faulted.”

“The Whippet is a series of smooth S-curves. As you first approach the dog, step back from the ramp/ground and look with your eyes, from the nose to the tip of the tail. If your eye stops, go back and figure out why. Remember that while color is immaterial, markings can be deceiving. Now put your hands on the dog. Please do not reward a Whippet that is stressed or panting (unless the weather is hot) or one that obviously doesn’t want to be there. You can make some allowance for a puppy, but nervousness is not correct Whippet temperament. Whippets are mostly an ownerhandled breed, so don’t dismiss a good dog that is not stacked well. Many times the dog will transform off the ramp or table. Examine on the ramp/table, but judge on the ground! Please don’t focus on ears. If the dog uses its ears once, that’s sufficient. If it doesn’t, that’s okay. They don’t run on their ears! Color is immaterial—we mean that! You should not care what color they are. A flashy dog might catch your eye, but it is not necessarily the best dog. Don’t get hung upon the ‘chrome’—flashy colors don’t help to catch the prey.”

“For new judges, and especially those coming from non-sighthound breeds, the shape and topline of the Whippet is often difficult to grasp and feel comfortable judging. Shape defines the Whippet, so please reach out to AWC approved mentors or those on the judges committee for help to understand this part of our breed. Remember, the color is immaterial and every dog in your ring should be considered regardless of color and markings. I strongly recommend attending a racing or coursing event so that you can fully appreciate the Whippet as an athlete and understand their intense desire to do what they were bred for. This is a lovely breed to judge and we have a great group of owners and handlers, and the majority of our breed is breeder- and/or owner-handled. Examine details on the table or ramp, but judge on the ground. Remember, you will never see these words in our Standard: ‘dainty, meek, fragile, porcelain statue.’ Please judge the Whippet as the athlete it is meant to be.”

In summary, the Whippet is not an ornamental breed. He is a medium-sized dog of very modest heritage that was developed to serve a functional purpose. He has no other reason for being. His outline is unique to him. He is smooth and curvaceous with an “S” curved topline and complimentary underline, but these curves must be balanced and flowing and muscular. He is, above all, an athlete, a sprinting dog with no equal. His signature make and shape are punctuated by fitness and athletic ability.

If judges would prioritize the features of the breed as described by the experts above and pay much less attention to color, flash and dash, showmanship, baiting, the unnecessary constant use of ears, and racing around the ring, they would go a long way toward understanding what the Whippet is all about, and what we, as preservation breeders, hold so dear.

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Interview with Marie Ann Falconer, Breeder of MYLA Siberian Huskies

Where do I live? How many years in dogs? How many years as a breeder?

Marie Ann Falconer: I live in Athens, Tennessee. I have been in dogs my whole life, actively showing since 1973, (50 Years). I’ve been a breeder for 50 years.

What is my kennel name? How many dogs do I currently keep?

Marie Ann Falconer: My kennel name is MYLA. I currently keep 12 Siberian Huskies and
two Whippets.

Which show dogs from the past have been my noteworthy winners?

Marie Ann Falconer: Winning the Working Group with my German Shepherd Dog and winning the SHCA National Specialty with MBIS MBISS CH Seeonees Point Blank CGC, and recently, the AKC National Championship in Orlando.

Which have been my most influential sires and dams?

Marie Ann Falconer: By far, the sire was “Rocky,” MBIS MBISS Nat’l Winner CH Seeonees Point Blank CGC, and the dam was MBISS Multiple Group Winner CH Myla’s Libby SD.

Can I talk a bit about my facilities? Where are my puppies whelped? How are they raised?

Marie Ann Falconer: We are located on 10 pristine acres with very large, grassy paddocks to run. Puppies are whelped in the barn where we have a climate-controlled whelping room. They are raised with a lot of people visiting and handling all the puppies, and a lot of love!

What is my “process” for selecting Show Puppies? Performance Puppies?

Marie Ann Falconer: The first grading is at 6 weeks, but most evaluating is done at 8 weeks old.

Do I compete in Performance Events? In Parent Club Tests & Trials?

Marie Ann Falconer: Not anymore.

Is “performance” part of my decision-making when it comes to breeding?

Marie Ann Falconer: We are a show kennel first and our dogs must fit to the Breed Standard.

How would I define “conditioning” as it relates to my breed?

Marie Ann Falconer: Lots and lots of exercise and weekly grooming. All dogs are kept in super condition at any age!

Are there any health-related concerns in my breed? Any special nutritional needs?

Marie Ann Falconer: We screen for cataracts and hip dysplasia. We’ve proudly fed Eukanuba for over 46 years now and that works for us.

Do I think my breed is supported by a sufficient number of preservation breeders?

Marie Ann Falconer: I believe so.

Is my breed well suited to be a family dog? Who are the best candidates to own my breed?

Marie Ann Falconer: Siberians are not for everyone, but yes, they make a wonderful pet for responsible people. The best candidates are folks who know not to let them run free in the neighborhood, who have a fenced yard, and who show up with a crate to drive home with their dog.

What is the biggest misconception about my breed? What is my breed’s best-kept secret?

Marie Ann Falconer:Cute is not in our Standard and no one remembers they need to have legs. The best-kept secret is the boys are more affectionate.

If I could share a comment or two with judges of my breed, what would I like to say to them?

Marie Ann Falconer: Please remember their function as a sled dog and reward front assemblies over all else.

Do I have any words of wisdom to pass along to newer breeders?

Marie Ann Falconer: Please do homework.

For a bit of fun, what’s the most amusing thing I’ve ever experienced with a Working Dog?

Marie Ann Falconer: The most amusing thing was my dog Rocky riding on an ATV instead of working in harness.

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Interview with a Junior Handler, Audrey Boyer

Where do you live? Where do you go to school?

My name is Audrey Boyer and I live in Cupertino, California. I go to school at Monta Vista High School. It’s a beautiful two-story brick school with some amazing teachers. It has a great art program as well.

Do you have any hobbies or interests apart from purebred dogs? Do you have a job?

More than a hobby, art is my passion that I am going to be pursuing as a future career in character design and animation. As of right now, I do pet portrait and online digital art commissions to help build up my college funds. I guess my art is my self-employed job since it’s freelance. In my free-time, I enjoy playing classical and electric guitar, sewing, and archery with my dad.

Have you grown up in a doggy family? What is your breed(s )?

We have had dogs all our lives. Growing up, we had a Pitbull and a Pitbull-Pointer, a Bantam Bulldog, a Frenchie, and now we have three Whippets. “Disco” is the oldest of the three and our first Whippet. He is the father of our second oldest, “Yoshi.” I finished Disco’s Bronze Grand Championship (we had help to get his Championship), and I got Yoshi’s Championship and Grand Championship on my own.

Currently, we are training up my newest endeavor, “Juno,” who is nine months old and my new partner for Juniors as Disco is now older, happy, and retired. I also show “Diamond” (Disco’s daughter) in the Breed ring, so you can usually find me in the Whippet ring.

My other regular breeds are Borzoi, Doberman Pinchers, and most recently, Boston Terriers.

How were you introduced to Junior Showmanship? When did you start competing?

My mom and I were first introduced to showing when we bought Disco and were given the option of a show dog or a pet. It sounded like a great opportunity to us and a fun new hobby for the both of us to enjoy. It took me a couple years before I was able to compete in Junior Showmanship, but I was practicing in that time and really being able to learn how to connect with my dog and what it meant to show dogs.

What do you remember about the first time you showed as a Junior?

The first time I showed in Juniors was seven years ago in Napa under Bill Shelton (against five others) and I went second in Open Junior. I was so overjoyed when that happened, I might as well have been bouncing off the walls! That day, I was wearing a little white dress with English riding and horse decorations and patterns, which was one of my favorites at the time. Disco was my Juniors dog, and he was so good for me that day.

How do you prepare your dog and yourself for the ring? Any rituals? Any good luck charms?

Since I am now working with the puppy (who is now just nine months old), I try to get her happy and connected. We play a game where I ask, “Juju, what do bad girls say?”

In the sassiest bark you have ever heard, she responds with a BIG “RAFF” followed by a small pop up with her front legs. I’ve had other fun games with all of my dogs, and we make sure to have fun in the ring. They always show better because of it.

We really don’t have any lucky charms going into the ring; however, if we have some big wins, or memorable wins, the lead we used becomes the “lucky” lead. They have to “earn” their magic!

Do you have a mentor in the sport? Have you assisted any Professional Handlers?

I have had several mentors over the years, from Conformation class instructors to my best friend, but I would have to say that my mom is my biggest champion throughout my journey. I have done some assisting for handlers and it’s definitely a fun way to learn all about the breeds, how they are groomed, and the planning that goes into it as well. I will recommend for kids, if they want to help out, to be at least 14 years old, simply because it’s a lot of work and it can get stressful at times. It is lots of fun and I do like to help others out whenever I possibly can. I usually have my mom help me build the schedule to help friends. (We’ve made many new friends this way!)

What do you think about the Judges? Do they seem to enjoy the Juniors ring?

I think this depends on the judge, for sure. I think most judges really do like Juniors. You can tell right away when you see them smiling when you walk into the ring. I have met so many nice judges; those are the ones I remember the most. They will smile at me when they see me at other shows because they remembered ME. That’s really cool. The judges who are very serious, I do watch myself around. I know they are concentrating on doing their job, so I do my best to do mine. One time, a judge told me not to smile in the ring because I looked fake. It did hurt my feelings a little. I will now smile at MY DOG, because I think they like it and it keeps my energy up. We should be happy in the ring with our dogs.

Are there any wins for which you are particularly proud? Any memorable losses?

I would have to say my most memorable win was last year in February 2022 when I went California Junior Handler of the Year under judge Pat Trotter. The event was on AKC.tv so I was really nervous, but I did my best to stay calm. It was an honor to have been chosen for such an amazing award!

The Sun Maid Kennel Club in Fresno did such an amazing job of making us Juniors feel really special at that show. They awarded me with a four-foot ribbon and a $2,000 academic scholarship, which I will most certainly use for college. I don’t think you could have wiped the smile off my face for a week!

How is your breed shown? How do you accentuate your dog’s breed type in the ring?

Whippets are a medium-sized dog with an elegant, smooth stride and a sleek outline. As handlers, we want to accentuate this by letting them walk into their free-stacks, as appropriate, and use our hands when necessary to truly show off the best parts about them.

In Whippets, we want to emphasize their smooth and flowing curves. I do this when hand-stacking by bringing their head up and then down to create this beautiful arch in the neck as well as letting them stand on their own to properly show the cleanest outline you can give. A well-balanced dog can do this easily, and that is something I always love to showcase. They should also glide when gaiting, using a “daisy clipping” movement with nice reach and drive, and showing an efficient stride. I stay in step with my dogs, so we can stay connected as a team and so they don’t go too fast or slow.

Is your breed generally well-suited for a Junior Showmanship career?

It can depend on who you ask, because their personalities vary deeply in the breed, but I find that Whippets are a great Juniors dog. They are not hard to control, not too small where you have to fidget, and most will go and show for just about anyone. They can be a sensitive and aloof breed, so you’ll have to be sure to always encourage your dog and use positive training with your Whippet. They do not like the cold, so some days they can be harder to work with (especially at 8 a.m. in October-March), but this just helps you learn how to work with your dog better.

Have you bred or co-bred a litter? If so, can you share what you’ve learned from the experience?

I have not; however, we own a stud dog. It’s been really cool to watch puppies being born, watch them grow up, and show and finish their AKC Championships. We got Yoshi from Disco’s first litter. It was so amazing to see them grow up, stack them (Jell-O on chopsticks), and be there for the grading. I learned how to compare puppies to the Breed Standard—as compared to the adults. Disco (Diamond’s sire) has produced eight, almost nine, bench champions in just a few litters. We hope he will get his ROM. At some point, if Juno proves herself in the ring, and with OFA testing, we may breed her, but that won’t be for a long time.

With so many “low entry” breeds, what are your thoughts on breed preservation?

With several breeds being found as rare nowadays, I feel that breed preservation is important and people in the dog world should want to teach others about said breed to invite more people in and keep the breed going. I have met some really good breed ambassadors (like my friends in Kuvasz and Shikoku). They use every opportunity to talk to people about their breeds and it’s so informative. We have to be careful to take care of our rare breeds. It’s like the endangered species on this planet. We have to be their protectors or we will lose them.

Are there any breeds that you would love to show but haven’t shown yet?

I have always wanted to show a Dogue de Bordeaux due to their super-unique look. They seem like they would be fun and goofy, but still a powerful breed. I would love to learn to handle more Working breeds.

If you could choose only one breed to live with forever, which breed would it be and why?

This is a really hard question for me! There are so many breeds that I love, and lots that I want to get to know. I think I can say that I do like living with medium-sized dogs. I can comfortably walk a couple at a time. And though I will probably (really) have multiple breeds, including Whippets, I am a little bit obsessed with the Shikoku. They are not an AKC breed (yet), but my understanding is that they have a hound-like temperament in a cute Shiba-like look. I really want to get one! (My mom only wants “naked” short-haired dogs in the house right now!)

Can you share a word or two about your relationship with your current dog? What does s/he mean to you?

I live with Disco, Yoshi, and my new puppy, Juno. Juno is my little shadow. I feed her, she sleeps with me, I play with her, hike, and do just about everything with her. It makes me really happy that I get to show her in Juniors and practice all the things we’ve worked on. I don’t think I could imagine life without her. She’s as “spicy” as can be and she brings a lot of life and energy into our home.

I have also been lucky to be part Diamond’s life. She is also a Disco daughter, so I feel an extra special connection with her. I’ve been showing her for the last year, but I’ve watched her grow up from a puppy. Diamond is such a sweet dog and she is such a happy girl. She wags her tail in the ring—it’s so cute! I also have been showing my other part-timers, which includes “Tyson” (the Bison!) the Red Doberman, “Gunner” the Borzoi, and “Banjo” the cute Boston Terrier. Banjo just about screams when she sees me walk up! I love that we all have a special connection in and out of the ring.

What are your goals for the future? Do you see yourself continuing in the sport once you’ve aged-out?

In the near future, I will be going to Westminster for my first time EVER! I’m so excited. I will be showing Diamond in Breed, and Juno in Juniors. I also want to see if I can help keep Diamond in the Top 20 for 2023. She’s been a very special dog for me to show, and I hope the judge will find us in such a beautiful lineup.

This upcoming year, I want to see how far I can go with my puppy, Juno, in Juniors. I have been the only person to train her, so it will feel extra special. In a couple of years, I want to be able to take her to back Westminster to compete in the Breed ring. I know we can do it!

When I age-out, I will have a lot more school ahead of me, but I will most definitely come out on the weekends and show dogs for my mom and friends. Dogs will always be close to my heart and part of my life.

Is there a funny story that you can share about experiences as a Junior Handler?

I would say my funniest story was about two years ago. I was showing Disco in the Owner-Handled Groups. We were inside a school gym with shiny wooden floors and there were NO mats. It was one of the days that was about 109 degrees outside, and everyone was using cool coats and spray bottles on their dogs. I’m sure you can guess what happened! I was doing my go-around and slipped on a wet patch and did the splits—but I didn’t go down! I caught myself with my front foot and DIDN’T SKIP A BEAT! I could hear my friends cheering for me for not “eating it!”

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This piece of advice has held true through four generations of purebred dog breeders, owners, and handlers. It has become a mantra among my family.

My great-grandmother, Margaret, started my family’s passion for show dogs when she imported Miniature Poodles from England back in the 1950s. My grandmother, Cheryl Schuman, got her first Skye Terrier in 1982 and had 13 generations of Marwyn Skye Terriers, unbroken from her first Skye Terrier, “Becky.”

We lost our last Skye Terrier in 2022, but before that, in 2018, my grandmother was in search of a new breed. Surprisingly, she found the Longhaired Dachshund, and with that came the introduction of “Dawsey,” and later, “Cheslie,” and in 2021, the Wirehaired Dachshund, “Leon.”

My mom, Meg Smith, also grew up in the world of dog shows from a young age, handling a dog to a 5-point major at the age of seven. She handled professionally, but never settled on a breed of her own until, in 2018, she got her first Ibizan Hound, “Reina,” and two years later, “Spencer.” She is also the Ibizan Hound Club of America’s Corresponding Secretary and has been Show Chair of the National Specialty for three years.

My story in dogs also began with the Skye Terrier. My “Meme” (grandmother) and my mom showed me how to part and groom a Skye Terrier to perfection before I was hardly able to see over the grooming table. The breed will always have such an important place in my heart. There is no other Group than Terriers that can build a good handler, in my opinion. They teach you patience and how to be tough. However, as I neared the age to become a Junior Handler, I realized that Skye Terriers were my Meme’s breed, not my own. So, when I was ready, my mom said, “Do your research and pick whatever breed you want. I will find you that breed.”

Okay. No pressure.

Did I want a Poodle? I’ve always loved Poodles… but the hair? Too much. A Rough Collie? Again, so much hair. Nope. My mom loved Staffordshire Bull Terriers. (She had a handling dog at one point that was one of her favorites.) Not it either. I really wasn’t sure where I was pointed, so, I knew I had more research to do.

One summer, however, I went to stay with my Great Uncle Gary and Great Aunt Donna. I didn’t realize it that day, but walking into their house I would make a decision that would impact my life for the better. Gary and Donna had two dogs, a Shih Tzu and… a 12-year-old Whippet named “Taylor.”

Taylor used to be one of my mom’s client’s dogs who turned him over to my mom when they decided they no longer wanted him. Taylor then went to live with my aunt and uncle. That entire day, Taylor sat on the couch with me, his head in my lap as we watched TV. The demeanor and style of the breed was exactly what I was missing. When he got up to play and “zoomied” around the house, becoming a puppy again for an instant, I knew.

I went home that summer without a doubt in my mind. “Mom, I want a Whippet.”

So, my Mom and Meme went to work. My Meme knew Karen Gibson with Andauer Whippets, a fellow member of Mid-Continent Kennel Club at the time, and told her that we were looking for a Juniors dog. She put out a “feeler” on the American Whippet Club forums to see if anyone had that special dog just for me.

And someone did.

A year later, we were blessed by Sat Ananda Hayden of Bésame Whippets with “Valentino,” Ch. Bésame’s May Be Habit Forming. He was five years old and was Sat Ananda’s first home-bred champion. He hadn’t been getting along with another house member, and Sat Ananda decided that we were a perfect fit for Valentino. We met in Nashville, Tennessee, to get him. I remember my mom holding so tightly to his leash, scared he would get away. We put him in the crate in the back of the car and headed home, stopping to get Valentino a McDonald’s burger. He had me wrapped around his paw from “day one.” He went on to be an amazing Junior Handling dog and taught me lessons I couldn’t have learned with a Skye.

Thirteen years later, I have gone on to own four other Whippets and have handled mine and Sat Ananda’s dogs to amazing feats. I have taken an Award of Merit at Westminster, several Group placements in regular Groups and Owner-Handled Groups, been in the ribbons at regional specialties, and overall, just got to enjoy my love of this breed.

Without the love of purebred dogs, my life would be completely different. I have made wonderful lifelong friends, and getting to do this with my mom and grandma is an experience not many people get to share. I cannot thank the mentors and breeders and owners of our own dogs enough, and our client dogs as well. I hope that Marwyn makes you all proud and that we never, ever stop showing these dogs.

A Fourth Generation Junior Finds a Breed of Her Own
By Baylie Smith

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Interview with an Owner Handler, Michelle Ewing

My name is Michelle Ewing, and I am an Owner Handler of Whippets on the West Coast. Dogs are my passion and I have loved dog shows since childhood. I have enjoyed showing my Whippets to Group wins, multiple Group placements, and multiple NOHS Best in Show wins. I am currently looking forward to co-breeding my first litter and continuing to grow in the sport.

Where do I live? How many years have I been an Owner Handler?

Michelle Ewing: I have lived in Southern California all my life and have been an Owner Handler since 2018.

How did I get my start in my breed? In the sport?

Michelle Ewing: I started with Doberman Pinschers when I was in junior high school in the 1980s. My first show dog ended up being a pet, but the second one finished his championship quickly with Professional Handlers showing him. In early 2016, after a 20-plus year hiatus from dog shows, my friend asked me if I would consider getting a Whippet and if I was interested in showing it. I got my first Whippet later that year from Mandy Clevenger and she finished his championship, with most of his points coming from the Puppy Classes.

Have I always loved to show dogs? Have I always been a dog person?

Michelle Ewing: I started dreaming about getting a show dog when I was 12. I spent the summer with my uncle and grandmother, and I got a pet Doberman without asking my parents. I’m pretty sure they were thrilled! After that, I bought every book on Dobermans that I could get my hands on, and I started taking my dog to Obedience classes. I was obsessed with everything Doberman and with dog shows and dog sports. I think it took me about a year to convince my parents that we NEEDED a show dog.

I started going to match shows and met some breeders who suggested to my parents that I should take a handling class that Bill Shelton was teaching. I ended up working for Bill as an assistant through high school and into college. We traveled to dog shows all over the Western US. I feel very fortunate to have had the opportunity to learn from Bill and so many other Doberman handlers and breeders. Those were great times.

I have always loved showing dogs, but it hasn’t always been easy for me. I suffered from extreme anxiety for a very long time, which made it extremely uncomfortable for me to show my own dogs. About three years ago, however, I realized that most people weren’t even paying attention when I was in the ring, and it really helped me to get past the anxiety and present my dogs better. It was also at this time that I joined Lee Whittier’s Dog Show Mentor program which has really helped me to improve my mindset and focus, and to become more successful in the ring.

Is there a story behind my decision to show my own dog?

Michelle Ewing: I have shown both of my Whippets to their Grand Championships. They were both young when they finished, and their breeders, who are Professional Handlers, had suggested it. It has been a great way to gain experience in a lower pressure environment. Both of my Whippets have done well in the regular Group and NOHS.

What makes showing my own dog so special to me?

Michelle Ewing: I love spending time with my dogs, and achieving wins with them myself makes it even more special.

In my opinion, is there a secret to having a great dog/handler partnership?

Michelle Ewing: Yes. Have fun with your dog! There is a lot of hard work to be done in order to be successful, but it should also be fun for your dog and for you.

Do I compete in the National Owner Handled Series? If so, for how many years?

Michelle Ewing: I have competed in NOHS for four years. It has been a great experience. I have learned so much and have made many friends.

What goals did I set for myself and for my dog in 2022? What about 2023?

Michelle Ewing: My goals for this year were to finish in the Top 20 in Breed points and Top 5 in NOHS. My current Special finished the 2022 OH year as the No. 2 Whippet. “Carly” is a multiple Hound Group winner and a multiple NOHS Best in Show winner. The highlight of this year was Carly and her sister, “Desiree,” winning Best in Show at the prestigious Santa Barbara Kennel Club Breeders Showcase. It was such an honor to represent her breeders, Lori Lawrence and Lori Wilson-Paust, at this event.

We are hoping for the arrival of Carly’s first litter in late February 2023. Goals for the last half of 2023 include obtaining the last 20 points toward her Silver Grand Championship and competing at more Specialties.

Am I going to Orlando? If so, what’s it like to have a top NOHS dog this year?

Michelle Ewing: We qualified to go to Orlando for 2021 and 2022. I was really looking forward to going to Orlando this year, but we have breeding plans around that time.

Just for laughs, do I have a funny story that I can share about my experiences as an owner handler?

Michelle Ewing: Well, there was that time when my shoe flew off my foot! Now I always make sure that I come prepared with extra inserts for when there is a temperature change.

The post In the Ring With Owner Handler Michelle Ewing appeared first on Showsight Magazine.

Interview with Owner Handlers: Kim & Paul Norton

Where do I live? How many years have I been an Owner Handler?

Kim Norton: We started showing in 1990 when we lived in New Jersey. Paul and I now reside on five beautiful acres in Brooksville, Florida. We have been Owner Handlers for about 10 years.

How did I get your start in my breed? In the sport?

Kim Norton: I was brought up in the dog show community, as my mother bred and showed German Shepherd Dogs and Great Danes. Back in 1985, I acquired a spayed Whippet named “Kneehi.” She was the start of our passion for the breed. In 1990, we obtained our first show dog from Paris Whippets and it went forward from there.

Have I always loved to show dogs? Have I always been a dog person?

Kim Norton: I love to show, but I get more anxious in the ring than Paul. I have always been a dog person. I started to groom dogs at the age of 10 at my mother’s dog grooming shop. Paul got involved when we were dating. When we married, our dogs were in the wedding party.

Is there a story behind my decision to show my own dog?

Kim Norton: I did most of the showing, with Paul helping out on occasion when we had multiple dogs entered. Two years ago, I was diagnosed with breast cancer and could not show the dogs. Paul stepped in and took over, doing all of the showing himself. He went to handling classes to learn the technique to the fullest, learning from Debbie Butt, Anna Stromberg, and Laura Lynn Coomes. Following their advice, Paul has gained great success and many accomplishments.

What makes showing my own dog so special to me?

Kim Norton: Showing our dogs that we’ve bred is a great accomplishment. Watching Team Angel in the ring gives me such enjoyment and pride. We’ve worked so hard to learn and to breed quality dogs—success in the show ring is the reward for that hard work.

In my opinion, is there a secret to having a great dog/handler partnership?

Kim Norton: Handling classes! Find a great instructor and LISTEN. Soak up every word they say and use it! They are our icons in the show world. Practice! Practice! Practice! Also, have a great mentor. They will share knowledge and information that you won’t get anywhere else.

Do I compete in the National Owner-Handled Series? If so, for how many years?

Kim Norton: We have been showing in the Owner-Handled Series for about 10 years now. We showed our Whippet “Angel” to No. 1 Owner-Handled Whippet in 2022. She was Best in Futurity and Best Breeders Sweepstakes winner at the 2022 National.

What goals did I set for myself and for my dog in 2022? What about 2023?

Kim Norton: Paul and I set and met our goal in 2022, with Angel ending 2022 as the No. 1 Owner-Handled Whippet. We are currently working on keeping her in the Top 20. This will be our first Top 20 dog! Paul’s goal at every show is to win Best in Show.

So far, he almost made it to the mountain. They have won a Reserve Best in Show, Multiple Best in Show Owner-Handled, and multiple Reserve Best in Show Owner-Handled, and many
Group placements.

In 2023, we would like to show Angel’s brother, “Donte,” and rank him in the Owner-Handled competition and Breed ranking.

Am I going to Orlando? If so, what’s it like to have a top NOHS dog this year?

Kim Norton: Yes, we are going to Orlando! Last year, we missed the ranking by one rank with our dog, “Dio.” It is a dream come true to get to No. 1 Owner-Handled and to be able to participate this year.

Just for laughs, do I have a funny story that I can share about my experiences as an Owner Handler?

Kim Norton: About 25 years ago, I was at an outdoor show with my mother and son, Paulie, who was five years old at the time. We all know how unpredictable children can be. Well, I was in the show ring, about to do my down and back, when I looked over to the corner and saw that my young son had decided to pee ringside. Needless to say, I was mortified… but I kept showing my dog.

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