The New York herald., 1921-08-14
HOW TO IMPROVE
BEST DOG JUDGING
Only One Of Each Breed Should
Be Allowed in Ring for
Special.
By FRANK r. DOLE.

Levi Wilcox, kennel editor of the Phil
adelphia Inquirer. goes on record in
favor OF omitting the best dog from
specials in shows and gives as his argu-
ment "the disgraceful scenes attending
the settling of that burning question at
New York in 1921" AS a result of the
same sort of thing in 1918, he says. two
Judges and a referee were suspended
Harry Lacy, In the Anae7Tcon stock
keeper, denies these suspensions came as
a result Of that episode. He doesn't ex-
plain why the suspensions were I'M
posed, but says 1t was for other mat
ters not related to the judging at the
Westminster show that year
Lacy is right. 1t Is not known why
the license of George S. Thomas was
taken up. think it is an injustice to
take up a license without the fullest
publicity. When there Is suspension or
expulsion the whole dog world should
know Just why 1t Is done. That would
eliminate a lot OF unjust speculations or
unfounded charges against either the
man deprived OF his license or the off,
cials who have taken the action.
However. l can't agree with the sub
gestion to abolish the best dog spe-
cial."
would suggest that one man be
named 70 Judge the all around specials,
or that there be two judges and referee.
This referee should not be allowed In
the ring, nor should he be allowed to
watch the judging. In the event OF
disagreement between the judges ana
IL is necessary tor him to be called in
there should be no conversation between
i'm and the judges. The ring stewards
should take charge of the dogs and the
Judges should retire before the referee
enters. He should then merely pass on
the two disputed dogs. This was done
at the Westminster show the year Hay
market FaultlesS was adjudged the best
cog.
think the selection Of the best dog
IS the most important event In any snow.
il 1t Is to go we might as well apolish
The variety classes. do feel, however,
mat before any dog is brought into the
ring to contest for this honor he should
have bested all other dogs of his breed.
This would make him practically the
champion of his own breed. 1t would
10 away with the appearance of half a
dozen dogs of the same breed in the,
ring. which is always confusing to the
spectators.
A Matter of Pride.
It is a great honor to win the best In
the show at any large show. 1t is some
thing for any exhibitor to look back on
with a lot Of pride. TO take 1t away
would mean to drop one of the most
coveted honors that can come to a
breeder and exhibitor. Eliminate all
but ono dog of each breed, have either
one Judge or two judges and referee
and let the show officials be sure that
none of those interested either directly
or Indirectly in the success OF any dog
or exhibitor be named to officiate.
The great success of the late James
Mortimer as judge came from the fact
that he didn't own, buy, sell or exhibit
any dogs in the last years of his lie.
He had absolutely no interests which
could unconsc.ously influence him in
nassing Judgment on dog. Would tnat
we could have some judges like that
row, but they don't appear to be coming
sorth.
E. X. Smith, England's expert on the
Sealyham terriers, will soon visit this
country. Here is a breed which needs
something to stir 1t up. A few years
ago 1T was very strong. but now 1t Is
practically at standstill. If Mr.. Smith
can Judge at one or two shows or give
few lectures much will have been done
to give new life to the breed.
Recently at speciality show In Lon
don for Sealyham terriers there was an
entry of more than 400. / don't believe
that a total of 400 Sealyhams have
been shown here at all the shows In
the last two years. Mr.. Smith has had
great success as breeder and recently
put a dog through from puppy class to
champion in good competition. Here's
hoping the Sealyham breeders take the
opportunity to get his advice.
The following Judges have been
selected for the Fairfield County Kennel
Club show to be held on the grounds
OF the Wee Burn Golf Club at Noroton,
Conn. on Labor Day:
G. Muss Arnolt-Russian wolfhounds,
American foxhounds pointers, shep-
herds. old English sheepdogs, miscel-
Ianeous, members classes, childrens
classes, variety classes and unclassifed
specials. j. Macy Willetts-Cocker
spaniels. Theodore Crane-Chows and
Samoyedes Robert Sedgwick. Jr.--Fox
terriers, Scottish terriers and beagles.
Mrs. M. w. Knight-Pomeranians Mrs.
Mabel J. Riddell--Pekingese. Mrs.
Katherine A. Houston-French bull
dogs. Or. G. G. Anderson-Boston ter
riers J. b. Cooper-Airedale terriers
and Irish terriers.