2009 NATIONAL

I don't know if it's possible to overdose on dogs but whatever it is that happens at the National is something very closely related. Nearly non-stop competition for seven days and you can't wait until next year for more. For anyone reading this article... if you have never attended a National you must put this on your things-to-do list (hopefully sooner than later). The dogs are, of course, the stars of the week. But equally important is the reuniting of old friends, new friends being made, comparing thoughts and ideas, education and just plain good fun.

This year was a banner year for the Futurity. The Dane world has always gone overboard for the puppies and this year was the largest entry ever (I believe it was 361). There are many breeds that do not have that large an entry for their entire National. Of course the youngest babies always break your heart. I was asked to participate in Breeder's Education for ringside mentoring and hand's-on during the Futurity. In my opinion those attending this function were already well versed in the highs and lows of our breed and may have been there just to hear opinions from the mentors. In any event I had the opportunity to meet individuals that I did not know that shared the same passion for our beloved Great Dane.

The Southeast Division did a lovely job with the planning and the facility (Chattanooga Choo Choo) was certainly a large complex that could digest an event of this size. Many attendees found some free time to visit downtown Chattanooga using the free electric shuttles provided by the city. Southern hospitality was evident from everyone at the complex. Nice job everyone!

Getting down to more important matters... I also had the opportunity to participate as a mentor for Judge's Education. The GDCA unveiled their new educational DVD. This is an interactive presentation which should be a good learning tool for anyone interested in increasing their knowledge of the Great Dane. Kudos to Jane Treiber et. al. for the 2-year project to bring this to fruition. I also attended Jane's seminar for aspiring judges. One can certainly get a feel for Jane's educational background. She did a lovely job with articulate and comprehensive verbage combined with a pleasant demeanor. The Dane world owes a debt of thanks to Jane for her efforts and accomplishments as the GDCA's education chairperson. On Friday and Saturday I assisted as a Judge's Mentor for ringside observation along with the attendees from Jane's seminar. Let's face it guys, there are no big secrets in the structure of the Great Dane. Every breed has uniqueness in their heads but when it comes to fronts, toplines, rears, movement, etc. there are not many unusual characteristics. Also, anything that might not be quite right with a Dane is magnified by their size and the judges do not have to try to outsmart the groomer. The importance of getting educated at a National is simply that the aspiring judge has an opportunity to see overall quality that is far better than at a local show and they can train their eye to what is correct type by their own observation and the input of their mentor(s). I really love this part of the sport and I am most appreciative of having received several e-mails of thanks from the individuals with whom I was mentoring.

All of us have hot buttons when it comes to our breed. As I conduct my interviews for the GD Gallery it is interesting to see that some breeders have very different opinions as to the strengths and weaknesses of our breed. One person thinks that a certain aspect of our breed is strong and the next person thinks it is weak. I guess that's why the same dogs don't win every day. I would, however, tell you that my own personal "big 3" have been acknowledged by everyone with whom I have spoken. In case you are interested these are... BREED TYPE, PROPORTIONS AND TEMPERAMENT. These factors are extremely important for any breed. Having watched just about every class at the National I would probably add another more nominal factor (nominal in comparison to the other three factors but something that destroys the overall appearance). Ready??? TAIL SETS/CROUPS. Far too many specimens suffered from gay tails (a few even with ring tails) as well as low tail sets and/or sloping croups. There were also far too many dogs with "chair legs". Those pasterns act as shock absorbers and if there is no "give" the dog will pound the ground as though it had straight shoulders. OK, Bill, get off your soapbox!

Next year's National is being held in Pine Bluff, Arkansas. See you there.

BILL