Interview With Rita Sandell


	The following is an attempt to improve communication between the judges of our breed, and the people who show under them. 1.) Are you an active breeder of German Shepherd Dogs? Do you have a kennel name ? Have not been active in breeding GSD’s since Alan’s death in 1992.. My kennel name was Alator. Befory marrying Alan it was Wendyview 2.) How long have you been in the breed? When and how did you get started? Are you affiliated with any clubs? In the breed 25 years. Started when I was a meer child, Late 70's Met some people who showed dogs. Took me to a dog show and the rest is history. I am a member of the G.S.D.C.A. Have not joined a local club in Florida as of this date. 3.) How long have you been judging the breed? 11 years 4.)How many times a year do you judge German Shepherds? 5-7 times. 5.) Over the last 2 years has the number of shows? Increased 6.) Have you ever judged the National Specialty? If yes, when and what classes ? No 7.) Do you judge at both all-breeds and specialties, which do you prefer ? Specialties. I enjoy specialties more because the dogs are shown out of doors in a big ring. Our dogs look much better under these conditions. I am not licensed to do other breeds, the cost to the all-breed clubs is too much to have a specialty judge. However, I will do an all- breed if asked to judge. 8.) Do you have a color preference? No preference a) Would the color of a dog influence your judgment? If yes, how and why? No b) Do you find it harder to judge solid blacks ? If yes, why? No 9.) What importance do you place on condition of plush versus smooth coat? Please explain. Not important Obviously I like a dog who is in top show condition but I never penalize a dog because of coat. If they are structural correct and in my opinion the best dog, I do not place emphasis on the coat. 10.) When judging the dog do you also judge the handler? Please elaborate if possible. No. Just ask the handlers. I never look at them. My eyes are always on the dogs. I certainly don’t want handlers telling me what dog to put up. I am very confident in my judging. 11.) What importance do you place on missing teeth? Very important 12.) How do you see bites today? Good 13.) How do you see strength of ears? Very good 14.) Do you feel the GSD's temperament has improved over the past 5 years? Yes 15.) Do you consider temperament today to be? Please explain. Very good. In the 11 years I have been judging I have seen a dramatic improvement in temperment. I still occasionally have animals that have a temprement problem. 16.) Do you prefer a dog to be shown on a loose lead? Yes. Like to see them on loose lead during individual exam. 17.) How would you rate the following in sequence of importance? (On a scale of 1 to 10, 10 being the highest). Coming & Going: 7 Side Gait: 8 Temperament: 10 Teeth: 6 Coat: 2 Pasterns, hocks,feet: 5 Pigment: 4 Structure: 9 Shoulder & Reach: -- This is included in side gait. You have to have proper angulation in hindquarter to match the shoulder reach to have balance. Attitude: 3 18.) Could you briefly describe your ring procedure, and any changes you may incorporate between a small Vs large class If I have more than 8 dogs, I divide the class into 2 groups, judge each group and then combine in order of preference. Have class go around two times. Then have the handlers set the dogs up. I go down the line and check teeth and testicles and structure of the animal, call each animal at a time to center of ring to check temperment, coming & going. Around one time on loose lead. After completion of individual have them go around as a group. Then I place the class, make another lap around to see if I want to make any changes. If I like 2 animals, will take the two around letting each one lead. Send around one more time and point. 19.) Do you think there should be an age limit in placing points on a dog (i.e.dogs and bitches under 12 months of age)? No. Why ? You are there to pick the best structered dog for the points. Each class winner should compete for this award. 20.) If a dog is not exactly to the standard in size, would you prefer slightly larger or smaller? Smaller Why ? Our breed standard gives us distinct sizes for both males & bitches. I am always looking for the animal that is the most structurally correct. This being the case the question is hard to answer. My preference would be smaller. I judge on the good qualities of each dog. Do not fault judge. Each dog has a fault or two. By judging the good qualities, you come up with the best overall dog. 21.) Do you think on average German Shepherd Dogs are too extreme? No 22.) In your opinion should double handling be allowed? Yes Why ? I don’t have a problem with double handling. It is after all a sport that should be enjoyed by those participating. However, I feel most of the time, double handling can work against them becayse they overdo. My procedure limits the amount of double handling. If it causes me a problem, I ask that it be stopped. 23.) Should all select dogs, in your opinion, be OFA (H&E)? No .I would like to preface this by saying I am in favor of OFA hips/elbows, but I am opposed to requiring our Select dogs to be OFA certified for the following reasons: 1. Select rating was established to recognize animals that in the Judge’s opinion were outstanding according to the standard. OFA is not part of the standard. 2. I feel now for the most part if animals that are being campaigned and are top winning dogs do not have an OFA number, I assume that they will not OFA. On the other hand if we mandate it, they will have numbers one way or another. People will find a way to cheat. 3. We do not have a recognized method of identification. 24.) When making the final selection, does the dog with the most front reach usually win the class? Yes, most of the time but not always. 25.) Do you feel more emphasis should be put on the total package, and less on movement? No . Our standard emphasizes movement. The all have faults. I judge a good qualities of each and every dog with balance of the dog in motion being my top priority. 26.) Do you think the German Shepherd Dog standard should be changed? No. 27.) Do you think there should be any changes in any of the existing rules concerning dog shows? If so, please elaborate No. 28.) Is there a dog, whether alive now or not, who to you typifies most closely the "ideal" German Shepherd Dog ? If yes, please explain and give details Yes. In my opinion the Houston dog was one of my favorites. He had a beautiful side gait, carrying a good back & topline in motion. Structurally he was very close to my interpretation of the standard. Another one was Rosie who was 1990 Grand Victrix. 29.) Do you feel that in general the quality of the breed in this country is getting better or worse ? Please elaborate Better. When you look at the pictures of the dogs from the 50's to the present, you see a lot of changes. We are closer to the standard in front and rear angulation. 30.) Do you have a pet peeve about anything owners or handlers do concerning the showing of dogs ? Yes -- Handlers giving me a dirty look and not acting professional. This has only happened a couple of times but I do not like it when it does. 31.) Do you have any suggestions for owners or handlers regarding anything they should ALWAYS do when showing under you ? Watch the first class. Know the procedure I use so that when they come in the ring I don’t have to guide them through. I use the same procedure every time I judge. 32.) Do you have any suggestions for owners or handlers regarding anything they should NEVER do when showing under you ? Just be polite. Hate for handlers to give me a bad look. Really makes me unhappy. Besides it won’t do them any good anyway. 33.) Do you have any advice for people who are relatively new to showing and/or breeding? Showing -- have your animal in top condition. That improves your chances. The main advice would be to get with someone who has been successful and work with them. 34.) Is there anything else you would like to say about judging or about the German Shepherd breed today ? If so, please feel free to say it here I love judging. I remember how dedicated you have to be to be successful. When judging I give everybody an equal look. I judge fairly. I still remember what it’s like to get beat for the wrong reasons. I just love the German Shepherd. And they are so loyal and trusting. My happiest moment is when I am in the ring wooling the puppies. 35.) Have you ever judged one the of the greats? If so, can you give a rundown of this dog for the people who have not had the privilege to even see it. GV CH. Amber’s Rosie of Bracewood CRITIQUE: Gave Rosie her first points out of coat from the 12-18 class. A beautiful dark bitch. She was beautiful from the side. She had it all. Loved her. She then became the 1990 Grand Victrix.
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Copyright © 1997, SpiderWoman 11/17/97

The following is an attempt to improve communication between the judges of our breed, and the people who show under them.

1.) Are you an active breeder of German Shepherd Dogs? Do you have a kennel name ?

Have not been active in breeding GSD’s since Alan’s death in 1992.. My kennel name was Alator. Befory marrying Alan it was Wendyview

2.) How long have you been in the breed? When and how did you get started? Are you affiliated with any clubs?

In the breed 25 years. Started when I was a meer child, Late 70's Met some people who showed dogs. Took me to a dog show and the rest is history. I am a member of the G.S.D.C.A. Have not joined a local club in Florida as of this date.

3.) How long have you been judging the breed?

11 years

4.)How many times a year do you judge German Shepherds?

5-7 times.

5.) Over the last 2 years has the number of shows?

Increased

6.) Have you ever judged the National Specialty? If yes, when and what classes ?

No

7.) Do you judge at both all-breeds and specialties, which do you prefer ?

Specialties. I enjoy specialties more because the dogs are shown out of doors in a big ring. Our dogs look much better under these conditions. I am not licensed to do other breeds, the cost to the all-breed clubs is too much to have a specialty judge. However, I will do an all- breed if asked to judge.

8.) Do you have a color preference?

No preference

a) Would the color of a dog influence your judgment? If yes, how and why?

No

b) Do you find it harder to judge solid blacks ? If yes, why?

No

9.) What importance do you place on condition of plush versus smooth coat? Please explain.

Not important Obviously I like a dog who is in top show condition but I never penalize a dog because of coat. If they are structural correct and in my opinion the best dog, I do not place emphasis on the coat.

10.) When judging the dog do you also judge the handler? Please elaborate if possible.

No. Just ask the handlers. I never look at them. My eyes are always on the dogs. I certainly don’t want handlers telling me what dog to put up. I am very confident in my judging.

11.) What importance do you place on missing teeth?

Very important

12.) How do you see bites today?

Good

13.) How do you see strength of ears?

Very good

14.) Do you feel the GSD's temperament has improved over the past 5 years?

Yes

15.) Do you consider temperament today to be? Please explain.

Very good. In the 11 years I have been judging I have seen a dramatic improvement in temperment. I still occasionally have animals that have a temprement problem.

16.) Do you prefer a dog to be shown on a loose lead?

Yes. Like to see them on loose lead during individual exam.

17.) How would you rate the following in sequence of importance? (On a scale of 1 to 10, 10 being the highest).

Coming & Going: 7
Side Gait: 8
Temperament: 10
Teeth: 6
Coat: 2
Pasterns, hocks,feet: 5
Pigment: 4
Structure: 9
Shoulder & Reach: -- This is included in side gait. You have to have proper angulation in hindquarter to match the shoulder reach to have balance.
Attitude: 3

18.) Could you briefly describe your ring procedure, and any changes you may incorporate between a small Vs large class

If I have more than 8 dogs, I divide the class into 2 groups, judge each group and then combine in order of preference. Have class go around two times. Then have the handlers set the dogs up. I go down the line and check teeth and testicles and structure of the animal, call each animal at a time to center of ring to check temperment, coming & going. Around one time on loose lead.
After completion of individual have them go around as a group. Then I place the class, make another lap around to see if I want to make any changes. If I like 2 animals, will take the two around letting each one lead. Send around one more time and point.

19.) Do you think there should be an age limit in placing points on a dog (i.e.dogs and bitches under 12 months of age)?

No. Why ? You are there to pick the best structered dog for the points. Each class winner should compete for this award.

20.) If a dog is not exactly to the standard in size, would you prefer slightly larger or smaller?

Smaller Why ? Our breed standard gives us distinct sizes for both males & bitches. I am always looking for the animal that is the most structurally correct. This being the case the question is hard to answer. My preference would be smaller. I judge on the good qualities of each dog. Do not fault judge. Each dog has a fault or two. By judging the good qualities, you come up with the best overall dog.

21.) Do you think on average German Shepherd Dogs are too extreme?

No

22.) In your opinion should double handling be allowed?

Yes Why ? I don’t have a problem with double handling. It is after all a sport that should be enjoyed by those participating. However, I feel most of the time, double handling can work against them becayse they overdo. My procedure limits the amount of double handling. If it causes me a problem, I ask that it be stopped.

23.) Should all select dogs, in your opinion, be OFA (H&E)?

No .I would like to preface this by saying I am in favor of OFA hips/elbows, but I am opposed to requiring our Select dogs to be OFA certified for the following reasons:
1. Select rating was established to recognize animals that in the Judge’s opinion were outstanding according to the standard. OFA is not part of the standard.
2. I feel now for the most part if animals that are being campaigned and are top winning dogs do not have an OFA number, I assume that they will not OFA. On the other hand if we mandate it, they will have numbers one way or another. People will find a way to cheat.
3. We do not have a recognized method of identification.

24.) When making the final selection, does the dog with the most front reach usually win the class?

Yes, most of the time but not always.

25.) Do you feel more emphasis should be put on the total package, and less on movement?

No . Our standard emphasizes movement. The all have faults. I judge a good qualities of each and every dog with balance of the dog in motion being my top priority.

26.) Do you think the German Shepherd Dog standard should be changed?

No.

27.) Do you think there should be any changes in any of the existing rules concerning dog shows? If so, please elaborate

No.

28.) Is there a dog, whether alive now or not, who to you typifies most closely the "ideal" German Shepherd Dog ? If yes, please explain and give details

Yes. In my opinion the Houston dog was one of my favorites. He had a beautiful side gait, carrying a good back & topline in motion. Structurally he was very close to my interpretation of the standard. Another one was Rosie who was 1990 Grand Victrix.

29.) Do you feel that in general the quality of the breed in this country is getting better or worse ? Please elaborate

Better. When you look at the pictures of the dogs from the 50's to the present, you see a lot of changes. We are closer to the standard in front and rear angulation.

30.) Do you have a pet peeve about anything owners or handlers do concerning the showing of dogs ?

Yes -- Handlers giving me a dirty look and not acting professional. This has only happened a couple of times but I do not like it when it does.

31.) Do you have any suggestions for owners or handlers regarding anything they should ALWAYS do when showing under you ?

Watch the first class. Know the procedure I use so that when they come in the ring I don’t have to guide them through. I use the same procedure every time I judge.

32.) Do you have any suggestions for owners or handlers regarding anything they should NEVER do when showing under you ?

Just be polite. Hate for handlers to give me a bad look. Really makes me unhappy. Besides it won’t do them any good anyway.

33.) Do you have any advice for people who are relatively new to showing and/or breeding?

Showing -- have your animal in top condition. That improves your chances. The main advice would be to get with someone who has been successful and work with them.

34.) Is there anything else you would like to say about judging or about the German Shepherd breed today ? If so, please feel free to say it here

I love judging. I remember how dedicated you have to be to be successful. When judging I give everybody an equal look. I judge fairly. I still remember what it’s like to get beat for the wrong reasons. I just love the German Shepherd. And they are so loyal and trusting. My happiest moment is when I am in the ring wooling the puppies.

35.) Have you ever judged one the of the greats? If so, can you give a rundown of this dog for the people who have not had the privilege to even see it.

GV CH. Amber’s Rosie of Bracewood CRITIQUE: Gave Rosie her first points out of coat from the 12-18 class. A beautiful dark bitch. She was beautiful from the side. She had it all. Loved her. She then became the 1990 Grand Victrix.

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