I am sharing "my" letter with you, as I feel it is one of the most positive things the National Club has ever done. I am thrilled as an exhibitor (and a judge), as I know many judges will be more educated as a result. I hope we soon notice a difference in the handling of our breed. Marilyn Mayfield
THE AMERICAN CAVALIER KING CHARLES SPANIEL CLUB, INC. March 2002 Dear Judge: The popularity of a breed makes for larger classes and strong competition in the show ring. This increasing competition can make winning more difficult and cause exhibitors to look for ways to improve their chances. The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is a completely natural breed whose standard clearly forbids trimming. Cavaliers presented in the show ring with scissored feathering should be severely penalized, as trimming will continue so long as these trimmed dogs continue to win awards. As there is an increasing tendency toward "neatening," our Club implores judges to take a stand by withholding awards from trimmed exhibits. While on the move, a Cavalier should never be "strung up" on a tight lead, nor should exhibitors run around the ring full tilt, a sad sight which is becoming all too common. However, being a "sporting" dog, the Cavalier should not be shown at too slow a pace either. A brisk walk on a loose lead will show off the gaiety of their temperament and will display the correct movement of a Cavalier to the best advantage Standing in the ring, still on a loose lead, a Cavalier should be alert, animated and appear handled by "remote control." There is absolutely no excuse for the exhibitor to be down on his knees with a hand at each end "topping and tailing." This practice should be greatly discouraged. While it may seem unimportant to you as a judge whether the handler stands or kneels, it is of great importance to the people involved with the breed. If you see anyone kneeling in your ring please instruct them to stand up. Besides being the right thing to do, it will enhance your reputation as a judge among the Cavalier exhibitors. It lies within your power to reverse this insidious trend. The Cavalier should not be penalized for fidgeting. It is against their nature to be wooden and to stand like a statue. The American Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Club encourages it's members to exhibit their dogs naturally, as called for in the Standard, and asks you, our judges, to help us. The future of our lovely breed is in your hands because you award top honors today to what breeders produce tomorrow. Please help us in our efforts to keep this an unspoiled, natural breed. Sincerely, ACKCSC Judges Education Committee Carol Williams - John Gammon Stephanie Abraham [EMAIL PROTECTED] ravenrushL-a)aol.com [EMAIL PROTECTED] ========================================================= "Magic Commands": to stop receiving mail for awhile, click here and send the email: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]?body=SET%20CKCS-L%20NOMAIL to start it up gain click here: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]?body=SET%20CKCS-L%20MAIL E-mail [EMAIL PROTECTED] for assistance. Search the Archives... http://apple.ease.lsoft.com/archives/ckcs-l.html All e-mail sent through CKCS-L is Copyright 2002 by its original author.
