ANDREW BRACE talks to ZENA THORN ANDREWS for HUNDSPORT

Briefly summarise your career in dogs as a breeder and exhibitor

 Started showing in 1967 with an Irish Wolfhound, who became Ch Edgecroft Simon, owned or bred 20 Irish Wolfhound Champions, the 2^nd top winning kennel ever, to Mrs Nagles Sulhamstead kennel. The breed record holder Ch Drakesleat Kyak , was bred here, as was the former bitch record holder Ch Drakesleat Roisin. Started in Miniature Wirehaired Dachshunds in 1970, and bred a Champion in the first litter, Champion Drakesleat Hussy, since then there have been91 Champions in this breed, top Dachshund kennel for all varieties, including the Dog CC record holder Ch Drakesleat Klunk Klick of Andyc, and the Breed record holder Ch Drakesleat Ai Jinks. Have bred the Top Hound all breeds three times, with Min Wire Ch Klunk Klick, Wolfhounds Ch Kyak and Ch Odyt, who went on to several BIS all breeds and reserve BIS Crufts 93. Still own and campaign M/W dachshunds, last year achieving, Top Breeder, Top Dog, Top Bitch, Top Stud Dog, Top brood Bitch and Top Puppy.  

 When did you begin judging and how has your career progressed?

 Started judging in 1973, Dachshunds and Basset Hounds. Now 33 years later, award CCs in 150 breeds, all groups and Best in Show. FCI all rounder, passed for all groups and BIS. Have judged all over the world.

 In the absence of formal judges’ training at the time, how did you acquire the necessary knowledge and experience to tackle the breeds you judge?

 Read every book I could get my hands on, attended many breed seminars, and stewarded for a number of the top judges, Joe Braddon, Cathy Sutton, Percy Whitaker, and Bill Siggers, to name but a few of our top judges.

 Can you remember your first visit to Scandinavia, and Sweden in particular?

 I judged the Irish Wolfhound Club of Sweden’s Championship show in May, 1980. I’m certain that this must have been my first trip to Scandinavia.

 When you first began judging in Scandinavia, how easy did you find the system, particularly the quality grading and critique writing?

 Absolutely no problem, I like the grading system and critique writing has never been a problem to me, I do have to be reminded at every show abroad, what the rules are in that particular country, as they do differ slightly from country to country.

 What do you think are the major differences between judging in the UK and Scandinavia?

 The number of top dogs in each breed are approximately the same, we have more middling ones maybe, as our numbers are so huge, and perhaps Scandinavia has more of a lesser quality at the bottom end. Sometimes I do tend to judge to a slightly lower standard, to encourage the exhibitors to keep coming, but I am quite strict about handing out CC (or CK) quality. I don’t think one can be too lenient, where Champions or potential Champions are concerned. I very often give a second grade to Champions if I really think they are untypical. I don’t think we should accept poor quality Champions anywhere in the world.

 Are there any aspects of the Scandinavian systems that you think could be practically adopted in the UK?

 I would love to see grading , or at the very least, the chance to give out a Prize of Honour, or CC quality, where it was deserved. Take for example, our huge breed entries, wouldn’t it be lovely to award CC quality to dogs down the line in a class of 50 odd, and withhold it in a small entry where undeserved. It seems so unfair that say Ibizan Hounds with an entry of 20 or under, can virtually all get a first prize, two CCs, and two Reserve CCs. Then poor Golden Retrievers, labs or Cavaliers, have to share out exactly the same awards between 500 + exhibits. 

 How do you find the overall quality of dogs in Scandinavia?

 Patchy, some good breeds, some spectacular and some poor, much the same as we have here in the UK.

 Are there any breeds that you think are particularly strong?

 Several. Parson Russell Terriers, Bichon Frise, Afghans, Chinese Crested, Dobermanns, Scottish Terriers, Wires and Smooths etc. The list is pretty long.

 Do you have special recollections of any particular Scandinavian dogs?

 I remember seeing in Finland some wonderful Dobermanns. Russian bred, of old German lines, that were absolutely stunning, I also remember giving Best puppy in show at the Helsinki international to Woody Woodpecker at 9 mths old , the little Australian terrier. His first big win. I also admire the Stablemaster Giant Schnauzer kennel, and the 91 Kerry’s from all over Europe at the Amsterdam World show were just great to get my hands on.

 Why do you think Scandinavians have been so successful in developing all-rounder judges?

 They do seem very dedicated and are prepared to spend a lot of time learning. Whenever I have been allotted a learner judge, it was clear that they not only knew the standard backwards , but had taken the trouble to prepare for that days judging, and were keen to pick up as many tips as they could.

 Are there are aspects of the Scandinavian shows that you dislike?

 Yes, it is much too cold in the winter!

 Do you find that there is good communication between breeders in the UK and Scandinavia, and do breeders mutually benefit from the new ease of travel?

 Yes, especially, as it is not just one way now. I remember judging Pharaohs at Crufts in 2002, with the whole of the British ringside riveted to see the dogs over from Sweden, they applauded both the CC and Reserve CC, going to Swedish dogs of superb quality. Breeders told me afterwards that plans were afoot to use my BOB at stud, so this sort of exchange is mutually beneficial. 

What is your happiest memory of a Scandinavian dog show?

 Just before judging in Orland, an Island off Sweden, we had a few miserable days dumped in a closed holiday park, in the rain, no transport, no food, no hot water, and rain every day. My happiest memory, was when we were rescued, taken to a hotel the night before the show, given a warm place to sleep and a decent meal.. It rained all through the show too..