THE KENNEL

Otago Daily Times, Issue 22866, 28 April 1936, Page 2

THE KENNEL

By Bukedlk,

" Breeder" will be pleased if dogswners and others concerned will torward him notes of interest for his consideration with a view to their insertion in this column.

The monthly meeting of the Otago Kennel Club was held in the Vedic Lounge last Thursday evening. Mr A. Gill, the newly-elee.ted president, wos in the chair, and there was a good attendance of members. After the business was concluded a very intrcsting paper on "How to Become a Successful Exhibitor was given by Mr W. Henderson. After several questions had been answered a hearty vote of thanks was accorded the speaker. A social hour and supper concluded a very pleasant evening. Mr D. O'Connor, of M'Nabs, has sent his black cocker bitch by Cobnar Hook (imp.) ex Sylvan Symphony on a stud visit to Mr L. Smyth's blue roan imported dog Church Leigh Stormboy. This mating should produce some good results, as the pups will be full of imported blood. Mr J. Ross, of South Dunedin, informs me that he has a very nice litter from his cocker spaniel bitch Radiant Beauty. This bitch is by the imported dog Church Leigh Stormboy ex Miss Coquette, and as she was bred back to her sire the puppies have a double line of the best cocker blood available and shoud prove very valuable for breeding purposes. The puppies are at present boarded at the Clanranald Kennele, Musselburgh, and are well worth inspection by anyone inMr L. A. Darracott, of the Armadale Bulldog Kennels, has had enough bad luck with his dogs to make one give the game best. First of all he lost his stud dog Armadale Tony, a fine dog who won a lot of prizes and finished up his career with best in show all breeds. Then the last inmate of the kennel, eh Sunnyhurst Patch, died after whelping to Pugilestrain Samson (imp.), but her owner managed to save one dog pup, which from present appearance looks like turning out quite the best this kennel has had. In fact, Mr Darracott has pone in stronger than ever, having secured from Mr F. Wilson, of Onehunga, a nice brace of bulldog bitches by Pugilestrain Samson (imp.) ex Riccarton Princess Betty. They are white and brindle, and are all quality. Their sire is by eh Pugist, the bulldog of the century in England. The pups are now three months old, and I am sure all dog fanciers wish their enterprising owner a change on his luck ivhich he richly deserves. " Breeder " offers his best wishes. "Breeder" visited Mrs L. Barton's Silkie Kennels during the week and was more than surprised at the quality of the inmates. She has about a dozen young puppies, and after 10 years' experience amongst silkies she has now, thanks to importations from Australia, managed to breed her stock uniform, and I think I am safe in saying she now has the finest kennel of quality silkies in New Zealand. Their make. size, ccats. and colour were an eye-opener. t _. . The South Canterbury Kennel Club held a ribbon parade on Saturday, April 18, in connection with the annual garden fete in aid of St. Saviour's Orphanage, Timaru. The parade was watched with great interest by those present, and Mr F G. Saville, the first president of the club, carried out the judging. In going through the prize list I notice that the first and second prize winners among the smooth-coated fox terriers were bred by the Dunedin enthusiastic breeder, Mr J. Mercer. These two dogs are from a fine litter by Goeberton Rosemary eired by Messrs Curie and Booth's good etud dog Milo Mcriden. Advice is to hand that Mr H. Hinchcliff, of Wellington, the well-known all breeds judge, has been appointed by the Ashburton Fanciers' Society to judge all breeds at their annual show to be held on June 19 and 20. After a very chequered existence, the New Zealand Tailwaggers' Club (Inc.) has been wound up, and a liquidator appointed to act with a trustee on behalf of an organisation to be known as the Tailwaggers* Association of New Zealand, a body which is to be, apparently, more national in its scope. SYDNEY ROYAL SHOW. The judge of cattle dogs and kelpies, Mr Lawrence, said he deplored the evidence of collie crosses which he observed in many of the kelpie doge. The muzzle, eye, and coat provided, in some cases, conclusive evidence of a cross. Collies lacked quality. The judge, Mr Latchford, said that spindly bone, bad ear carriage, and faulty coats were much too prevalent. He is of the opinion that collie breeders are not working on approved lines, and have allowed the breed to deteriorate. In several classes a number of dogs were disqualified because of pricked ears. Only one award was made in the puppy bitch class. Mr Latchford described it as the worst class he has ever seen. Considerably increased entries, but mixed quality, faced the judge of bull terriers, Mr H. Maude, who said there were too many high-tailed and light-boned specimens, but the winners were generally outstanding. Bitches were superior to the dogs. Squirrel tails and cow hocks were not so prevalent among them. Mr Maude noted a tendency to overtrim the wire-haired terriers, but most of the dogs were exhibited in creditable condition. Wire-haired fox terriers were a feature of the show, and Mr Maude considered the puppy bitches the best he has ever seen at an Australian show. Most of the exhibits in every class were ot high quality. Few points divided the winners of the various male classes, which were headed by Mr S. F. Wilson's Diplane Renard (imp.), a dog of high allround quality and shown in perfect condition. In smooth fox terriers, Australian-bred dog, Mr W. R. Polley's ch Jerry Ideal was first and reserve champion. This dog was also first in the open clog class. An Irish terrier puppy, under 12 months old, was awarded the challenge certificate for dogs of its breed. A notable fact was the defeat by this dog of the imported Hibernian Michael, which was unplaced. This dog and the challenge winner, Willray Winalot, were both exhibited by Mr W. AtwiH. Mr Latchford considered the Irish terriers to be rather mixed. Many of them were too big and coarse. The challenge winner possessed perfect size and balance. HOW TO BECOME A SUCCESSFUL EXHIBITOR. The following is the paper Riven by Mr W. Henderson at the Otago Kennel Club's meeting last Thursday evening. It should prove of much value to those interested in clogs:— Experience, common sense, good sportsmanship, and a knowledge of the breed you adopt should first be acquired by recourse to literature on the breed, visiting principal shows, where, carefully watching the judging without reference to your catalogue and forecasting the probable decision of the judge, will prove not only interesting but also of great educational value. , , , ... „ ~ Success in the ring is like all other worth-while affairs of life, not reached without care, thought, and work, and those who stick to it are to-day numbered amongst the best examples of what a successful exhibitor should be, and have through their own hard battle in the past in carving their success learned that .sympathy, a kindly word, and consideration for the newcomer carries much weight, and to the right type of recruit are of the greatest assistance. Watch carefully the methods employed by the acknowledged experts on any breed. To hurrv slowly before making a start is sound advice, and if backed with keen observation will teach much. Experience, backed with common sniise added to good sportsmanship are needed to reach the desired goal: and experience is the hardest taskmaster of all. In your earlv days, whilst you are absorbing everything you hear, total up mentally the value of what has sunk into your brain; thou east out a considerable amount, as all you see and hear is not always of value except inasmuch as it is experience or knowledge gained of what to avoid. The grousing type of exhibitor, fortunately, is a very rare specimen, and when discovered should not be encouraged, but given a wide berth, as his disgruntled view may completely ruin your outlook. With knowledge gained, enter the ring with a confident step, first having made certain that by previous labour undertaken weeks in advance the dog is being presented at its best. Care should he taken that the dog s condition is as it should be, neither over-

fed nor underfed, ribs and loins well covered. A hard, well-exereised animal should be aimed at. A dog can be overdone and look stale just when he is wanted at his best. Drenching with medicines and tonics is not likely to procure the desired effect as much as careful feeding, fresh air, and plenty of exercise. An atmosphere of cheerfulness should always surround the dog. Dogs quickly respond to their environment, and the greatest care should be taken that they always receive precisely the same attention. Dogs quickly show the world the treatment they are accustomed to, and they will not try to put out that little bit extra at the critical moment unless their peculiarities have been previously studied and assessed at their true value. The exhibitor who wishes to succeed must bear in mind that this can. only be obtained by harmony and good fellowship between him and his dog. The humour, temperament, or whatever one may care to term it can quickly be conveyed from the exhibitor, and rarely are dogs given sufficient credit for their intelligence at divining these feelings. Having got so far in preparation, every endeavour should be made to accustom the dog to varying surroundings, noise, and movement. It may be found necessary with some to school them with other dogs so that the close proximity of another dog which they are sure to get in the ring does not throw them off their balance or altogether distract from the wishes and commands of their handler. Dogs, like children, must gain their knowledge by experience. Assuming all that is possible for external preparation has already been attended to and the fateful day has arrived, remember that a tired dog can never look his best.' So on reaching a show allow him to rest on hia bench and avoid disturbing him until required for the ring. He is then far more likely to be bright and sprightly than if he has been trailed around.

Once in the ring, one consideration only should be uppermost in your mind, that of concentration on the job in hand. Never allow your thoughts or eyes to wander to other than your own dog. The other exhibitors are usually capable of managing their own affairs, and to mind your own business at this juncture is essential to success. Cast a look round at the judge, and when the turn comes to display the merits of your dog be prepared and see that his deportment is correct and that he stands pat. Remember the show ring is not the place to train your dog. When the first glance by the judge is over rest your dog, and this will enable him to, do his best in the final summing up. Many a prize i s lost not by the dog. but by an exhibitor suffering from nerves. Accept the placings whatever they may be in the right spirit, and bear ever in mind that there is always a to-morrow where one may do better under another judge whose fads and fancies are not quite the same as the last one. No matter how much a judge may endeavour to judge to a standard, his own pet weaknesses are apt to creep into his decisions. Try to help your competitor and take no unfair advantage, no matter how attractive it may appear. Remember the old adage, a thousands friends are not enough, oiie enemy to many. Friendships in the "doggy' world arc pleasant, and once a newcomer has been labelled a " decent sort" he will not lack a friend, no matter in what part of the globe lie may find himself.