The Conformation Conversation

Breeder of Influence Interview with Devon Allen of Kairk Airedale Terriers

Tue, 31 Mar 2026 10:28:54 -0700

Show Dog Prep School Founder and Lead Instructor Vicki Ronchette interviews Airedale Terrier Breeder Devon Allen.

Show Dog Prep School Pep Talk 4 - Listen on your way to the dog show

Tue, 17 Mar 2026 10:13:00 -0700

SDPS Founder and Lead Instructor Vicki Ronchette gives a pep talk for your drive to the dog show.

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Competing Successfully alongside Professional Handlers

Tue, 03 Mar 2026 09:50:32 -0800

SDPS Founder and Lead Instructor Vicki Ronchette offers tips for competing successfully when showing against professionals.

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Making the Decision to Place a Show Prospect

Tue, 17 Feb 2026 15:23:00 -0800

Show Dog Prep School Founder and Lead Instructor Vicki Ronchette discusses making the decision to rehome a show prospect or retired show or breeding dog.

Show Dog Prep School Pep Talk 3 - Listen on the Way to the Dog Show

Tue, 03 Feb 2026 11:41:00 -0800

SDPS Founder and Lead Instructor Vicki Ronchette gives you a pep talk for the ride to the dog show.

Specialing a Dog - There's a reason why they are called Special

Sun, 25 Jan 2026 13:10:37 -0800

SDPS Founder and Lead Instructor Vicki Ronchette discusses specialing a dog, what it entails and how to decide to do it.

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Show Dog Prep School Pep Talk 2 - Listen on the way to the dog show

Mon, 05 Jan 2026 11:16:00 -0800

Show Dog Prep School Founder, Lead Instructor and Dog Show Coach gives a Dog Show Pep Talk!

Goal Setting and Reflecting

Sun, 28 Dec 2025 10:59:17 -0800

Show Dog Prep School Founder and Lead Instructor Vicki Ronchette discusses the importance of setting goals and reflecting on them to measure progress and success.

Dog Show Pep Talk 1 - Listen on the Way to the Dog Show

Mon, 15 Dec 2025 17:55:34 -0800

Pep Talk 1 - This is the first of several pep talk episodes where Vicki will give you a pep talk for on the way to the dog show. Listen to feel relaxed, inspired and encouraged.

When your Dog has a bad experience in the Ring

Mon, 01 Dec 2025 16:35:33 -0800

Vicki discusses what NOT to do when your dog backs away, sits down or tries to avoid the judge's exam.

Talk with Vicki about new book, The Calm Before the Ring - Managing Performance Anxiety in Dog Shows and Sports with Chelsea Murray

Sun, 02 Nov 2025 10:01:07 -0800

Vicki is interviewed by dog trainer and podcaster Chelsea Murray about her new book, The Calm Before the Ring - Managing Performance Anxiety in Dog Shows and Sports.

Reading the AKC Poodle Standard

Sun, 05 Oct 2025 07:55:43 -0700

Official Standard of the Poodle

The Standard for the Poodle (Toy variety) is the same as for the Standard and Miniature varieties

except as regards heights.

General Appearance: Carriage and Condition - That of a very active, intelligent and elegant-

appearing dog, squarely built, well proportioned, moving soundly and carrying himself proudly.

Properly clipped in the traditional fashion and carefully groomed, the Poodle has about him an

air of distinction and dignity peculiar to himself.

Size, Proportion, Substance: Size - The Standard Poodle is over 15 inches at the highest point

of the shoulders. Any Poodle which is 15 inches or less in height shall be disqualified from

competition as a Standard Poodle.

The Miniature Poodle is 15 inches or under at the highest point of the shoulders, with a

minimum height in excess of 10 inches. Any Poodle which is over 15 inches or is 10 inches or

less at the highest point of the shoulders shall be disqualified from competition as a Miniature

Poodle.

The Toy Poodle is 10 inches or under at the highest point of the shoulders. Any Poodle which is

more than 10 inches at the highest point of the shoulders shall be disqualified from competition

as a Toy Poodle.

As long as the Toy Poodle is definitely a Toy Poodle, and the Miniature Poodle a Miniature

Poodle, both in balance and proportion for the Variety, diminutiveness shall be the deciding

factor when all other points are equal.

Proportion - To insure the desirable squarely built appearance, the length of body measured

from the breastbone to the point of the rump approximates the height from the highest point of

the shoulders to the ground.

Substance - Bone and muscle of both forelegs and hindlegs are in proportion to size of dog.

Head and Expression: (a) Eyes - very dark, oval in shape and set far enough apart and

positioned to create an alert intelligent expression. Major fault: eyes round, protruding, large or

very light. (b) Ears - hanging close to the head, set at or slightly below eye level. The ear leather

is long, wide and thickly feathered; however, the ear fringe should not be of excessive length.

(c) Skull - moderately rounded, with a slight but definite stop. Cheekbones and muscles flat.

Length from occiput to stop about the same as length of muzzle. (d) Muzzle - long, straight and

fine, with slight chiseling under the eyes. Strong without lippiness. The chin definite enough to

preclude snipiness. Major fault: lack of chin. Teeth - white, strong and with a scissors bite.

Major fault: undershot, overshot, wry mouth.

Neck, Topline, Body: Neck well proportioned, strong and long enough to permit the head to be

carried high and with dignity. Skin snug at throat. The neck rises from strong, smoothly muscled

shoulders. Major fault: ewe neck. The topline is level, neither sloping nor roached, from the

highest point of the shoulder blade to the base of the tail, with the exception of a slight hollow

just behind the shoulder. Body - (a) Chest deep and moderately wide with well sprung ribs. (b)

The loin is short, broad and muscular. (c) Tail straight, set on high and carried up, docked of

sufficient length to insure a balanced outline. Major fault: set low, curled, or carried over the

back.

Forequarters: Strong, smoothly muscled shoulders. The shoulder blade is well laid back and

approximately the same length as the upper foreleg. Major fault - steep shoulder. Forelegs -

Straight and parallel when viewed from the front. When viewed from the side the elbow isPage 2 of 3

directly below the highest point of the shoulder. The pasterns are strong. Dewclaws may be

removed. Feet - The feet are rather small, oval in shape with toes well arched and cushioned on

thick firm pads. Nails short but not excessively shortened. The feet turn neither in nor out. Major

fault - paper or splay foot.

Hindquarters: The angulation of the hindquarters balances that of the forequarters. Hindlegs

straight and parallel when viewed from the rear. Muscular with width in the region of the stifles

which are well bent; femur and tibia are about equal in length; hock to heel short and

perpendicular to the ground. When standing, the rear toes are only slightly behind the point of

the rump. Major fault - cow-hocks.

Coat: (a) Quality - (1) Curly: of naturally harsh texture, dense throughout. (2) Corded: hanging

in tight even cords of varying length; longer on mane or body coat, head, and ears; shorter on

puffs, bracelets, and pompons. (b) Clip - A Poodle under 12 months may be shown in the

"Puppy" clip. In all regular classes, Poodles 12 months or over must be shown in the "English

Saddle" or "Continental" clip. In the Stud Dog and Brood Bitch classes and in a non-competitive

Parade of Champions, Poodles may be shown in the "Sporting" clip. A Poodle shown in any

other type of clip shall be disqualified. (1) "Puppy" - A Poodle under a year old may be shown in

the "Puppy" clip with the coat long. The face, throat, feet and base of the tail are shaved. The

entire shaven foot is visible. There is a pompon on the end of the tail. In order to give a neat

appearance and a smooth unbroken line, shaping of the coat is permissible. (2) "English Saddle"

- In the "English Saddle" clip, the face, throat, feet, forelegs and base of the tail are shaved,

leaving puffs on the forelegs and a pompon on the end of the tail. The hindquarters are covered

with a short blanket of hair except for a curved shaved area on each flank and two shaved bands

on each hindleg. The entire shaven foot and a portion of the shaven leg above the puff are

visible. The rest of the body is left in full coat but may be shaped in order to insure overall

balance. (3) "Continental" - In the "Continental" clip, the face, throat, feet, and base of the tail

are shaved. The hindquarters are shaved with pompons (optional) on the hips. The legs are

shaved, leaving bracelets on the hindlegs and puffs on the forelegs. There is a pompon on the end

of the tail. The entire shaven foot and a portion of the shaven foreleg above the puff are visible.

The rest of the body is left in full coat but may be shaped in order to insure overall balance. (4)

"Sporting" - In the "Sporting" clip, a Poodle shall be shown with face, feet, throat, and base of

tail shaved, leaving a scissored cap on the top of the head and a pompon on the end of the tail.

The rest of the body, and legs are clipped or scissored to follow the outline of the dog leaving a

short blanket of coat no longer than one inch in length. The hair on the legs may be slightly

longer than that on the body.

In all clips the hair of the topknot may be left free or held in place by elastic bands. The hair is

only of sufficient length to present a smooth outline. "Topknot" refers only to hair on the skull,

from stop to occiput. This is the only area where elastic bands may be used.

Color: The coat is an even and solid color at the skin. In blues, grays, silvers, browns, cafe-au-

laits, apricots and creams the coat may show varying shades of the same color. This is frequently

present in the somewhat darker feathering of the ears and in the tipping of the ruff. While clear

colors are definitely preferred, such natural variation in the shading of the coat is not to be

considered a fault. Brown and cafe-au-lait Poodles have liver-colored noses, eye-rims and lips,

dark toenails and dark amber eyes. Black, blue, gray, silver, cream and white Poodles have black

noses, eye-rims and lips, black or self colored toenails and very dark eyes. In the apricots whilePage 3 of 3

the foregoing coloring is preferred, liver-colored noses, eye-rims and lips, and amber eyes are

permitted but are not desirable. Major fault: color of nose, lips and eye-rims incomplete, or of

wrong color for color of dog. Parti-colored dogs shall be disqualified. The coat of a parti-colored

dog is not an even solid color at the skin but is of two or more colors.

Gait: A straightforward trot with light springy action and strong hindquarters drive. Head and

tail carried up. Sound effortless movement is essential.

Temperament: Carrying himself proudly, very active, intelligent, the Poodle has about him an

air of distinction and dignity peculiar to himself. Major fault: shyness or sharpness.

Major Faults: Any distinct deviation from the desired characteristics described in the Breed

Standard.

Disqualifications: Size - A dog over or under the height limits specified shall be disqualified.

Clip - A dog in any type of clip other than those listed under coat shall be disqualified. Parti-

colors - The coat of a parti-colored dog is not an even solid color at the skin but of two or more

colors. Parti-colored dogs shall be disqualified.

Value of Points

General appearance, temperament, carriage and condition.......30

Head, expression, ears, eyes and teeth.......20

Body, neck, legs, feet and tail.......20

Gait.......20

Coat, color and texture.......10

Approved August 14, 1984

Reformatted March 27, 1990

Is it really positive reinforcement?

Tue, 30 Sep 2025 16:09:00 -0700

Show Dog Prep School Founder and Lead Instructor Vicki Ronchette discusses positive reinforcement (+R) and the other quadrants of operant conditioning learning theory and how to be sure you are utilizing it.

Raising a Singleton Puppy with Suzanne Clothier

Tue, 16 Sep 2025 09:06:28 -0700

Vicki talks to renowned dog trainer, author, international speaker and German Shepherd Dog breeder, Suzanne Clothier on raising a singleton puppy.

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Breeder of Influence Interview with Amy Issleib of Temerity German Pinschers

Sun, 10 Aug 2025 13:45:50 -0700

SDPS Founder and Lead Instructor, Vicki Ronchette interviews German Pinscher, Amy Issleib of Temerity German Pinschers.

A Discussion on Grading Litters, Breeding and Figuring it all out

Fri, 18 Jul 2025 10:10:06 -0700

Dachshund Breeder/Owner/Handler, Vicki and Barbara Reisinger discuss evaluating litters, grading different breeds, breeding and figuring it all out.

A Pro Trainer Discussion on Littermate Syndrome

Tue, 27 May 2025 13:56:00 -0700

Show Dog Prep School Founder and Lead Instructor Vicki Ronchette talks with fellow pro trainer and SDPS Instructor Andrea Stone about Littermate Syndrome. Is this an actual thing? What does the term mean and where did it come from?

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Don't feed me your sour grapes

Tue, 13 May 2025 09:07:00 -0700

Show Dog Prep School Founder and Lead Instructor Vicki Ronchette discusses bad mouthing judging and other dogs at dog shows and online.

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Get the Help You Need from the Right Source

Tue, 29 Apr 2025 09:17:00 -0700

SDPS Founder and Lead Instructor discusses finding the help you need from someone who can help rather than going to the same source for all your questions.

Taking my Time with my Sensitive Puppy

Tue, 15 Apr 2025 09:43:00 -0700

SDPS Founder and Lead Instructor, Vicki Ronchette discusses waiting to show sensitive puppies as we help them grow more confident and outgoing.

On Showing a Dog that Only Needs Majors

Tue, 01 Apr 2025 09:20:31 -0700

SDPS Founder and Lead Instructor, Vicki Ronchette offers another viewpoint on people showing dogs who only need majors to finish.

Naming Show Dogs

Tue, 04 Mar 2025 09:50:00 -0800

SDPS Founder and Lead Instructor Vicki Ronchette explains how people name show dogs and how kennel names and call names might be chosen and used.

Attending Westminster (New York), the AKC National Championship (Orlando) and your National Specialty

Tue, 18 Feb 2025 10:37:00 -0800

SDPS Founder and Lead Instructor Vicki Ronchette discusses the importance and reason for making it a point to attend "the Big Three", Westminster, Orlando and your National Specialty shows.

Ending the Blame Game - Supporting Puppy People

Sun, 02 Feb 2025 10:16:55 -0800

SDPS Founder and Lead Instructor, Vicki Ronchette discusses the importance of supporting our puppy people when an issue arises and avoiding blaming others.

Reading of the AKC standard for the Samoyed

Tue, 21 Jan 2025 14:05:00 -0800

Official Standard of the Samoyed
General Conformation: (a) General Appearance-The Samoyed, being essentially a working
dog, should present a picture of beauty, alertness and strength, with agility, dignity and grace. As
his work lies in cold climates, his coat should be heavy and weather-resistant, well groomed, and
of good quality rather than quantity. The male carries more of a "ruff" than the female. He should
not be long in the back as a weak back would make him practically useless for his legitimate
work, but at the same time, a close-coupled body would also place him at a great disadvantage as
a draft dog. Breeders should aim for the happy medium, a body not long but muscular, allowing
liberty, with a deep chest and well-sprung ribs, strong neck, straight front and especially strong
loins. Males should be masculine in appearance and deportment without unwarranted
aggressiveness; bitches feminine without weakness of structure or apparent softness of
temperament. Bitches may be slightly longer in back than males. They should both give the
appearance of being capable of great endurance but be free from coarseness. Because of the
depth of chest required, the legs should be moderately long. A very short-legged dog is to be
deprecated. Hindquarters should be particularly well developed, stifles well bent and any
suggestion of unsound stifles or cowhocks severely penalized. General appearance should
include movement and general conformation, indicating balance and good substance.
(b) Substance-Substance is that sufficiency of bone and muscle which rounds out a balance with
the frame. The bone is heavier than would be expected in a dog of this size but not so massive as
to prevent the speed and agility most desirable in a Samoyed. In all builds, bone should be in
proportion to body size. The Samoyed should never be so heavy as to appear clumsy nor so light
as to appear racy. The weight should be in proportion to the height.
(c) Height - Males: 21 to 23½ inches; females: 19 to 21 inches at the withers. An oversized or
undersized Samoyed is to be penalized according to the extent of the deviation.
(d) Coat (Texture and Condition) - The Samoyed is a doublecoated dog. The body should be
well covered with an undercoat of soft, short, thick, close wool with longer and harsh hair
growing through it to form the outer coat, which stands straight out from the body and should be
free from curl. The coat should form a ruff around the neck and shoulders, framing the head
(more on males than on females). Quality of coat should be weather resistant and considered
more than quantity. A droopy coat is undesirable. The coat should glisten with a silver sheen.
The female does not usually carry as long a coat as most males and it is softer in texture.
(e) Color - Samoyeds should be pure white, white and biscuit, cream, or all biscuit. Any other
colors disqualify.
Movement: (a) Gait - The Samoyed should trot, not pace. He should move with a quick agile
stride that is well timed. The gait should be free, balanced and vigorous, with good reach in the
forequarters and good driving power in the hindquarters. When trotting, there should be a strong
rear action drive. Moving at a slow walk or trot, they will not single-track, but as speed increases
the legs gradually angle inward until the pads are finally falling on a line directly under the
longitudinal center of the body. As the pad marks converge the forelegs and hind legs are carried
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straight forward in traveling, the stifles not turned in nor out. The back should remain strong,
firm and level. A choppy or stilted gait should be penalized.
(b) Rear End - Upper thighs should be well developed. Stifles well bent-approximately 45
degrees to the ground. Hocks should be well developed, sharply defined and set at approximately
30 percent of hip height. The hind legs should be parallel when viewed from the rear in a natural
stance, strong, well developed, turning neither in nor out. Straight stifles are objectionable.
Double-jointedness or cowhocks are a fault. Cowhocks should only be determined if the dog has
had an opportunity to move properly.
(c) Front End - Legs should be parallel and straight to the pasterns. The pasterns should be
strong, sturdy and straight, but flexible with some spring for proper let-down of feet. Because of
depth of chest, legs should be moderately long. Length of leg from the ground to the elbow
should be approximately 55 percent of the total height at the withers-a very short-legged dog is
to be deprecated. Shoulders should be long and sloping, with a layback of 45 degrees and be
firmly set. Out at the shoulders or out at the elbows should be penalized. The withers separation
should be approximately 1 to 1½ inches.
(d) Feet - Large, long, flattish-a hare-foot, slightly spread but not splayed; toes arched; pads thick
and tough, with protective growth of hair between the toes. Feet should turn neither in nor out in
a natural stance but may turn in slightly in the act of pulling. Turning out, pigeon-toed, round or
cat-footed or splayed are faults. Feathers on feet are not too essential but are more profuse on
females than on males.
Head: (a) Conformation - Skull is wedge-shaped, broad, slightly crowned, not round or apple-
headed, and should form an equilateral triangle on lines between the inner base of the ears and
the central point of the stop. Muzzle - Muzzle of medium length and medium width, neither
coarse nor snipy; should taper toward the nose and be in proportion to the size of the dog and the
width of skull. The muzzle must have depth. Whiskers are not to be removed. Stop - Not too
abrupt, nevertheless well defined. Lips - Should be black for preference and slightly curved up at
the corners of the mouth, giving the "Samoyed smile." Lip lines should not have the appearance
of being coarse nor should the flews drop predominately at corners of the mouth. Ears - Strong
and thick, erect, triangular and slightly rounded at the tips; should not be large or pointed, nor
should they be small and "bear-eared." Ears should conform to head size and the size of the dog;
they should be set well apart but be within the border of the outer edge of the head; they should
be mobile and well covered inside with hair; hair full and stand-off before the ears. Length of ear
should be the same measurement as the distance from inner base of ear to outer corner of eye.
Eyes - Should be dark for preference; should be placed well apart and deep-set; almond shaped
with lower lid slanting toward an imaginary point approximately the base of ears. Dark eye rims
for preference. Round or protruding eyes penalized. Blue eyes disqualifying. Nose - Black for
preference but brown, liver, or Dudley nose not penalized. Color of nose sometimes changes
with age and weather. Jaws and Teeth - Strong, well-set teeth, snugly overlapping with scissors
bite. Undershot or overshot should be penalized.
Page 3 of 3
(b) Expression - The expression, referred to as "Samoyed expression," is very important and is
indicated by sparkle of the eyes, animation and lighting up of the face when alert or intent on
anything. Expression is made up of a combination of eyes, ears and mouth. The ears should be
erect when alert; the mouth should be slightly curved up at the corners to form the "Samoyed
smile."
Torso: (a) Neck - Strong, well muscled, carried proudly erect, set on sloping shoulders to carry
head with dignity when at attention. Neck should blend into shoulders with a graceful arch.
(b) Chest - Should be deep, with ribs well sprung out from the spine and flattened at the sides to
allow proper movement of the shoulders and freedom for the front legs. Should not be barrel-
chested. Perfect depth of chest approximates the point of elbows, and the deepest part of the
chest should be back of the forelegs-near the ninth rib. Heart and lung room are secured more by
body depth than width.
(c) Loin and Back - The withers forms the highest part of the back. Loins strong and slightly
arched. The back should be straight to the loin, medium in length, very muscular and neither
long nor short-coupled. The dog should be "just off square"-the length being approximately 5
percent more than the height. Females allowed to be slightly longer than males. The belly should
be well shaped and tightly muscled and, with the rear of the thorax, should swing up in a
pleasing curve (tuck-up). Croup must be full, slightly sloping, and must continue imperceptibly
to the tail root.
Tail: The tail should be moderately long with the tail bone terminating approximately at the
hock when down. It should be profusely covered with long hair and carried forward over the
back or side when alert, but sometimes dropped when at rest. It should not be high or low set and
should be mobile and loose-not tight over the back. A double hook is a fault. A judge should see
the tail over the back once when judging.
Disposition: Intelligent, gentle, loyal, adaptable, alert, full of action, eager to serve, friendly but
conservative, not distrustful or shy, not overly aggressive. Unprovoked aggressiveness is to be
severely penalized.
Disqualifications: Any color other than pure white, cream, biscuit, or white and biscuit. Blue
eyes.
Approved August 10, 1993
Effective September 29, 1993

Reading of the AKC Chinese Crested Standard

Tue, 07 Jan 2025 16:03:00 -0800

Official Standard of the Chinese Crested
General Appearance: A toy dog, fine-boned, elegant and graceful. The distinct varieties are born in the same litter. The Hairless with hair only on the head, tail and feet and the Powderpuff, completely covered with hair. The breed serves as a loving companion, playful and entertaining.

Size, Proportion, Substance: Size - Ideally 11 to 13 inches. However, dogs that are slightly larger or smaller may be given full consideration. Proportion - rectangular-proportioned to allow for freedom of movement. Body length from withers to base of tail is slightly longer than the height at the withers. Substance - Fine-boned and slender but not so refined as to appear breakable or alternatively not a robust, heavy structure.

Head: Expression - Alert and intense. Eyes - Almond-shaped, set wide apart. Dark-colored dogshave dark-colored eyes, and lighter-colored dogs may have lighter-colored eyes. Eye rims match the coloring of the dog. Ears - Uncropped large and erect, placed so that the base of the ear is level with the outside corner of the eye. Skull - The skull is arched gently over the occiput from ear to ear. Distance from occiput to stop equal to distance from stop to tip of nose. The head is wedge-shaped viewed from above and the side. Stop - Slight but distinct. Muzzle - Cheeks taper cleanly into the muzzle. Nose - Dark in dark-colored dogs; may be lighter in lighter-colored
dogs. Pigment is solid. Lips - Lips are clean and tight. Bite - Scissors or level in both varieties. Missing teeth in the Powderpuff are to be faulted. The Hairless variety is not to be penalized for absence of full dentition.
Neck, Topline, Body: Neck - Neck is lean and clean, slightly arched from the withers to the base of the skull and carried high. Topline - Level to slightly sloping croup. Body - Brisket extends to the elbow. Breastbone is not prominent. Ribs are well developed. The depth of the chest tapers to a moderate tuck-up at the flanks. Light in loin. Tail - Tail is slender and tapers to a curve. It is long enough to reach the hock. When dog is in motion, the tail is carried gaily and may be carried slightly forward over the back. At rest the tail is down with a slight curve upward at the end resembling a sickle. In the Hairless variety, two-thirds of the end of the tail is covered by long, flowing feathering referred to as a plume. The Powderpuff variety's tail is completely covered with hair.
Forequarters: Angulation - Layback of shoulders is 45 degrees to point of shoulder allowing for good reach. Shoulders - Clean and narrow. Elbows - Close to body. Legs - Long, slender and straight. Pasterns - Upright, fine and strong. Dewclaws may be removed. Feet - Hare foot, narrow with elongated toes. Nails are trimmed to moderate length.
Hindquarters: Angulation - Stifle moderately angulated. From hock joint to ground
perpendicular. Dewclaws may be removed. Feet - Same as forequarters.
Coat: The Hairless variety has hair on certain portions of the body: the head (called a crest), the tail (called a plume) and the feet from the toes to the front pasterns and rear hock joints (called socks). The texture of all hair is soft and silky, flowing to any length. Placement of hair is not as important as overall type. Areas that have hair usually taper off slightly. Wherever the body is hairless, the skin is soft and smooth. Head crest begins at the stop and tapers off between the

Page 2 of 2
base of the skull and the back of the neck. Hair on the ears and face is permitted on the Hairless and may be trimmed for neatness in both varieties. Tail plume is described under Tail. The Powderpuff variety is completely covered with a double soft and silky coat. Close examination reveals long thin guard hairs over the short silky undercoat. The coat is straight, of moderate density and length. Excessively heavy, kinky or curly coat is to be penalized. Grooming is minimal-consisting of presenting a clean and neat appearance.
Color: Any color or combination of colors.
Gait: Lively, agile and smooth without being stilted or hackneyed. Comes and goes at a trot moving in a straight line.
Temperament: Gay and alert.
Approved June 12, 1990
Effective April 1, 1991

Closing out 2024 and Planning/Goal Setting for 2025

Sat, 21 Dec 2024 16:36:46 -0800

In this episode, Vicki discusses the importance of reflecting on your previous goals and ways to effectively set goals for the upcoming year without it feeling daunting or overwhelming.

Reading of the AKC Basset Hound Standard

Tue, 10 Dec 2024 14:17:00 -0800

Official Standard for the Basset Hound
General Appearance: The Basset Hound possesses in marked degree those characteristics
which equip it admirably to follow a trail over and through difficult terrain. It is a short-legged
dog, heavier in bone, size considered, than any other breed of dog, and while its movement is
deliberate, it is in no sense clumsy. In temperament it is mild, never sharp or timid. It is capable
of great endurance in the field and is extreme in its devotion.
Head: The head is large and well proportioned. Its length from occiput to muzzle is greater than
the width at the brow. In overall appearance the head is of medium width. The skull is well
domed, showing a pronounced occipital protuberance. A broad flat skull is a fault. The length
from nose to stop is approximately the length from stop to occiput. The sides are flat and free
from cheek bumps. Viewed in profile the top lines of the muzzle and skull are straight and lie in
parallel planes, with a moderately defined stop. The skin over the whole of the head is loose,
falling in distinct wrinkles over the brow when the head is lowered. A dry head and tight skin are
faults. The muzzle is deep, heavy, and free from snipiness. The nose is darkly pigmented,
preferably black, with large wide-open nostrils. A deep liver-colored nose conforming to the
coloring of the head is permissible but not desirable. The teeth are large, sound, and regular,
meeting in either a scissors or an even bite. A bite either overshot or undershot is a serious fault.
The lips are darkly pigmented and are pendulous, falling squarely in front and, toward the back,
in loose hanging flews. The dewlap is very pronounced. The neck is powerful, of good length,
and well arched. The eyes are soft, sad, and slightly sunken, showing a prominent haw, and in
color are brown, dark brown preferred. A somewhat lighter-colored eye conforming to the
general coloring of the dog is acceptable but not desirable. Very light or protruding eyes are
faults. The ears are extremely long, low set, and when drawn forward, fold well over the end of
the nose. They are velvety in texture, hanging in loose folds with the ends curling slightly
inward. They are set far back on the head at the base of the skull and, in repose, appear to be set
on the neck. A high set or flat ear is a serious fault.
Forequarters: The chest is deep and full with prominent sternum showing clearly in front of the
legs. The shoulders and elbows are set close against the sides of the chest. The distance from the
deepest point of the chest to the ground, while it must be adequate to allow free movement when
working in the field, is not to be more than one-third the total height at the withers of an adult
Basset. The shoulders are well laid back and powerful. Steepness in shoulder, fiddle fronts, and
elbows that are out, are serious faults. The forelegs are short, powerful, heavy in bone, with
wrinkled skin. Knuckling over of the front legs is a disqualification. The paw is massive, very
heavy with tough heavy pads, well rounded and with both feet inclined equally a trifle outward,
balancing the width of the shoulders. Feet down at the pastern are a serious fault. The toes are
neither pinched together nor splayed, with the weight of the forepart of the body borne evenly on
each. The dewclaws may be removed.
Body: The rib structure is long, smooth, and extends well back. The ribs are well sprung,
allowing adequate room for heart and lungs. Flatsidedness and flanged ribs are faults. The
topline is straight, level, and free from any tendency to sag or roach, which are faults.
Hindquarters: The hindquarters are very full and well rounded, and are approximately equal to
the shoulders in width. They must not appear slack or light in relation to the overall depth of the
body. The dog stands firmly on its hind legs showing a well-let-down stifle with no tendency
toward a crouching stance. Viewed from behind, the hind legs are parallel, with the hocks
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turning neither in nor out. Cowhocks or bowed legs are serious faults. The hind feet point
straight ahead. Steep, poorly angulated hindquarters are a serious fault. The dewclaws, if any,
may be removed.
Tail: The tail is not to be docked, and is set in continuation of the spine with but slight curvature,
and carried gaily in hound fashion. The hair on the underside of the tail is coarse.
Size: The height should not exceed 14 inches. Height over 15 inches at the highest point of the
shoulder blade is a disqualification.
Gait: The Basset Hound moves in a smooth, powerful, and effortless manner. Being a scenting
dog with short legs, it holds its nose low to the ground. Its gait is absolutely true with perfect
coordination between the front and hind legs, and it moves in a straight line with hind feet
following in line with the front feet, the hocks well bent with no stiffness of action. The front
legs do not paddle, weave, or overlap, and the elbows must lie close to the body. Going away,
the hind legs are parallel.
Coat: The coat is hard, smooth, and short, with sufficient density to be of use in all weather. The
skin is loose and elastic. A distinctly long coat is a disqualification.
Color: Any recognized hound color is acceptable and the distribution of color and markings is of
no importance.
Disqualifications: Height of more than 15 inches at the highest point of the shoulder blade.
Knuckled over front legs. Distinctly long coat.
Approved January 14, 1964

Reading of the AKC Vizsla Standard

Tue, 26 Nov 2024 13:53:00 -0800

Official Standard for the Vizsla
General Appearance: That of a medium-sized, short-coated, hunting dog of distinguishedappearance and bearing. Robust but rather lightly built, the coat is an attractive shaded goldenrust. Originating in Hungary, the Vizsla was bred to work in field, forest and water. Agile andenergetic, this is a versatile dog of power, drive and endurance in the field yet a tractable andaffectionate companion in the home. It is strongly emphasized that field conditioned coats, aswell as brawny or sinewy muscular condition and honorable scars indicating a working and hunting dog are never to be penalized in this dog. The requisite instincts and abilities to maintain
a "dual dog" are always to be fostered and appreciated, never deprecated.
Head: Lean and muscular. Skull moderately wide between the ears with a median line down the forehead. Stop between skull and foreface is moderate. Foreface or muzzle is of equal length or slightly shorter than skull when viewed in profile, should taper gradually from stop to tip of nose. Muzzle square and deep. It should not turn up as in a "dish" face nor should it turn down.
Whiskers serve a functional purpose; their removal is permitted but not preferred. Nostrilsslightly open. Nose self-colored. Any other color is faulty. A partially or completely black nose is a disqualification. Freckles due to aging or sun exposure are not to be faulted. Ears, thin, silky and proportionately long, with rounded-leather ends, set fairly low and hanging close to cheeks.
Jaws are strong with well developed white teeth meeting in a scissors bite. Eyes medium in size and depth of setting, their surrounding tissue covering the whites. Color of the iris should blend with the color of the coat. Yellow or any other color is faulty. Prominent pop eyes are faulty.
Lower eyelids should neither turn in nor out since both conditions allow seeds and dust to irritate the eye. Lips cover the jaws completely but are neither loose nor pendulous.
Neck and Body: Neck strong, smooth and muscular, moderately long, arched and devoid of dewlap, broadening nicely into shoulders which are moderately laid back. This is mandatory to maintain balance with the moderately angulated hindquarters. Body is strong and well proportioned. Withers high. While the Vizsla may appear square, when measured from point of breastbone to point of buttocks and from the highest point over the shoulder blades to the ground, the Vizsla is slightly longer than tall. A proper proportion of leg length to body length is
essential to the desired overall balance of the Vizsla. The Vizsla should not appear long and low or tall and leggy. Backline firm with a slight rise over a short and well muscled loin. The croup is gently rounded to the set on of the tail and is not steep, sunken or flat. When moving at a trot, a properly built Vizsla maintains a steady, level backline. Chest moderately broad and deep reaching down to the elbows. Ribs well-sprung and carried well back; underline exhibiting a slight tuck-up beneath the loin. Tail set just below the level of the croup, thicker at the root and docked one-third off. Ideally, it should reach to the back of the stifle joint and when moving it should be carried at or near the horizontal, not vertically or curled over the back, nor between the legs. A docked tail is preferred.
Forequarters: Shoulder blades proportionately long and wide sloping moderately back and fairly close at the top. Upper arm is about equal in length to the shoulder blade in order to allow for good extension. Forelegs straight and muscular with elbows close. Feet cat-like, round and compact with toes close. Nails brown and short. Pads thick and tough. The removal of dewclaws,
f any, on front and rear feet, is strongly recommended, in order to avoid injury when running in the field.

Hindquarters: Hind legs have well developed thighs with moderately angulated stifles and
hocks in balance with the moderately laid back shoulders. They must be straight as viewed from
behind. Too much angulation at the hocks is as faulty as too little. The hocks are let down and
parallel to each other.
Coat: Short, smooth, dense and close-lying, without woolly undercoat. A distinctly long coat is a
disqualification.
Color: Golden rust in varying shades. Lighter shadings over the sides of the neck and shoulders
giving the appearance of a "saddle" are common. Solid dark mahogany and pale yellow are
faulty. White on the forechest, preferably as small as possible, and white on the toes are
permissible. Solid white extending above the toes or white anywhere else on the dog except the
forechest is a disqualification. When viewing the dog from the front, white markings on the
forechest must be confined to an area from the top of the sternum to a point between the elbows
when the dog is standing naturally. White extending on the shoulders or neck is a
disqualification. White due to aging or scarring must not be faulted. The Vizsla is self-colored,
with the color of the eyes, eye-rims, lips, nose, toenails and pads of feet blending with the color
of the coat.
Gait: Far reaching, light footed, graceful and smooth. When moving at a fast trot, a properly
built dog single tracks.
Size: The ideal male is 22 to 24 inches at the highest point over the shoulder blades. The ideal
female is 21 to 23 inches. Because the Vizsla is meant to be a medium-sized hunter, any dog
measuring more than 1½ inches over or under these limits must be disqualified.
Temperament: A natural hunter endowed with a good nose and above-average ability to take
training. Lively, gentle-mannered, demonstrably affectionate and sensitive though fearless with a
well developed protective instinct. Shyness, timidity or nervousness should be penalized.
The foregoing describes the ideal Vizsla. Any deviation from this ideal must be penalized to the
extent of the deviation. Deviations that impact performance and function should be considered
more serious than those that affect only appearance.
Disqualifications: Partially or completely black nose. Solid white extending above the toes or
white anywhere else on the dog except the forechest. White extending on the shoulders or neck. A
distinctly long coat. Any male over 25½ inches, or under 20½ inches and any female over 24½
inches or under 19½ inches at the highest point over the shoulder blades.
Approved January 13, 2009
Effective April 1, 2009

A Plea to Established Breeders

Tue, 12 Nov 2024 12:57:29 -0800

Show Dog Prep School Founder and Lead Instructor, Vicki Ronchette discusses the need for established breeders to be open to talking to new people and being kind and welcoming to them.

Reading of the AKC German Shorthair Pointer Standard

Tue, 22 Oct 2024 14:33:00 -0700

Official Standard for the German Shorthaired Pointer
General Appearance: The German Shorthaired Pointer is a versatile hunter, an all-purpose gun dog capable of high performance in field and water. The judgment of Shorthairs in the show ring reflects this basic characteristic. The overall picture which is created in the observer’s eye is that of an aristocratic, well balanced, symmetrical animal with conformation indicating power, endurance and agility and a look of intelligence and animation. The dog is neither unduly small nor conspicuously large. It gives the impression of medium size, but is like the proper hunter, “with a short back, but standing over plenty of ground.” Symmetry and field quality are most essential. A dog in hard and lean field condition is not to be penalized; however, overly fat or poorly muscled dogs are to be penalized. A dog well balanced in all points is preferable to one with outstanding good qualities and defects. Grace of outline, clean-cut head, sloping shoulders,
deep chest, powerful back, strong quarters, good bone composition, adequate muscle, well carried tail and taut coat produce a look of nobility and indicate a heritage of purposefully conducted breeding. Further evidence of this heritage is movement which is balanced, alertly coordinated and without wasted motion.
Size, Proportion, Substance: Size – height of dogs, measured at the withers, 23 to 25 inches.
Height of bitches, measured at the withers, 21 to 23 inches. Deviations of one inch above or below the described heights are to be severely penalized. Weight of dogs 55 to 70 pounds.
Weight of bitches 45 to 60 pounds. Proportion – measuring from the forechest to the rearmost projection of the rump and from the withers to the ground, the Shorthair is permissibly either square or slightly longer than he is tall. Substance – thin and fine bones are by no means desirable in a dog which must possess strength and be able to work over any type of terrain. The main importance is not laid so much on the size of bone, but rather on the bone being in proper proportion to the body. Bone structure too heavy or too light is a fault. Tall and leggy dogs, dogs which are ponderous because of excess substance, doggy bitches, and bitchy dogs are to be faulted.
Head: The head is clean-cut, is neither too light nor too heavy, and is in proper proportion to the body. The eyes are of medium size, full of intelligence and expression, good-humored and yet radiating energy, neither protruding nor sunken. The eye is almond shaped, not circular. The preferred color is dark brown. Light yellow eyes are not desirable and are a fault. Closely set
eyes are to be faulted. China or wall eyes are to be disqualified. The ears are broad and set fairly high, lie flat and never hang away from the head. Their placement is just above eye level. The ears laid in front without being pulled, should extend to the corner of the mouth. In the case of heavier dogs, the ears are correspondingly longer. Ears too long or fleshy are to be faulted. The skull is reasonably broad, arched on the side and slightly round on top. Unlike the Pointer, the median line between the eyes at the forehead is not too deep and the occipital bone is not very conspicuous. The foreface rises gradually from nose to forehead. The rise is more strongly pronounced in the dog than in the bitch. The jaw is powerful and the muscles well developed.
The line to the forehead rises gradually and never has a definite stop as that of the Pointer, but rather a stop-effect when viewed from the side, due to the position of the eyebrows. The muzzle is sufficiently long to enable the dog to seize game properly and be able to carry it for a long time. A pointed muzzle is not desirable. The depth is in the right proportion to the length, both in the muzzle and in the skull proper. The length of the muzzle should equal the length of the skull. A dish-shaped muzzle is a fault. A definite Pointer stop is a serious fault. Too many wrinkles in the forehead is a fault. The nose is brown on a liver dog and black on a black dog.
The larger the nose the better and nostrils should be well opened and broad. A spotted nose is not desirable. A flesh colored nose disqualifies. The chops fall away from the somewhat projecting nose. Lips are full and deep yet are never flewy. The teeth are strong and healthy. The molars intermesh properly. The bite is a true scissors bite. A perfect level bite is not desirable and must be penalized. Extreme overshot or undershot disqualifies.
Neck, Topline, Body: The neck is of proper length to permit the jaws reaching game to be
retrieved, sloping downwards on beautifully curving lines. The nape is rather muscular,
becoming gradually larger toward the shoulders. Moderate throatiness is permitted. The skin is close and tight. The chest in general gives the impression of depth rather than breadth; for all that, it is in correct proportion to the other parts of the body. The chest reaches down to the elbows, the ribs forming the thorax show a rib spring and are not flat or slabsided; they are not perfectly round or barrel-shaped. The back ribs reach well down. The circumference of the thorax immediately behind the elbows is smaller than that of the thorax about a hand’s breadth behind elbows, so that the upper arm has room for movement. Tuck-up is apparent. The back is short, strong, and straight with a slight rise from the root of the tail to the withers. The loin is strong, is of moderate length, and is slightly arched. An excessively long, roached or swayed back must be penalized. The hips are broad with hip sockets wide apart and fall slightly toward the tail in a graceful curve. A steep croup is a fault. The tail is set high and firm, and must be docked, leaving approximately 40 percent of its length. The tail hangs down when the dog is quiet and is held horizontally when he is walking. The tail must never be curved over the back
toward the head when the dog is moving. A tail curved or bent toward the head is to be severely penalized.
Forequarters: The shoulders are sloping, movable, and well covered with muscle. The shoulder blades lie flat and are well laid back nearing a 45 degree angle. The upper arm (the bones between the shoulder and the elbow joint) is as long as possible, standing away somewhat from the trunk so that the straight and closely muscled legs, when viewed from the front, appear to be parallel. Elbows which stand away from the body or are too close result in toes turning inwards or outwards and must be faulted. Pasterns are strong, short and nearly vertical with a slight spring. Loose, short-bladed or straight shoulders must be faulted. Knuckling over is to be faulted.
Dewclaws on the forelegs may be removed. The feet are compact, close-knit and round to spoon-shaped. The toes are sufficiently arched and heavily nailed. The pads are strong, hard and thick.
Hindquarters: Thighs are strong and well muscled. Stifles are well bent. Hock joints are well angulated and strong with straight bone structure from hock to pad. Angulation of both stifle and hock joint is such as to achieve the optimal balance of drive and traction. Hocks turn neither in nor out. Cowhocked legs are a serious fault.
Coat: The hair is short and thick and feels tough to the hand; it is somewhat longer on the underside of the tail and the back edges of the haunches. The hair is softer, thinner and shorter on the ears and the head. Any dog with long hair in the body coat is to be severely penalized.
Color: The coat may be of solid liver or a combination of liver and white such as liver and white ticked, liver patched and white ticked, or liver roan. Or the coat may be of solid black or any combination of black and white such as black and white ticked, black patched, and white ticked, or black roan. Any other color or color combination is a disqualification. A dog with any area of red, orange, lemon or tan, or a dog solid white will be disqualified.
Gait: A smooth lithe gait is essential. It is to be noted that as gait increases from the walk to a faster speed, the legs converge beneath the body. The tendency to single track is desirable. The forelegs reach well ahead as if to pull in the ground without giving the appearance of a hackney gait. The hindquarters drive the back legs smoothly and with great power.
Temperament: The Shorthair is friendly, intelligent, and willing to please. The first impression is that of a keen enthusiasm for work without indication of nervous or flightly character.

Disqualifications:
China or wall eyes.
Flesh colored nose.
Extreme overshot or undershot.
Any color combination of colors other than liver or black as described in the standard.
A dog with any area of red, orange, lemon or tan or a dog solid white.

Approved October 11, 2022
Effective January 1, 2023

Let's Normalize Advocating for our Dogs

Tue, 08 Oct 2024 09:30:00 -0700

Anyone who advocates for the well being of their dog deserves respect and grace and should never had to face pressure or judgement.

Reading of the AKC Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Breed Standard

Tue, 24 Sep 2024 10:49:00 -0700

Official Standard of the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
General Appearance: The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is an active, graceful, well-balanced toy spaniel, very gay and free in action; fearless and sporting in character, yet at the same time gentle and affectionate. It is this typical gay temperament, combined with true elegance and royal appearance which are of paramount importance in the breed. Natural appearance with no trimming, sculpting or artificial alteration is essential to breed type.
Size, Proportion, Substance: Size- Height 12 to 13 inches at the withers; weight proportionate to height, between 13 and 18 pounds. A small, well balanced dog within these weights is desirable, but these are ideal heights and weights and slight variations are permissible.
Proportion- The body approaches squareness, yet if measured from point of shoulder to point of buttock, is slightly longer than the height at the withers. The height from the withers to the elbow is approximately equal to the height from the elbow to the ground. Substance- Bone moderate in proportion to size. Weedy and coarse specimens are to be equally penalized.
Head: Proportionate to size of dog, appearing neither too large nor too small for the body.
Expression- The sweet, gentle, melting expression is an important breed characteristic. Eyes-
Large, round, but not prominent and set well apart; color a warm, very dark brown; giving a lustrous, limpid look. Rims dark. There should be cushioning under the eyes which contributes to the soft expression. Faults- small, almond-shaped, prominent, or light eyes; white surrounding ring. Ears- Set high, but not close, on top of head. Leather long with plenty of feathering and wide enough so that when the dog is alert, the ears fan slightly forward to frame the face. Skull-
Slightly rounded, but without dome or peak; it should appear flat because of the high placement of the ears. Stop is moderate, neither filled nor deep. Muzzle- Full muzzle slightly tapered. Length from base of stop to tip of nose about 1½ inches. Face well filled below eyes. Any tendency towards snipiness undesirable. Nose pigment uniformly black without flesh marks and nostrils well developed. Lips well developed but not pendulous giving a clean finish. Faults- Sharp or pointed muzzles. Bite- A perfect, regular and complete scissors bite is preferred, i.e. the upper teeth closely overlapping the lower teeth and set square into the jaws. Faults- undershot bite, weak or crooked teeth, crooked jaws.
Neck, Topline, Body: Neck- Fairly long, without throatiness, well enough muscled to form a slight arch at the crest. Set smoothly into nicely sloping shoulders to give an elegant look.
Topline- Level both when moving and standing. Body- Short-coupled with ribs well sprung but not barrelled. Chest moderately deep, extending to elbows allowing ample heart room. Slightly
less body at the flank than at the last rib, but with no tucked-up appearance. Tail- Well set on, carried happily but never much above the level of the back, and in constant characteristic motion when the dog is in action. Docking is optional. If docked, no more than one third is to be removed.
Forequarters: Shoulders well laid back. Forelegs straight and well under the dog with elbows close to the sides. Pasterns strong and feet compact with well-cushioned pads. Dewclaws may be removed.
Hindquarters: The hindquarters construction should come down from a good broad pelvis, moderately muscled; stifles well turned and hocks well let down. The hindlegs when viewed from the rear should parallel each other from hock to heel. Faults- Cow or sickle hocks.
Coat: Of moderate length, silky, free from curl. Slight wave permissible. Feathering on ears, chest, legs and tails should be long, and the feathering on the feet is a feature of the breed. No trimming of the dog is permitted. Specimens where the coat has been altered by trimming, clipping, or by artificial means shall be so severely penalized as to be effectively eliminated from competition. Hair growing between the pads on the underside of the feet may be trimmed.
Color: There shall be four allowed colors for the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. Blenheim- Rich chestnut markings well broken up on a clear, pearly white ground. The ears must be chestnut and the color evenly spaced on the head and surrounding both eyes, with a white blaze between the eyes and ears, in the center of which may be the lozenge or “Blenheim spot.” The lozenge is a unique and desirable, though not essential, characteristic of the Blenheim. Tricolor- Jet black
markings well broken up on a clear, pearly white ground. The ears must be black and the color evenly spaced on the head and surrounding both eyes, with a white blaze between the eyes. Rich tan markings over the eyes, on cheeks, inside ears and on the underside of tail. Ruby- Whole- colored rich red. Black and Tan- Jet black with rich, bright tan markings over eyes, on cheeks, inside ears, on chest, legs, and on underside of the tail. Faults- Heavy ticking on Blenheims or Tricolors, white marks on Rubies or Black and Tans. Dogs not of an allowed color shall be
disqualified.
Gait: Free moving and elegant in action, with good reach in front and sound, driving rear action. When viewed from the side, the movement exhibits a good length of stride, and viewed from front and rear it is straight and true, resulting from straight-boned fronts and properly made and muscled hindquarters.
Temperament: Gay, friendly, non-aggressive with no tendency towards nervousness or shyness.

Bad temper, shyness, and meanness are not to be tolerated and are to be severely penalized as to effectively remove the specimen from competition.

Disqualifications:
Dogs not of an allowed color.

Approved January 10, 2023
Effective March 29, 2023

Whelping a Litter

Tue, 10 Sep 2024 15:11:00 -0700

Vicki discusses ways to help prepare you for whelping a litter of puppies.

Why Don't I Win More?

Tue, 27 Aug 2024 14:44:00 -0700

Vicki discusses reasons why a person may experience periods of not winning in the show ring.

Other Sports During a Break with Conformation

Tue, 13 Aug 2024 14:43:00 -0700

Vicki discusses how dabbling in other sports can benefit a show dog during breaks in showing or along with being active in the show ring.

Focusing on YOUR performance in the ring

Tue, 30 Jul 2024 14:40:00 -0700

Vicki talks about ways to improve your performance by adjusting your own body language and behavior in the ring.

Breeding to Show or Showing to Breed Roundtable Discussion

Tue, 16 Jul 2024 09:51:09 -0700

SDPS Founder and Lead Instructor, Vicki Ronchette and several other breeders discuss their thoughts and reasons for breeding.

www.showdogprepschool.com

Conversational not Confrontational

Sun, 03 Mar 2024 10:07:35 -0800

In this episode of the podcast, SDPS Founder and Lead Instructor talks to Rebecca Lanier, LMFT about ways to approach difficult conversations. Learn about proven techniques used in marriage and family therapy to help communicate in a healthier way.

Redefining Winning - A Discussion with Mindset Coach Rebecca Lanier

Sun, 04 Feb 2024 14:49:59 -0800

In this discussion, Show Dog Prep School Founder and Lead Instructor, Vicki Ronchette talks with Mindset Coach, Rebecca Lanier, LMFT about how redefining winning in order to help people cope with performance anxiety and ring stress.

Reading of the AKC Official French Bulldog Standard

Fri, 26 Jan 2024 10:11:19 -0800

Official Standard of the French Bulldog
General Appearance: The French Bulldog has the appearance of an active, intelligent, muscular dog of heavy bone, smooth coat, compactly built, and of medium or small structure. The hallmarks of the breed are the square head with bat ears and the roach back. Expression alert, curious, and interested. Proportion and Symmetry - All points are well distributed and bear good relation one to the other; no feature being in such prominence from either excess or lack of quality that the animal appears poorly proportioned. Influence of Sex - In comparing specimens of different sex, due allowance is to be made in favor of bitches, which do not bear the characteristics of the breed to the same marked degree as do the dogs.
Size, Proportion, Substance: Weight not to exceed 28 pounds; over 28 pounds is a disqualification. Proportion - Distance from withers to ground in good relation to distance from withers to onset of tail, so that animal appears compact, well balanced and in good proportion. Substance - Muscular, heavy bone.
Head: Head large and square. Eyes dark, brown or approaching black in color, wide apart, set low down in the skull, as far from the ears as possible, round in form, of moderate size, neither sunken nor bulging. Lighter brown colored eyes are acceptable, but not desirable. Blue or green eye(s) or any traces of blue or green are a disqualification. No haw and no white of the eye showing when looking forward. Ears - Known as the bat ear, broad at the base, elongated, with round top, set high on the head but not too close together, and carried erect with the orifice to the front. The leather of the ear fine and soft. Other than bat ears is a disqualification. The top of the skull flat between the ears; the forehead is not flat but slightly rounded. The muzzle broad, deep and well laid back; the muscles of the cheeks well developed. The stop well defined, causing a hollow groove between the eyes with heavy wrinkles forming a soft roll over the extremely short nose; nostrils broad with a well-defined line between them. Nose black. Nose other than black is a disqualification, except in the case of creams or fawns without black masks, where a lighter colored nose is acceptable but not desirable. Flews black, thick and broad, hanging over the lower jaw at the sides, meeting the underlip in front and covering the teeth and tongue, which are not seen when the mouth is closed. The underjaw is deep, square, broad, undershot and well turned up. Wry mouths and any bites other than undershot are serious faults.
Neck, Topline, Body: The neck is thick and well arched with loose skin at the throat. The back is a roach back with a slight fall close behind the shoulders, gradually rising to the loin which is higher than the shoulder, and rounding at the croup. The back is strong and short, broader at the shoulders, and tapering to the rear. The body is short and well rounded. The chest is broad, deep, and full; well ribbed with the belly tucked up. The tail is either straight or screwed (but not curly), short, hung low, thick root and fine tip; carried low in repose.
Forequarters: Forelegs are short, stout, straight, muscular and set wide apart. Dewclaws may be removed. Feet are moderate in size, compact and firmly set. Toes compact, well split up, with high knuckles and short stubby nails.
Hindquarters: Hind legs are strong and muscular, longer than the forelegs, so as to elevate the loins above the shoulders. Hocks well let down. Feet are moderate in size, compact and firmly set. Toes compact, well split up, with high knuckles and short stubby nails; hind feet slightly longer than forefeet.
Coat: Coat is brilliant, short and smooth. Skin is soft and loose, especially at the head and shoulders, forming wrinkles. Coats other than short and smooth are a disqualification.
Color: Acceptable colors: white, cream, fawn (ranging from light fawn to a red fawn), or any combinations of the foregoing. Markings and patterns are: brindle, piebald, black masks, black

shadings, and white markings. Ticking is acceptable but not desired. Brindle ranges from sparse but clearly defined black stripes on a fawn background to such heavy concentration of black striping that the essential fawn background color barely shows through (“black brindle”). Only a trace of the background color is necessary; in a brindle piebald, a trace of the brindle patterning in any patch is sufficient. All other colors, markings or patterns are a disqualification. Disqualifying colors and patterns include, but are not limited to, solid black, black and tan, black and white, white with black, blue, blue fawn, liver, and merle. Black means black without a trace of brindle.

Gait: Correct gait is a “four tracking” foot pattern with the front track wider than the rear track. The movement should have reach and drive and is unrestrained, free and vigorous. Temperament: Well behaved, adaptable, and comfortable companions with an affectionate nature and even disposition; generally active, alert, and playful, but not unduly boisterous. Disqualifications:

Over 28 pounds in weight.
Blue or green eye(s) or any traces of blue or green.
Other than bat ears.
Nose other than black, except in the case of cream or fawn colored dogs without black

masks, where a lighter colored nose is acceptable.
Coats other than short and smooth.
All coat colors other than those specifically described (e.g.,Solid black, black and tan,

black and white, white and black, blue, blue fawn, liver, and merle). Black means black without a trace of brindle. All other patterns and markings other than specifically described.

Approved April 10, 2018 Effective June 5, 2018

Breeder of Influence Interview with Karen Oglesby of Ka’Roo Silky Terriers

Sun, 07 Jan 2024 14:41:50 -0800

Show Dog Prep School Founder and Lead Instructor, Vicki Ronchette interviews Silky Terrier breeder Karen Oglesby.

The Reading of the AKC Doberman Pinscher standard.

Wed, 20 Dec 2023 12:37:17 -0800

Official Standard of the Doberman Pinscher
General Appearance: The appearance is that of a dog of medium size, with a body that is
square. Compactly built, muscular and powerful, for great endurance and speed. Elegant in
appearance, of proud carriage, reflecting great nobility and temperament. Energetic, watchful,
determined, alert, fearless, loyal and obedient.
Size, Proportion, Substance: Height at the withers: Dogs 26 to 28 inches, ideal about 27½
inches; Bitches 24 to 26 inches, ideal about 25½ inches. The height, measured vertically from the
ground to the highest point of the withers, equaling the length measured horizontally from the
forechest to the rear projection of the upper thigh. Length of head, neck and legs in proportion to
length and depth of body.
Head: Long and dry, resembling a blunt wedge in both frontal and profile views. When seen
from the front, the head widens gradually toward the base of the ears in a practically unbroken
line. Eyes almond shaped, moderately deep set, with vigorous, energetic expression. Iris, of
uniform color, ranging from medium to darkest brown in black dogs; in reds, blues, and fawns
the color of the iris blends with that of the markings, the darkest shade being preferable in every
case. Ears normally cropped and carried erect. The upper attachment of the ear, when held erect,
is on a level with the top of the skull. Top of skull flat, turning with slight stop to bridge of
muzzle, with muzzle line extending parallel to top line of skull. Cheeks flat and muscular. Nose
solid black on black dogs, dark brown on red ones, dark gray on blue ones, dark tan on fawns.
Lips lying close to jaws. Jaws full and powerful, well filled under the eyes. Teeth strongly
developed and white. Lower incisors upright and touching inside of upper incisors a true scissors
bite. 42 correctly placed teeth, 22 in the lower, 20 in the upper jaw. Distemper teeth shall not be
penalized. Disqualifying Fault - Overshot more than 3/16 of an inch. Undershot more than ⅛ of
an inch. Four or more missing teeth.
Neck, Topline, Body: Neck proudly carried, well muscled and dry. Well arched, with nape of
neck widening gradually toward body. Length of neck proportioned to body and head. Withers
pronounced and forming the highest point of the body. Back short, firm, of sufficient width, and
muscular at the loins, extending in a straight line from withers to the slightly rounded croup.
Chest broad with forechest well defined. Ribs well sprung from the spine, but flattened in lower
end to permit elbow clearance. Brisket reaching deep to the elbow. Belly well tucked up,
extending in a curved line from the brisket. Loins wide and muscled. Hips broad and in
proportion to body, breadth of hips being approximately equal to breadth of body at rib cage and
shoulders. Tail docked at approximately second joint, appears to be a continuation of the spine,
and is carried only slightly above the horizontal when the dog is alert.
Forequarters: Shoulder Blade-sloping forward and downward at a 45-degree angle to the
ground meets the upper arm at an angle of 90 degrees. Length of shoulder blade and upper arm
are equal. Height from elbow to withers approximately equals height from ground to elbow. Legs
seen from front and side, perfectly straight and parallel to each other from elbow to pastern;
muscled and sinewy, with heavy bone. In normal pose and when gaiting, the elbows lie close to
the brisket. Pasterns firm and almost perpendicular to the ground. Dewclaws may be removed.
Feet well arched, compact, and catlike, turning neither in nor out.
Hindquarters: The angulation of the hindquarters balances that of the forequarters. Hip bone
falls away from spinal column at an angle of about 30 degrees, producing a slightly rounded,
well filled-out croup. Upper shanks at right angles to the hip bones, are long, wide, and well
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muscled on both sides of thigh, with clearly defined stifles. Upper and lower shanks are of equal
length. While the dog is at rest, hock to heel is perpendicular to the ground. Viewed from the
rear, the legs are straight, parallel to each other, and wide enough apart to fit in with a properly
built body. Dewclaws, if any, are generally removed. Cat feet as on front legs, turning neither in
nor out.
Coat: Smooth-haired, short, hard, thick and close lying. Invisible gray undercoat on neck
permissible.
Color and Markings: Allowed Colors-Black, red, blue, and fawn (Isabella). Markings-Rust,
sharply defined, appearing above each eye and on muzzle, throat and forechest, on all legs and
feet, and below tail. White patch on chest, not exceeding ½ square inch, permissible.
Disqualifying Fault - Dogs not of an allowed color.
Gait: Free, balanced, and vigorous, with good reach in the forequarters and good driving power
in the hindquarters. When trotting, there is strong rear-action drive. Each rear leg moves in line
with the foreleg on the same side. Rear and front legs are thrown neither in nor out. Back
remains strong and firm. When moving at a fast trot, a properly built dog will single-track.
Temperament: Energetic, watchful, determined, alert, fearless, loyal and obedient. The judge
shall dismiss from the ring any shy or vicious Doberman. Shyness-A dog shall be judged
fundamentally shy if, refusing to stand for examination, it shrinks away from the judge; if it fears
an approach from the rear; if it shies at sudden and unusual noises to a marked degree.
Viciousness-A dog that attacks or attempts to attack either the judge or its handler, is definitely
vicious. An aggressive or belligerent attitude towards other dogs shall not be deemed
viciousness.
Faults: The foregoing description is that of the ideal Doberman Pinscher. Any deviation from
the above described dog must be penalized to the extent of the deviation.
Disqualifications: Overshot more than 3/16 of an inch, undershot more than ⅛ of an inch. Four
or more missing teeth. Dogs not of an allowed color.
Approved February 6, 1982
Reformatted November 6, 1990

Breeder of Influence Interview with Kay Peiser

Sun, 29 Oct 2023 15:57:31 -0700

SDPS Founder and Lead Instructor interviews Kay Peiser of Kaylen's Chinese Cresteds, Standard Poodles and Boxers.

A From Shy to Showy Interview with Kate Obitz

Sun, 08 Oct 2023 10:20:42 -0700

SDPS Founder and Lead Instructor Vicki Ronchette interviews Kate Obitz on her progress and success with Vicki's From Shy to Showy program.

Handing off the Torch to New Breeders with Laura Reeves

Tue, 12 Sep 2023 12:07:03 -0700

SDPS Founder and Lead Instructor Vicki Ronchette discusses handing off the torch to new breeders with Laura Reeves.

What a Mentorship should be and what a Mentorship shouldn’t be

Tue, 05 Sep 2023 11:44:34 -0700

Vicki discusses what a healthy, mutually beneficial mentorship might look like.

Breeder of Influence Interview with Sandra Pretari Hickson of King’s Mtn Dandies

Mon, 21 Aug 2023 12:55:00 -0700

SDPS Founder and Lead Instructor interviews Dandie Dinmont Terrier breeder, Sandra Pretari Hicks of King's Mtn Dandies.

The Reading of the AKC Border Collie Breed Standard

Tue, 15 Aug 2023 16:23:00 -0700

Official Standard of the Border Collie

Preamble: The Border Collie originated in the Border country between Scotland and England where the shepherds' breeding selection was based on biddable stock sense and the ability to work long days on rugged terrain. As a result of this selective breeding, the Border Collie developed the unique working style of gathering and fetching the stock with wide sweeping outruns. The stock is then controlled with an intense gaze known as "eye", coupled with a stalking style of movement. This selective breeding over time developed the Border Collie's intensity, energy and trainability which are features so important that they are equal to physical size and appearance. The Border Collie has extraordinary instinct and an uncanny ability to reason. One of its greatest assets is the ability to work out of sight of its master without commands. Breeding based on this working ability has made this breed the world's premier sheep herding dog, a job the Border Collie is still used for worldwide.

General Appearance: The Border Collie is a well balanced, medium-sized dog of athletic appearance, displaying gracefulness, power and agility in equal measure. Its hard, muscular body conveys the impression of effortless movement and endless endurance. The Border Collie is extremely intelligent, with its keen, alert expression being a very important characteristic of the breed. Those aspects of structure, movement or temperament that enhance the dog's ability to function as a herding dog are virtues that should be strongly rewarded. The Border Collie is, and should remain, a natural and unspoiled true working sheep dog whose conformation is described herein. Honorable scars and broken teeth incurred in the line of duty are acceptable.
Size, Proportion, Substance: The height at the withers varies from 19 to 22 inches for males, 18 to 21 inches for females. When viewed from the side, the body from the point of shoulder to point of buttocks is slightly longer than the height at the withers. The length to height ratio is approximately 10:9. Correct bone must be moderate, strong and oval. Overall balance between height, length, weight and bone is crucial and is more important than any absolute measurement. Dogs must be presented in hard working condition. Excess body weight is not to be mistaken for muscle or substance.
Head: Expression is intelligent, alert, eager, and full of interest. Eyes are set well apart, of moderate size, oval in shape. Any eye color is acceptable, but blue eyes in dogs other than merle are not preferred. Eye rims should be fully pigmented. Ears are of medium size, set well apart, one or both carried erect and/or semi-erect (varying from one-quarter to three-quarters of the ear erect). When semi-erect, the tips may fall forward or outward to the side. Ears are sensitive and mobile. Skull is relatively flat and moderate in width. The skull and muzzle are approximately equal in length. In profile the top of the skull is parallel with the top of the muzzle. Stop moderate, but distinct. The muzzle is strong, tapering slightly to the nose. The sides of the head should taper smoothly into the muzzle. The underjaw is strong and well developed. Nose should be fully pigmented. Nostrils are well developed. A full complement of strong healthy teeth should meet in a scissors bite.
Neck, Topline, Body: Neck is of proportional length to the body, strong and muscular, slightly arched and blending smoothly into the shoulders. Topline - Back is level with a slight muscular rise over the loin, falling to a gently sloping croup. Body is athletic in appearance with a deep, moderately broad chest reaching no further than the point of the elbow. The rib cage is moderately long with well sprung ribs. Loin is moderately deep and short. Underline should have a slight but distinct tuck up. The tail is set on low and is moderately long with the bone reaching

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at least to the hock. The ideal tail carriage is low when the dog is concentrating on a given task and may have a slight upward swirl at the end like a shepherd's crook. In excitement it may be raised, but the base of the tail should not curve forward over the back.
Forequarters: Forelegs should be parallel when viewed from front, pasterns slightly sloping when viewed from side. Because sufficient length of leg is crucial for the type of work the breed is required to do, the distance from the wither to the elbow is slightly less than from the elbow to the ground. The shoulder blades are long and well laid back. Shoulder blades and upper arms are equal in length and meet in a right angle as nearly as possible. The prosternum is easily felt but not pronounced. There is sufficient width between the tops of the shoulder blades to allow for the characteristic crouch when approaching and moving stock. The elbows are neither in nor out. Feet are compact, oval in shape; pads deep and strong, toes moderately arched and close together with strong nails of moderate length. Dewclaws may be removed.

Hindquarters: Broad and muscular, in profile sloping gracefully to the low set tail. The thighs are long, broad, deep and muscular. Stifles are well turned with strong well let down hocks. Proper length of hock is approximately one-quarter to one-third the height of the dog. When standing with the hocks perpendicular to the ground the toes of the rear feet should be in line with the point of buttock. Rear feet should be parallel, but may toe out slightly when freestanding. Feet are compact, oval in shape; pads deep and strong, toes moderately arched and close together with strong nails of moderate length. Dewclaws should be removed.

Coat: Two varieties are permissible, both having close-fitting, dense, weather resistant double coats with the top coat either straight or slightly wavy and coarser in texture than the undercoat which is soft, short and dense. The rough variety coat may vary in length without being excessive. Proper texture is more important than length. Forelegs, haunches, chest and underside are feathered and the coat on face, ears, feet, fronts of legs is short and smooth. The smooth variety is short over entire body, is usually coarser in texture than the rough variety and may have slight feathering on forelegs, haunches, chest and ruff. Neither coat type is preferred over the other. Seasonal shedding is normal and must not be penalized. Excess hair on the feet, hock and pastern areas may be neatened for the show ring. Whiskers are untrimmed. Dogs should be presented naturally, without excessive trimming or sculpting.

Color: The Border Collie appears in all colors or combination of colors and/or markings. All colors are to be judged equally with no one color or pattern preferred over another. White markings may be clear white or ticked to any degree. Random white patches on the body are permissible but should not predominate. The predominant ear color should match the primary body color. Color and markings are always secondary to physical evaluation and gait.

Gait: The Border Collie is an agile dog, able to suddenly change speed and direction while maintaining balance and grace. Endurance is its trademark. The head is carried level with or slightly below the withers. When shown, Border Collies should move on a loose lead and at moderate speed, never raced around the ring with the head held high. When viewed from the side the trot covers the ground effortlessly with minimum lift of feet. The topline is firm with no roll or bounce. Front reach and rear drive are symmetrical, with the front foot meeting the ground directly under the nose and the rear foot pushing back without kicking up. When the rear foot is coming forward, it should reach to the spot just vacated by the front foot. Viewed from the front, action is forward and true without wasted motion. Viewed from the rear, hindquarters drive with thrust and flexibility with hocks turning neither in nor out, moving close together but never

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touching. The legs, both front and rear, tend to converge toward the center line as speed increases. Exaggerated movement is not efficient, and therefore is not useful to the Border Collie.
Temperament: The Border Collie is energetic, intelligent, keen, alert, and responsive. An intense worker of great tractability, it is affectionate towards friends but may be sensibly reserved towards strangers. When approached, the Border Collie should stand its ground. It should be alert and interested, never showing shyness, fear, dullness or resentment.

Faults: Any deviation from the foregoing should be considered a fault, the seriousness of the fault depending upon the extent of the deviation, and the degree to which working ability would be impacted.

Approved: April 21, 2015 Effective: July 1, 2015

The Reading of the AKC Lowchen Standard

Tue, 08 Aug 2023 17:07:00 -0700

Official Standard of the Löwchen
General Appearance: A small, bright, and lively dog that originated as a companion breed in pre-Renaissance Europe where ladies of the court groomed it in the likeness of a little lion. Breed characteristics are a compact, balanced body; a relatively short, broad topskull and muzzle; and a proud, lively gait that accentuates the lion cut with a long flowing mane. These quintessential features, combined with an outgoing and positive attitude, result in a dog of great style.
Size, Proportion, Substance: Size - Ideally, mature dogs and bitches are between 11 to 13 inches at the withers. Height may vary 1 inch above or below this ideal. Only where the comparative superiority of a specimen outside this range clearly justifies it should greater latitude be taken. Absolute height at the withers should not take precedence over correct proportion and substance. Proportion - The body is just off-square when properly balanced. The distance from the prosternum to the point of buttocks is slightly greater than the distance from the withers to the ground in an 11 to 10 ratio. The distance from the ground to the elbow is slightly greater than the distance from the elbow to the withers. The Löwchen should never be low stationed. Substance - The mature Löwchen is sturdily built with strong bone and muscular hindquarters, but never coarse.
Head: The head is a hallmark breed characteristic. The expression is bright, alert, and lively. The eyes are set well into the skull, round in shape, large, set well apart, and forward looking. Eyes are dark brown in color; lighter colored dogs may have lighter brown eyes but darker eyes are preferred. The ears are pendant, moderate in length, well fringed, and set on slightly above the level of the eye. The backskull is broad and relatively flat from ear to ear on an adult. The stop is moderately well defined. The length from nose to base of stop is two-thirds of the length from base of stop to occiput. The muzzle is well filled and relatively broad with moderate depth of underjaw resulting in a slightly rounded finish to the muzzle. The jaw is wide enough to accommodate all incisors in a straight row. Coloration of pigment is in accordance with coat color. Nose and eye rims are completely pigmented. The lips are tight with color the same as the nose. The bite is scissors and the teeth are large and well-spaced, with ideally complete dentition.

Neck, Topline, Body: The neck is of good length with a slight arch, fitting smoothly into the shoulders and topline. The head is carried high when the dog is moving. The topline is level from withers to tailset. The body is slightly off-square when properly balanced. The loin is short and strong. The ribs are well sprung. The brisket is moderate in width and extends approximately to the elbows. The underline has a slight tuck-up at the loin. The tail is set high and carried in a well-arched cup-handle fashion with the plume touching the back when the dog is moving. A dropped tail while standing is not to be penalized.
Forequarters: The shoulders are strong and well laid back with smooth musculature. The upper arm is of equal length to the shoulder blade and the two meet in a near 90 degree angle. The elbows are held close to the body. Forearms are of good length and the distance from the withers to the elbow is slightly less than the distance from the elbow to the ground. From the front the legs are perfectly parallel from the elbows to the feet. The bone is more round than oval and of medium size with only a slight decrease in size at the pasterns. The pasterns are short, parallel from the front, and very slightly bent when viewed from the side. The forefeet point straight ahead and are tight and well arched with deep pads, and the two center toes are slightly in advance of the two outer toes. Dewclaws may be removed. The nails are relatively short.

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Hindquarters: The pelvic bone projects beyond the set of the tail and is at an approximate 30 degree angle from a perfectly horizontal line. The upper and lower thighs are well muscled and of approximately equal length with medium bone. The stifles are well bent. The hocks are well let down and perpendicular to the ground from any angle. The hindfeet point straight ahead, are slightly smaller than the forefeet, and are well arched with deep pads.

Coat: The Löwchen must be shown in the traditional Lion Clip. The unclipped areas of the coat are long, rather dense and moderately soft in texture. The unique Löwchen coat consists of hairs of varying diameters with a more noticeable collection of denser hair around the neck and withers. The coat may fall to either side but must never be artificially parted. It has a slightly to moderately wavy appearance. Wiry, woolly, curly, and flat coat textures are not correct and are to be penalized to the degree of severity. Puppies typically have a softer coat. Lion Clip - the coat is clipped to approximately 1⁄8 inch on the following parts of the body: from the last rib back to and including the hindquarters; the hindquarters to the hock joints; the front legs from the elbows to a point on the legs which is equal to the same distance from the ground to the hock joints leaving cuffs of hair on all four legs; the tail from the base to approximately one-half way to the tip leaving a plume at the end of the tail; and the feet are entirely clipped. The unclipped areas must be natural and untrimmed. Appearance should not be sculpted or scissored. No other trimming or sculpting of the coat is warranted and is to be severely penalized as to preclude placement.

Color: All colors and color combinations are acceptable with no preference given to any.
Gait: Movement at a trot is effortless with good reach in front and full extension in the rear. From the front the forelegs move in almost parallel lines converging slightly as the speed increases. From the rear the legs move in almost parallel lines and in the same line of motion as the forelegs, converging slightly as the speed increases. From the side movement is efficient and ground covering. The forelegs reach well out in front and the rear legs come well under the body and extend behind to maximize propulsion. The body remains nearly square in outline and the topline is held firm and level, with the tail being carried curved over the back and the head held above the level of the back.

Temperament: The Löwchen is alert, intelligent, and affectionate with the overall qualities of a loving companion dog. It has a lively, outgoing, and inquisitive personality.
Faults:
The forgoing description is that of the ideal Löwchen. Any deviation from the above described dog must be penalized to the extent of the deviation.

Disqualifications:
Any cut/trim/pattern other than what is listed in this standard.

Approved October 11, 2021

Effective January 1, 2022

A Reading of the AKC Dachshund Standard

Sun, 30 Jul 2023 17:05:56 -0700

Official Standard of the Dachshund

General Appearance: Low to ground, long in body and short of leg, with robust muscular development; the skin is elastic and pliable without excessive wrinkling. Appearing neither crippled, awkward, nor cramped in his capacity for movement, the Dachshund is well-balanced with bold and confident head carriage and intelligent, alert facial expression. His hunting spirit, good nose, loud tongue and distinctive build make him well-suited for below-ground work and for beating the bush. His keen nose gives him an advantage over most other breeds for trailing. NOTE: Inasmuch as the Dachshund is a hunting dog, scars from honorable wounds shall not be considered a fault.
Size, Proportion, Substance: Bred and shown in two sizes, standard and miniature; miniatures are not a separate classification but compete in a class division for “11 pounds and under at 12 months of age and older." Weight of the standard size is usually between 16 and 32 pounds.

Head: Viewed from above or from the side, the head tapers uniformly to the tip of the nose. The eyes are of medium size, almond-shaped and dark-rimmed, with an energetic, pleasant expression; not piercing; very dark in color. The bridge bones over the eyes are strongly prominent. Wall eyes, except in the case of dappled dogs, are a serious fault. The ears are set near the top of the head, not too far forward, of moderate length, rounded, not narrow, pointed, or folded. Their carriage, when animated, is with the forward edge just touching the cheek so that the ears frame the face. The skull is slightly arched, neither too broad nor too narrow, and slopes gradually with little perceptible stop into the finely-formed, slightly arched muzzle, giving a Roman appearance. Lips are tightly stretched, well covering the lower jaw. Nostrils well open. Jaws opening wide and hinged well back of the eyes, with strongly developed bones and teeth. Teeth - Powerful canine teeth; teeth fit closely together in a scissors bite. An even bite is a minor fault. Any other deviation is a serious fault.
Neck: Long, muscular, clean-cut, without dewlap, slightly arched in the nape, flowing gracefully into the shoulders without creating the impression of a right angle.
Trunk: The trunk is long and fully muscled. When viewed in profile, the back lies in the straightest possible line between the withers and the short, very slightly arched loin. A body that hangs loosely between the shoulders is a serious fault. Abdomen - Slightly drawn up.

Forequarters: For effective underground work, the front must be strong, deep, long and cleanly muscled. Forequarters in detail: Chest - The breast-bone is strongly prominent in front so that on either side a depression or dimple appears. When viewed from the front, the thorax appears oval and extends downward to the mid-point of the forearm. The enclosing structure of the well sprung ribs appears full and oval to allow, by its ample capacity, complete development of heart and lungs. The keel merges gradually into the line of the abdomen and extends well beyond the front legs. Viewed in profile, the lowest point of the breast line is covered by the front leg. Shoulder blades – long, broad, well-laid back and firmly placed upon the fully developed thorax, closely fitted at the withers, furnished with hard yet pliable muscles. Upper Arm - Ideally the same length as the shoulder blade and at right angles to the latter, strong of bone and hard of muscle, lying close to the ribs, with elbows close to the body, yet capable of free movement. Forearm - Short; supplied with hard yet pliable muscles on the front and outside, with tightly stretched tendons on the inside and at the back, slightly curved inwards. The joints between the forearms and the feet (wrists) are closer together than the shoulder joints, so that the front does not appear absolutely straight. The inclined shoulder blades, upper arms and curved forearms

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form parentheses that enclose the ribcage, creating the correct "wraparound front." Knuckling over is a disqualifying fault. Feet - Front paws are full, tight, compact, with well-arched toes and tough, thick pads. They may be equally inclined a trifle outward. There are five toes, four in use, close together with a pronounced arch and strong, short nails. Front dewclaws may be removed.

Hindquarters: Strong and cleanly muscled. The pelvis, the thigh, the second thigh, and the rear pastern are ideally the same length and give the appearance of a series of right angles. From the rear, the thighs are strong and powerful. The legs turn neither in nor out. Rear pasterns - Short and strong, perpendicular to the second thigh bone. When viewed from behind, they are upright and parallel. Feet - Hind Paws - Smaller than the front paws with four compactly closed and arched toes with tough, thick pads. The entire foot points straight ahead and is balanced equally on the ball and not merely on the toes. Rear dewclaws should be removed. Croup - Long, rounded and full, sinking slightly toward the tail. Tail - Set in continuation of the spine, extending without kinks, twists, or pronounced curvature, and not carried too gaily.
Gait: Fluid and smooth. Forelegs reach well forward, without much lift, in unison with the driving action of hind legs. The correct shoulder assembly and well-fitted elbows allow the long, free stride in front. Viewed from the front, the legs do not move in exact parallel planes, but incline slightly inward. Hind legs drive on a line with the forelegs, with hock joints and rear pasterns (metatarsus) turning neither in nor out. The propulsion of the hind leg depends on the dog's ability to carry the hind leg to complete extension. Viewed in profile, the forward reach of the hind leg equals the rear extension. The thrust of correct movement is seen when the rear pads are clearly exposed during rear extension. Rear feet do not reach upward toward the abdomen and there is no appearance of walking on the rear pasterns. Feet must travel parallel to the line of motion with no tendency to swing out, cross over, or interfere with each other. Short, choppy movement, rolling or high-stepping gait, close or overly wide coming or going are incorrect. The Dachshund must have agility, freedom of movement, and endurance to do the work for which he was developed.
Temperament: The Dachshund is clever, lively and courageous to the point of rashness, persevering in above- and below-ground work, with all the senses well-developed. Any display of shyness is a serious fault.
Special Characteristics of the Three Coat Varieties: The Dachshund is bred with three varieties of coat: (1) Smooth; (2) Wirehaired; (3) Longhaired and is shown in two sizes, standard and miniature. All three varieties and both sizes must conform to the characteristics already specified. The following features are applicable for each variety:
Smooth Dachshund: Coat-Short, smooth and shining. Should be neither too long nor too thick. Ears not leathery. Tail -Gradually tapered to a point, well but not too richly haired. Long sleek bristles on the underside are considered a patch of strong-growing hair, not a fault. A brush tail is a fault, as is also a partly or wholly hairless tail. Color of Hair–Although base color is immaterial, certain patterns and basic colors predominate. One-colored Dachshunds include red and cream, with or without a shading of interspersed dark hairs. A small amount of white on the chest is acceptable, but not desirable. Nose and nails-black. Two-colored Dachshunds include black, chocolate, wild boar, gray (blue) and fawn (Isabella), each with deep, rich tan or cream markings over the eyes, on the sides of the jaw and underlip, on the inner edge of the ear, front, breast, sometimes on the throat, inside and behind the front legs, on the paws and around the anus, and from there to about one-third to one-half of the length of the tail on the underside.

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Undue prominence of tan or cream markings is undesirable. A small amount of white on the chest is acceptable but not desirable. Nose and nails–in the case of black dogs, black; for chocolate and all other colors, dark brown, but self-colored is acceptable. Dappled Dachshunds – The dapple (merle) pattern is expressed as lighter-colored areas contrasting with the darker base color, which may be any acceptable color. Neither the light nor the dark color should predominate. Nose and nails are the same as for one- and two-colored Dachshunds. Partial or wholly blue (wall) eyes are as acceptable as dark eyes. A large area of white on the chest of a dapple is permissible. Brindle is a pattern (as opposed to a color) in which black or dark stripes occur over the entire body although in some specimens the pattern may be visible only in the tan points. Piebald is a pattern (as opposed to a color) with clearly defined areas and/or patches of white on any allowed one-colored or two-colored dogs. Two-colored piebald patterned dogs may show tan markings on the face and around the anus. There are no patches of lighter shadings within the colored areas as in the dapple pattern. Ticking in the white areas is acceptable. Eye color, eye rims, nose and lips are well pigmented and in accordance with the base color; eyes are never partially or wholly blue as distinguished from the dapple pattern. Eyes partially or wholly blue is a disqualification. Head must not be more than 50 percent white and color(s) other than white must cover both ears, back and front, and extend without interruption from the ears over both eyes. A head of more than 50 percent white or white on any portion of either ear, back or front, or around the eyes is a disqualification. Pure white dogs with no body spots except on the head are to be disqualified. Nails may be partially or wholly white. Sable – the sable pattern consists of a uniform dark overlay on red dogs. The overlay hairs are double-pigmented, with the tip of each hair much darker than the base color. The pattern usually displays a widow’s peak on the head. Nose, nails and eye rims are black. Eyes are dark, the darker the better.

Colors or patterns other than those specified above are a disqualification.
Wirehaired Dachshund: Coat - With the exception of jaw, eyebrows, and ears, the whole body is covered with a uniform tight, short, thick, rough, hard outer coat but with finer, somewhat softer, shorter hairs (undercoat) everywhere distributed between the coarser hairs. The absence of an undercoat is a fault. The distinctive facial furnishings include a beard and eyebrows. On the ears the hair is shorter than on the body, almost smooth. The general arrangement of the hair is such that the wirehaired Dachshund, when viewed from a distance, resembles the smooth. Any sort of soft hair in the outercoat, wherever found on the body, especially on the top of the head, is a fault. The same is true of long, curly, or wavy hair, or hair that sticks out irregularly in all directions. Tail - Robust, thickly haired, gradually tapering to a point. A flag tail is a fault. Color of Hair - While the most common colors are wild boar, black and tan, and various shades of red, all colors and patterns listed above are admissible. Wild boar (agouti) appears as banding of the individual hairs and imparts an overall grizzled effect which is most often seen on wirehaired Dachshunds, but may also appear on other coats. Tan points may or may not be evident. Variations include red boar and chocolate-and-tan boar. Nose, nails and eye rims are black on wild-boar and red-boar Dachshunds. On chocolate-and tanboar Dachshunds, nose, nails, eye rims and eyes are self-colored, the darker the better. A small amount of white on the chest, although acceptable, is not desirable. Nose and nails same as for the smooth variety.
Longhaired Dachshund: Coat - The sleek, glistening, often slightly wavy hair is longer under the neck and on forechest, the underside of the body, the ears and behind the legs. The coat gives the dog an elegant appearance. Short hair on the ear is not desirable. Too profuse a coat which

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masks type, equally long hair over the whole body, a curly coat, or a pronounced parting on the back are faults. Tail - Carried gracefully in prolongation of the spine; the hair attains its greatest length here and forms a veritable flag. Color of Hair - Same as for the smooth Dachshund. Nose and nails - same as for the smooth.

The foregoing description is that of the ideal Dachshund. Any deviation from the above described dog must be penalized to the extent of the deviation keeping in mind the importance of the contribution of the various features toward the basic original purpose of the breed.

Disqualifications:
Knuckling over of front legs.
In the piebald pattern:
• eyes partially or wholly blue, or
• a head of more than 50 percent white, or

• white covering any portion of the ears, back and front, or around the eyes, or • pure white with no body spots except on the head.
Colors or patterns other than those specified above.

Approved November 14, 2017

Effective January 1, 2018

Corrected December 29, 2017

A Discussion on Showing AKC FSS Foundation Stock Service Breeds with Michele Gori

Wed, 19 Jul 2023 08:57:28 -0700

SDPS Founder Vicki Ronchette talks about all the ins and outs of showing an AKC FSS breed with Shikoku breeder Michele Gori.

Breeder of Influence Interview with Dan Harrison - Boondox Dachshunds

Tue, 21 Mar 2023 10:47:59 -0700

Vicki interviews Dachshund breeder Dan Harrison of Boondox Dachshunds.

Dachshund Rook’s From Shy to Showy Journey Part Two

Fri, 17 Mar 2023 15:51:00 -0700

This is the audio from Vicki's free webinar on taking her Dachshund Rook From Shy to Showy Part Two.

Training Your Dog or Puppy for Conformation

Fri, 03 Mar 2023 15:50:00 -0800

Vicki Ronchette discusses the behaviors necessary for the show ring and gives an overview of how they are taught.

Breeder of Influence Interview with Rèmy Smith Lewis of Rèmis Portuguese Water Dogs

Tue, 21 Feb 2023 09:58:04 -0800

Vicki interviews Portuguese Water Dog breeder, Rèmy Smith Lewis of Rèmis Portuguese Water Dogs.

Breeder of Influence Interview with Trina Taylor of Noble Standard Manchester Terriers

Fri, 17 Feb 2023 15:24:00 -0800

Vicki Ronchette interviews Standard Manchester Terrier breeder and professional handler, Trina Taylor.

Dog Show Basics - AKC Show Procedure

Fri, 03 Feb 2023 15:16:11 -0800

Vicki Ronchette discusses how dog shows work and what a day at the dog show looks like.

A Mentorship should NOT be a Dictatorship.

Sun, 22 Jan 2023 10:46:23 -0800

Vicki Ronchette discusses how to be aware when choosing a breeder, entering in a co ownership and getting your first show dog.

Getting Puppy Buyers to Good Breeders with Remy Smith-Lewis

Sat, 12 Nov 2022 12:54:11 -0800

SDPS Founder and Lead Instructor Vicki Ronchette talks to Portuguese Water Dog breeder Remy Smith-Lewis on how quality breeders can be more assessable to the good homes looking for them.

Creating a ”home” at the Dog Show to Benefit You and Your Dog

Tue, 08 Nov 2022 12:46:38 -0800

Host Vicki Ronchette shares ideas on how to create a calm, comfortable and safe space at dog shows.

The Art of Placing Puppies

Tue, 09 Aug 2022 11:57:51 -0700

Show Dog Prep School Founder and Lead Instructor Vicki Ronchette discusses placing our puppies.

Reactivity in Dogs Q & A with Vicki Ronchette

Fri, 06 May 2022 10:08:59 -0700

Vicki invites viewers to ask questions about reactivity.

www.showdogprepschool.com

Breeder of Influence Interview with Jennifer and Betty Jo of Dun Roman Great Danes

Wed, 27 Apr 2022 14:07:56 -0700

Show Dog Prep School Founder and Lead Instructor Vicki Ronchette interviews longtime Great Dane breeder Jennifer Constantinidis and her daughter professional handler Betty Jo Pyle.

Interview with Junior Handler Ava Hata

Wed, 06 Apr 2022 13:55:37 -0700

Vicki interviews Junior Handler Ava Hata.

Weight Pull Discussion

Mon, 28 Mar 2022 09:31:33 -0700

Vicki interviews Bex Munson and Lisa Marino, both weight pull enthusiasts and competitors.

Dachshund Rook’s From Shy to Showy Journey

Fri, 28 Jan 2022 18:26:22 -0800

This was done as a Facebook live presentation. Vicki discusses teaching her fearful show dog how to feel comfortable in the show ring. Full video available on Facebook page and on YouTube.

Reactivity Roundtable Discussion

Sat, 25 Dec 2021 10:19:39 -0800

Vicki talks to professional trainers/behavior consultants Andrea Stone, Chelsea Murray, Paula Nowak and Hannah Pemberton about dealing with reactive dogs.

AKC Co-Ownerships

Sun, 05 Dec 2021 12:24:14 -0800

Vicki discusses co-ownerships mean, why they exist and what to consider before entering into one.

Professional Dog Trainer/Behavior Consultant Roundtable Discussion

Sat, 23 Oct 2021 08:52:44 -0700

Vicki talks with four other professional dog trainer/behavior consultants: Andrea Stone, Allie Lowry and Cherie Ekholm.

Trigger Stacking - Dogs and People

Wed, 13 Oct 2021 13:21:09 -0700

Trigger stacking is a common issue in dealing with fearful, reactive or over aroused dogs. Guess what? It affects people too.

Your Mental Mindset for the Show Ring

Tue, 05 Oct 2021 09:58:30 -0700

Vicki discusses your mental preparation and mindset for the show ring.

Learn about Lure Coursing

Tue, 05 Oct 2021 09:38:14 -0700

Vicki talks to sighthound breeders and lure coursing enthusiasts Andrea Stone and Theresa Harper.

Breeder of Influence Interview with Alexia Rodriguez of Potrero Cane Corsos

Sat, 04 Sep 2021 08:06:55 -0700

Vicki interviews Alexia Rodriguez of Potrero Cane Corso for our Breeder of Influence interview series.

Breeder of Influence Interview with Jacqueline Siotto of Sidels Miniature Pinschers

Sat, 28 Aug 2021 09:12:44 -0700

Vicki interviews Jacqueline Siotto of Sidels Miniature Pinschers.

Choosing the Right Show Dog for You

Wed, 18 Aug 2021 14:24:55 -0700

Vicki discusses choosing the right show dog for you and the things that you should consider to ensure that you end up with the right dog for you.

Breeder of Influence Interview with Laura Reeves Scotia German Wirehaired Pointers

Tue, 17 Aug 2021 09:32:40 -0700

Vicki interviews podcaster, second generation breeder and professional handler Laura Reeves of Scotia German Wirehaired Pointers.

Interview with Lara Joseph of the Animal Behavior Center

Tue, 17 Aug 2021 09:14:53 -0700

Vicki interviews professional multi species animal trainer and speaker/lecturer Lara Joseph of the Animal Behavior Center in Ohio.

Shy Show Dog Roundtable

Wed, 11 Aug 2021 19:15:17 -0700

Join Vicki for a roundtable discussion on shy show dogs with SDPS instructor and professional trainer Andrea Stone and shy show dog graduates Theresa Harper and Angie Stevenson.

Breeder of Influence Interview with Maggie Peat and Tom Sikora of Pramada Koradox Kennel

Wed, 11 Aug 2021 18:58:43 -0700

Vicki interviews second generation longhair dachshund breeder Maggie Peat and her husband Tom Sikora of Pramada Koradox Standard Longhair Dachshunds.

Breeder of Influence Interview with Linda and Jamie of Limerick Irish Wolfhounds

Tue, 03 Aug 2021 13:23:28 -0700

Vicki talks to Linda Souza and Jamie Bartlett, longtime multi generation Irish Wolfhound kennel, Limerick Irish Wolfhounds. Along with Linda's late mother in law and Jamie's children, Limerick IW is a family affair.

Breeder of Influence Interview with Patti Palmer of Rivercity Basset Hounds

Sat, 31 Jul 2021 14:05:35 -0700

Vicki talks to breeder/owner/handler Patti Palmer of Rivercity Basset Hounds.

WELCOME TO THE CONFORMATION CONVERSATION

Fri, 30 Jul 2021 15:49:29 -0700

In this episode Vicki shares her background and journey in the sport of conformation and explains what this podcast will be about.

Breeder of Influence Interview with Suzanne Clothier of Hawks Hunt GSD

Fri, 30 Jul 2021 14:23:57 -0700

In this episode Vicki interviews renowned dog trainer, international lecturer, author and breeder of Hawks Hunt German Shepherds, Suzanne Clothier.

Owner Handler Roundtable Discussion

Fri, 30 Jul 2021 11:20:03 -0700

In this episode, Vicki hosts a roundtable discussion with four owner handlers of varying experience levels. Guests include Patti Palmer, Jacqueline Siotto, Chelsea Murray and Hannah Pemberton.

Breeder of Influence - Bill Shelton, Coventry Pembroke Welsh Corgis

Thu, 29 Jul 2021 20:37:01 -0700

Vicki talks with Bill Shelton, breeder/owner/handler of Coventry Pembroke Welsh Corgis. Bill is also an akc judge, former professional handler and breeder spokesperson.