Boxer Bytes

By Stephanie Abraham

What Is So Rare As A....Xoloitzquintle?

On Sept. 26 and 27, my husband David and I participated in one of dogdom's most exotic events--an American Rare Breed Association dog show--specifically the Nutmeg Classic in Haddam, CT. We each judged approximately 120 dogs from all over the nation, many so rare that only a handful may exist. A high percentage were imports from their specific country of origin. Aside from knowing little or nothing about them, we had a wonderful time!

If I were truly crazy (which I insist I am not!) I would immediately go out and buy an Azawakh. For those of you for whom this is not a household word, an Azawakh is a supremely exotic and beautiful African sighthound. Rather like a short haired Saluki. Their movement is so glorious and free and effortless as to defy description--suffice to say it was one of those seminal "dog experiences" that I will never forget. Unfortunately, this elegant creature, used to hunt, to guard cattle and the nomadic households of its owners, is at the same time both timid and fierce with strangers--a difficult combination. I did escape with my limbs intact--but barely-- when a 6-9 puppy took exception to being touched. Nonetheless, if you ever have a chance to see one, don't miss the opportunity. Just keep your distance!

We judged Shiloh Shepherds (like bigger boned German Shepherds), North American Shepherds (like smaller Australian Shepherds), and Anatolean Shepherds (tall, lean, and wonderful movers--used as guards for sheep and other herd animals in Turkey). We met the Louisiana Catahoula Leopard Dog--with eyes like glass marbles and in any color or combination thereof; the Swedish Vallhund--like a heavier and lower-to-the-ground Corgi; the Xoloitzquintle, or Mexican Hairless, with non-skid skin that felt like a lizard’s; the Coton De Tulear from Italy, not unlike a Bichon/Maltese combination; the Irish Red and White Setter--an unadulterated free moving setter born and bred to hunt; the Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever--used to lure ducks to the shore when they become curious about the dog's playful antics by the water's edge (when they approach, the hidden hunter makes short work of them--it seemed to us to be a pretty sneaky tactic); the Czech Cesky Terrier--a cross between a Scottie and a Sealyham; and some fascinating Working Dogs. There was the happy American Bulldog, taller on leg than his English counterpart (did you see "The Incredible Journey"?); the French Dogue de Bordeaux ("Turner and Hooch")--a heavy Mastiff type who appeared to have a buoyant and happy outlook on life; the Tosa from Japan, like a Ridgeback without a ridge; the Leonberger (with or without cheese), created in Germany and sporting a lion's mane to enhance his 30" height; and the highlight of our judging, the Fila Brasileiro, a cross between a Mastiff and a Bloodhound, and so protective that the judges were instructed NEVER to touch the dog. It was somewhat disconcerting to be required to stand apart while looking at the animal, supposedly checking that he had a proper scissors bite (yeah--right!), and watching the handlers haul up and display the generous scrotal contents so that we could pronounce the dog "entire." Different strokes, as they say...

Just to clarify, there were 5 judges. Two complete shows (7 Groups) were held each day. None of the judges was at all breed-knowledgeable, but this was an "open book" performance, with the standards sent to us ahead of time and expected to be freely consulted during the judging.

Evidently, the rare breeds are SO rare that this is the accepted method of adjudication, and the exhibitors seemed an affable and tolerant lot. They freely congratulated each other on any and all placements, clapped and cheered for their favorites, and generally spent the 2 days much like we would--RVs and vans predominated, and there was much socializing done during the evening hours. BIS was won twice by the same Cesky Terrier--David's choice on Day #1; I put up the Irish Red and White Setter; and the final BIS was won by the German Pinscher, sort of an abbreviated Doberman who showed like a "pro."