Many times Shaggy Dawg has heard around the circuit the community saying the breed is in a bad state.  If the breed is in a bad state who has contributed to this?  Some may say it’s because today’s breeders don’t know what they are doing, but more and more people are saying the problem also can be attributed to people judging and selecting the dogs who are presumably Champions for the breeding programme.  Some experts would confirm that today’s breeds are a result of many years of breeding which may put the responsibility directly at the doors of the long term breeders who have been involved in ‘in-breeding’ and ‘line breeding’ for many years.  Indeed there are at least two vets I know who state this is where the problem lies.

Certainly people will follow the top breeders in the hope that one day perhaps their dogs/bitches will do better in the show ring if they have a ‘name’ behind them?  But in reality no-one does better – LEAST OF ALL THE BREED!!

Why do ‘well owned dogs/bitches’ do well?  I don’t have the evidence to show why, but they do and they are invariably otherwise ‘mediocre’ examples of our breed, tails down. rising top lines?  Why don’t they get any further in the ‘Group’?  Perhaps it’s because the all rounders have a better understanding of Structure, Conformation and Movement.  Maybe our long term Breed Specialists should go on breed seminars and maybe we should have the top ‘all-rounders’ assess them.

No-one is above scrutiny in terms of their ability to judge, and perhaps refresher courses are the way forward?  Certainly all Breed Seminars should include the Health and Welfare issues of our breed.

What is really important?  Making up Champions so that business thrives?  Or providing puppies (the majority of which are for the pet owner) who will have long happy and healthy lives?  Should the breed clubs be conducting their own surveys, keeping in touch with the people who buy the puppies, finding out if there are any significant numbers of early deaths and finding out what causes them.

Shaggy Dawg   

How time flies, such a long time since Shaggy Dawg’s last entry.

What been happening on the circuit?  I guess the usual round of shows with some people getting tickets for the first time and some new champions too.  I’m sure the recipients have been having a few celebrations and cheers from me too.  Great to see the delight, and sometimes genuine surprise, on the faces of the top winners.

Shaggy Dawg has listened to much concern over the behaviour of a particular judge earlier in the summer.  Eating sandwiches in the ring and having conversations with people outside the ring about the next breed on the judge’s list for the day.  Lots of angry people around, people who would normally be very quiet were moved to voicing their opinion.  The best way of dealing with this is to direct their concerns to the show management team at the time and on the day of the show.  But ultimately speak to their breed clubs or simply don’t give the judge another entry.  I can’t imagine the judge in question will change so we have to make our own decisions about future entries.

When CC Judges are nominated by canine societies it is not cut and dried that they have the appointment, the nomination goes to the Kennel Club and then goes out to the Breed Councils or Breed Clubs for ‘opinion’.  If the Breed Clubs have anything noted about the manner or conduct of the Judge they have the opportunity to pass this on to the Kennel Club.  (Breed Clubs can delete a Judge from their lists if they see fit).  When all opinions have been received the next stage is it is passed to the Kennel Club’s Judges Sub Committee and then considered further by the General Committee.  Only then will an appointment be placed in the Kennel Club Gazette.

Even earlier this year there was a special meeting to discuss the Shih Tzu Club’s Database.  Several members were concerned that this had gone ahead without consultation (something the chairman acknowledges was neglected in the current newsletter), especially where incorrect entries were made.  Enough has been said about this topic in itself, but there appear to be a few things that need to be clarified.

Firstly it is not a unique idea, indeed as readers of this website knows the Shih Tzu News has claim to that and anything else is merely a copy of an original idea.

Secondly much of the data on the Shih Tzu Club site comes from the work, not only of the late Wendy Brown, but of the work of Wendy and Sue Thatcher together.  Many people know that Sue has somewhere in excess of 14000 pedigrees, much of which has taken many years, numerous packets of ciggies and thousands of coffees, for those to be recorded.

Secondly please note that all this information has been freely given on request so let me expel the myth that it has been withheld before, many will attest to that when they have been trying to select an appropriate stud dog!

Shaggy Dawg was somewhat taken aback when a colleague received a complaint about a previous note made in this column when it gave a report about the Manchu Shih Tzu AGM.  Please note that Tzu Tales reports facts and does make any inappropriate comments.  On that occasion the words “Girl Power” were not voiced by Shaggy Dawg, but by a member of the Manchu Committee.  The term was used in humour and taken as humour by those present.  Perhaps the person concerned should find something more worthwhile to do with their time than trying to make mischief for someone who is very genuine and reports only what they see or hear.

Ah well that’s life as they say.

So as I write this the sun has come out at last and it’s time to take the hairy ones out walkies.  Lots more shows coming up so will save my one finger typing skills for another day.  But I must get down to looking at some of the critiques (well those that we have had!!!) I’ve been told they appear to be veering away from the standard, but I must check it out and bring forward some examples next time.

Oh just to finish with a laugh:

One day in heaven, Peter, Paul and John were standing around near the luxurious dog spas, watching the dogs happily lazing around.

“I’m certainly bored,” said John.

“Me too,” Paul chimed in.

Peter had an idea.  “I know!  Why don’t we have a dog show?”

They all thought this sounded a great, except for one small detail that Paul pointed out:  “Who are we to compete against, Peter?”

The trio pondered for a moment, the Peter realised the answer:  “We will call up Satan and invite him to the dog show.  I mean, we have most of the dogs here in heaven, including all the finest ones, the Best in Show and Crufts winner, as well as all the beloved pets and great performers.  Satan just has the spoiled, difficult and mean dogs.  We’re certain to win!”

And so the trio dialled up Satan on the Other Realm Communication Line and invited him to their dog show.

Satan laughed and asked them why they wanted to be humiliated like that, claiming he would certainly beat them.

Peter, Paul and John didn’t understand.  “What do you mean?” Peter asked.

“We have the finest champion dogs in heaven.  How could you possibly beat us?”

Satan paused for a moment and laughed.             “Have you forgotten so soon, gentlemen?  I HAVE ALL THE JUDGES!!!”

Shaggy Dawg   

The show kicked off being introduced by Jan McIntyre, the club’s new Chairwoman.  I’m sure many the readers here know of the hard work Jan has put into the years she has served as a committee member.  I understand her love of our breed goes as far back as the early 1970’s and has never faltered.  Having met Jan several times I know she is very passionate about what she does and puts 100%+ into her endeavours.

After introducing Grant Carter Jan asked the hall to join in a minute’s silence for Mrs. Gay Widdrington (of the world famous Lhakang Affix), who was instrumental in the introduction of our breed in this country. 

The Show

What a great turn out and a lovely day for the show this year.  It is a venue that has been much criticised for the howling gale that can blow through from one door to another.  Good planning by the Manchu team made sure that this didn’t become an issue on this occasion.  One door being secured (but not inaccessible) seemed to do the trick.

The weather was kind which is always a relief with our wee hairy friends.  Many folks took advantage of getting their little people outside, their expression is an absolute joy, kicking up their heels on the grass, and wildly happy smiles on their faces.

Grant Carter and Pauline Brook had a super entry, good sized classes, and some lovely new arrivals to the show ring, lovely cuddly puppies.

Lovely to see friends get together and enjoy the atmosphere, lots of laughter and sharing experiences and of course a wee bit of gossip here and there.

The top awards were:

BCC and BIS to Ch. Chanikos Justa Dream

DCC and RBIS to Sonoltay Thumbs up

BPIS to Pekoe Sharp Shooter

All the results and some picture and video footage can be found on the 2005 results section.

Where next?

We have two shows coming up.  Judy Franks judging at WELKS and Eija Verlander for the Shih Tzu Club of Scotland.  Hope those going to either of these shows have a pleasant day.

Shaggy Dawg   

We said a big thank you and goodbye to John Carter as Chairman of The Manchu Shih Tzu Club on Sunday at the AGM.  John made a huge contribution to the club and assured us that he will continue to take part and support the club as an active member.  Thank you John and enjoy your well earned rest with your wife in Madeira.

So the membership welcomed Mrs. Janice McIntyre (unopposed) to the chair, this means an all female (girl power) team holding the top spots on the Committee.  Richard Owen was voted in as Vice Chairman.

Jackie Kitchener was the judge, giving Best Dog and Best in Show to Maureen Henry’s Cedarhythe Licence to Tease Morhenjo, Best Bitch was Tracy Hitt’s Cedarhythe Classic Design.  And the Best Puppy was Santosha Truly Yours at Lauramist.  It was a very pleasant atmosphere, good chat and lots of laughter, makes it all worth while. (results)

Pat Gregory asked to speak prior to judging.  She confirmed that Gilbert Khan had been in touch to dispel the rumours about not being able to judge at Crufts due to ill health.  This is not the case, indeed I believe Pat said Gilbert had a couple of shows to judge prior to Crufts.  How on earth do these rumours start, maybe the old Chinese Whisper scenario?

Sylvie Sadler confirmed that the Manchu will have a stall at Crufts, so lets all support the stall and make sure Sylvie has no goods to pack at the end of the day.

Getting excited?

Shaggy Dawg   

It was a nice day out with pleasant company and a relaxed atmosphere.  Lots of familiar faces and good chat.  One particular vision was that of Zoe Ashman and Joy Beer in a wrestling match with Joy’s two kids, having their hairy pads trimmed.  Now that would have made a good video clip.  Boy did they have a hard time.

A couple of new faces too, one lady I managed to chat with did a sterling job on her debut for both herself and her Debeaux Puppy.  All without the benefit of ringcraft, well done with just training at home.  Look forward to seeing them again as the year progresses.

All the Shih Tzu looked happy and went very well for their people, then settled down in their crates for the ubiquitous snooze.  At which point their people got a well deserved drink of wine and a warm glow in an otherwise very cold venue.  Shaggy Dawg has been sneezing all day!

Shaggy Dawg   

Ernie Paterson JP had an excellent entry for Manchester 2005 at Stafford, although there were a fair number of absentees.  Perhaps some of the shocking weather in the north had an influence on people making the journey.  It’s the second time Ernie Paterson has given CC’s, his first in 2003 at the Belfast Show. 

DCC went to Willett’s Debeaux Ruff Love, this was his first tickets and what a performance he went on to take BOB and Group 2.  RDCC to Albert and Brown’s Ch.Minfaa Captain Scarlet at Zafonic.   The BCC went to Ann Spooner’s Ch Chanikos Justa Dream JW.  RBCC to Howard’s Tameron Miss Nina Ricki and BP to Clifford’s Cedarhythe Tart Alert.

There were a couple of new faces in the ring, thank goodness.  With entries falling it is encouraging to know that we have some new folks wanting to show.  Let’s make sure they feel welcome and give them lots of support. 

Judy Frank’s Champion Hashanah Lock Stock ‘n’ Barrel is now with Glenda Gilkes.  Hope Glenda has lots of pleasure having him as part of her Shih Tzu family.  I can recall, not so long ago, Glenda saying how much she admired him and I’m sure she’ll be pleased to have a young male in the house again (no disrespect to Martin of course).

Just a reminder the Manchu Shih Tzu Club AGM and Open Show is on 20^th February at Gayton Road.  And if anyone missed out on purchasing this years Calendar I believe Val Goodwin has a few remaining.

Shaggy Dawg   

On the positive side our international community rally very quickly when the puppies appear on Ebay.  The two adverts, one in the USA and one in the UK were withdrawn.  We have the power of people and can bombard the companies that permit these ads with written protests.  Not to mention the Dog Rescues around the world.

Well folks it doesn’t seem any time at all since we were handing out our Christmas cards at BUBA and LKA.  And already I hear the mutterings of Crufts.  Remember 7^th January is the closing date.  Always a good idea to pop a stamped addressed postcard in with your entry, then you get the receipt and less fretting about it’s arrival at Clarges Street.

So with Crufts looming it’s count-down to getting coats at their best.  A constant battle I hear you cry if you walk your dogs around the park.  Especially at this time of the year with all the twigs and leaves around.  Think I’ll be keeping to the pavements now to have any chance of protecting the wee hairy person’s coat.

So here we go again, in the UK Manchester Dog Show in two weeks time, with Ernie Paterson JP as our judge.  I believe it’s the second time for Ernie to give CC’s, I expect he’ll get a good entry for the first Championship Show of the year.