Headlions - Löwchen Club of America

Volume 45
Headlions
1
Issue 3/September 2012
September 2012
2
September 2012
Editor: Kat Roll
Dee Gardinier
Billing Collection
Associate Editor: Rhonda Croxton
Donna Jones
Graphics
[email protected]
Shari McNeill
Graphics
Rhonda Croxton
Distribution
Membership Information
Types of Memberships and Membership Application forms are available on the LCA website
www.thelowchenclubofamerica.org
A subscription to Headlions for a non-club member is $20.00 per year.
Your thoughts and comments are welcome and encouraged as well as articles, photos and ads for the newsletter.
Please send your submissions via email to: [email protected]
The editors reserve the right to edit or return submissions.
Headlions is published quarterly
Ad Deadline
Publication Date
February 2012
Westminster Issue
March 2012
Advertising Rates:
All payments are to be sent to Dee Gardinier, Treasurer, made payable
to Löwchen Club of America.
Note all pictures are now in color.
May 2012
AKC Eukanuba 2011 Issue
Outside front cover
June 2012
$100.00
Inside full page
$70.00
Inside half page
$50.00
Above based rates based on submission of 1 photo
August 2012
November 2012
LCA National Specialty Issue
September 2012
December 2012
Covers are reserved for the Westminster, AKC/Eukanuba and
National Specialty winners – if not taken by winners they are
available.
Each additional photo
$10.00
Business Cards – 4 Issue
$30.00
Brags, Rainbow Bridge and Litter Announcements
Free to members $25.00 to non-members
All ads submitted as part of “Insights” series are discounted 50%.
There is also a 50% discount for ads submitted by our Junior
Members.
As we are digital we can be more flexible with deadlines and will
do what we can to accommodate your requests.
Assistance is available for developing your ad thanks to the talent of Donna Jones [email protected] or
Shari McNeill, [email protected] Note all pictures must be submitted as jpg’s and not embedded in your
message.
The Löwchen Club of America is not responsible for nor does it necessarily agree with opinions expressed in Headlions, either in
articles or in advertisements. Headlions is not responsible for the accuracy of received material; those submitting material to the
publication are asked to please proofread copy for correctness before sending. No part of this magazine may be reproduced in any
medium without the written permission of the current editor.
3
September 2012
COMMITTEE CHAIRS
Submitted by Don Roback
Committee
Awards
Chair
Gillian Robertson
Phone
519-859-3724
Email address
[email protected]
Board Liaison
Dayle Lewis
Breeder
Referral
Headlions
Health
Historian
Judges
Education
Judges
Selection
Membership
Legislative
Life Cycles
Vicki All
574-583-8157
[email protected]
Don Roback
Kat Roll
Wendy Russell
Dana Read
Susa Williams
610-733-6077
253-904-8422
352-589-1078
660-827-4210
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
Barbara Cecil
Barbara Cecil
Elaine Saxon
309-234-0292
[email protected]
Dayle Lewis
919-610-5044
843-814-0726
[email protected]
[email protected]
919-610-5044
[email protected]
713-464-7369
352-589-1078
[email protected]
[email protected]
Donna Jones
847-526-1071
248-627-3890
[email protected]
[email protected]
Cheryl Hatchell
Donna Jones
919-610-5044
[email protected]
Don Roback
Cheryl Hatchell
To Be
Determined
Nat’l Specialty Don Roback
2012
Performance Barbara Cecil
Policy
Dana Read
Committee
Rescue
Suzanne Solin
Ways & Mean Mary Billman
Committee
Website
Don Roback
Donna Jones
For questions, or concerns, please contact the chairperson to the committee, or contact the Director in
your area.
4
September 2012
2012 OFFICERS AND
DIRECTORS
President
Dayle Lewis
3612 Neale Rd.
Caledonia, NY, 14423
(585) 538-9391 (Home)
[email protected]
Vice President
Donna Jones
1219 W. Macedonia Ch. Rd.
Oxford, GA 30054
(770) 784-9840 (Home)
(678) 231-7015 (Mobile)
www.musicboxbichons.com
Recording Secretary
Barbara Cecil
1726 Parana Dr.,
Houston, TX 77080-7716
(713) 464-7369
[email protected]
Corresponding Secretary
Don Roback
4101 Macon Pond Road
Raleigh, NC 27607
(919) 610-5044 (Home)
[email protected]
Treasurer
P. D. (Dee) Gardinier
7663 Roberts St.,
Canastota, NY 13032
(315) 697-3124 (Home)
[email protected]
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Eastern Director
John C. Taylor
4775 Lee Jackson Hwy
Business Section:
Greenville, VA 24440
1.
(540) 377-2750
2.
[email protected]
Page 6
Board Minutes
Page 11
Treasurer’s Reports
Conformation Show News & Updates
Central Director
Denise Schiele
LCC Canadian Specialty Show Reports
Page 13
LCA Nationals Update
Page 20
Results & Judges’ Critiques
1259 Grace Ct
Downers Grove, IL 60516
(630) 915-4049
2013 LCA National Specialty News
(Home)
Eukanuba 2012 News
[email protected]
Health Section:
Gary Nordahl
Submitted by Kat Roll
Watkins, CO 80137
(303) 261-4069
Page 27
Page 31
Flea Problems with Frontline?
2981 Hanover Ct.
Page 26
Page 29
Westminster 2013 News
Mountain Director
Page 15
Sports Section:
[email protected]
Training a Löwchen: Challenges & Triumphs
-
Agility…An Amusing Difference
Page 33
Earlemarie Dingel
-
Löwchen Will Learn, Excel & Impress
Page 37
Escalon, CA 95320
-
Training the Class Clown
Page 44
Pacific Director
P.O. Box 85
(209) 847-6616
[email protected]
m
Debbie King
14801 SW 56
th
Submitted by: Mari Hiltz
Submitted by: Kat Roll
Rescue News
-
Director-at-Large
Submitted by: Leslie Dawson-North
The Rescue of Reddi, Li’l Bear, and
Their Twelve Cousins
Page 49
Submitted by: Barbara Cecil
St.
Mustang, Ok 73064
(405) 376-0715
New Titles Section:
Page 53
Membership News
Page 57
Tails End –
Page 58
Submitted by: Gillian Robertson
[email protected]
Director-at-Large
Submitted by: Don Roback
Dana Read
Eustis, FL
[email protected]
Submitted by: Kat Roll
5
September 2012
LCA ON-LINE BOARD MEETINGS
Submitted by: Barbara Cecil, Recording Secretary
JULY 2012
The July 2, 2012, Board Meeting of the Löwchen Club of America was called to order by the
President, Dayle Lewis.
Present: Dayle Lewis, Barbara Cecil, Don Roback, Dee Gardinier, John Taylor, Denise Schiele,
Gary Nordahl, Earlemarie Dingel, Donna Jones, and Dana Read.
The June 2012 Treasurer’s Report and the June 2012 Minutes were accepted by a majority vote of
the Board.
Corresponding Secretary’s Report: Time to vote on funding AKC parent club medallions for
performance and conformation at Eukanuba. Also from AKC - will we have Meet the Breeds at
Eukanuba? Cathy is no longer a member but Denise reported that Vicki will continue to do Meet
the Breeds. Vicki will get the booth decorations from Cathy and will let Denise know what she has.
Dana said she still had a few items from when she did the booth; she will dig them out and make
an itemized list.
We received a note from Tufts University researchers looking for breeders to take a survey; I'll
forward it to everybody who wants it. I received a note from operators of a new website (called a
pet portal - not sure the difference) looking for Löwchen pictures. They are trying to represent all
AKC breeds. They want photos of dogs (not people and dogs) running/jumping/playing. Dayle
responded that Rhonda might be able to help with pictures of Löwchen in action as she receives
pictures for the calendar.
John Taylor has agreed to help a woman in Sydney, Australia, who is bringing a Löwchen to
Westminster in 2013 and looking for nearby shows around the same time.
Don, National Specialty news: Application with AKC almost approved! It turns out we cannot offer
Amateur breeder/handler series since the cluster isn't offering it. We've confirmed obedience, rally
and agility will be 4 days at Concord (Thurs-Sun). Laura Boyce is finalizing the trophy list. We're
currently about $200 short, but will ask to membership for donations in the next mailer to cover
that. We have until July 11 to get the trophy list to MBF. All the committees now have heads. Vicki
All has started working on clothing, Marsha Moore and Sue Ingle will be decorating, and Karen
Douglas and Lisa Brown will be doing hospitality. I'll be applying for the liquor permit this week too.
I'm finalizing the Nationals judging details with the kennel club of record on Saturday. We still need
to figure out how much we owe for Nancy Hafner. We will be getting group crating and I have
given the cluster our preferences for ring times (Fri and Sat about 1-2 and Sunday about 10-11).
No guarantees, but they will try. One point for discussion: since we will be in the breed ring fairly
early Saturday, should we move the banquet back to 6 or 6:30? I'm concerned that with happy
hour, dinner, awards, judge review, auction, etc, we'll be there all night. Thoughts? Dayle stated
she would like the banquet to start at 6:00. No further discussion.
6
September 2012
Dayle reported as chairman of the National Specialty Guidelines Committee: I am pleased to
report that Dana, Donna, and I have finally begun to slowly go through the available rough draft of
the existing guidelines. With so many summer activities, it will be a slow go. We have made a
couple of revisions on the first page with regard to "Types of Specialties."
Löwchen Club of America
National Specialty
Policy and Guidelines
Mission Statement:
Article I
Name and Objectives
(g) to conduct matches and specialty conformation and companion events under the rules
and regulations of the American Kennel Club;
As stated in the Constitution of the Löwchen Club of America, it is the objective of the club to
sponsor specialty events to promote the breed. All events will adhere to the rules and regulations
set forth in these guidelines as well as the rules and regulations of the American Kennel Club.
LCA Specialties will promote the betterment of the breed through competition as well as promoting
good sportsmanship within the Sport.
Policies and Guidelines:
Type of Specialties:
1. Independent Specialty. This type of event is held as a stand alone specialty, i.e. not in
concurrence with any other show, and is entirely under the sole direction of the LCA. The
selection of judges will be made by LCA membership vote according to LCA’s Judges
Selection Committee (JSC) policies and procedures. Because of the expense involved in an
Independent Specialty, this type of specialty will be held not more than once every 5 years,
or as so directed by the Board.
2. Designated Specialty. This type of event is held in conjunction with an all-breed or limited
breed event. LCA members will be given the opportunity to vote upon available judges from
the all-breed/limited breed panels plus any judges that JSC feels would be affordable and in
good interest of the Club.
Additionally, many clubs hold specialties the day before or the day after an all-breed cluster. These
are termed Limited Breed Events and are, in essence, Designated Specialties. In this case, LCA
would hire their own judge prior to the other clubs in the cluster with the request that the clubs use,
if possible, the same judge on their panel. In this fashion, LCA maintains control while having the
possibility of cutting costs for the venue and judges.
If there are no objections from the Board, the NSG committee will continue on and report each
month on progress and recommend approval. When the entire revision has been completed and
approved by the Board, we will vote to accept these guidelines.
Election committee: Wendy sent out an email to all Board members asking if they wished to
continue for another 2 year term and to please respond to her by July 14.
Judges’ Education: Donna reported that Susa, head of Judges Education, is getting mock ups
done of the tri-folds. They are not finished as of yet. We already have the DVD/PowerPoint.
7
September 2012
A reminder of the following motion is being posted in these minutes: In lieu of flowers, a $25
donation to charity will be made upon the death of an LCA member or their spouse. If a specific
charity has not been chosen by the family of the deceased, then the donation will be to the Canine
Health Foundation. If it is appropriate to send a card, that will be the responsibility of the Board
Director in the area where the recipient lives.
Dayle, Donna, and Don, President, VP, and Corresponding Secretary, will be the 3 “key club
members” whose names and email addresses will be given as contacts to Westminster Kennel
Club and David Frei.
CHIC: Report from Donna: OFA and CHIC recommend CERF at one year for CHIC and a repeat
every 2 years thereafter. Patellas to be done at age one and hips at age two. Patellas can be
recertified every year at no cost to the breeder/owner. We need to provide to CHIC a picture of a
Löwchen to be included on their website along with a letter from our President, stating that joining
in with CHIC is our intention and that these are the tests and the time frames went want for our
CHIC qualifications. Once the letter has been written by Dayle, then it is in Wendy Russell’s court
to deal with CHIC as far as paperwork, etc.
The motion that LCA offer the AKC medallions to the Löwchen participating at the AKC Invitational
in conformation, agility and obedience December 2012 passed with a majority vote of the Board.
According to AKC, "Medallions will be offered for the Best of Breed, Best of Opposite Sex, Best
Bred-by-Exhibitor, Select Dog and Select Bitch in each breed. Parent Club medallions will only be
offered if your parent club chooses to sponsor them. The medallions will again be priced at $25.00
per medallion. A set of five commemorative 3" medallions is $125." The $45 for obedience is for
highest scoring Löwchen in obedience and the $45 for agility is for the highest scoring Löwchen in
agility.
A form letter, composed by Dana, to charitable organizations to accompany donations from the
club is in message #9825 in the Messages file of the [email protected].
By a majority vote of the Board, Stella, owned by Gillian, will be our cover girl for the Löwchen
Westminster web page and J, owned by Don Roback, will be the cover boy for the CHIC Löwchen
web page.
Meeting adjourned July 14.
Respectfully submitted, Barbara Cecil, Recording Secretary
8
September 2012
AUGUST 2012
The August 6, 2012, Board Meeting of the Löwchen Club of America was called to order by the
President, Dayle Lewis. Present: Dayle Lewis, Barbara Cecil, Don Roback, Dee Gardinier, John
Taylor, Denise Schiele, Gary Nordahl, Earlemarie Dingel, Donna Jones and Dana Read.
The July 2012 Treasurer’s Report and the July 2012 Minutes, with 2 corrections, were accepted by
a majority vote of the Board.
Corresponding Secretary’s Report: We are currently voting on new member candidates. Please
get your votes back to me. There are no new candidates for the next issue of Headlions.
National Specialty in Concord Report (Don): Laura Boyce and I got our trophy list to MBF by the
July deadline. A motion was made and a majority of the Board agreed to a charge of $15 for nonLCA members to attend the judges’ seminar in Concord.
Specialty Guidelines Committee (Dayle): Donna, Dana, and I have been emailing, but it is a slow
go with our busy lives. Right now we are hung up on a couple of issues. Hopefully, we will have
worked through them and have more to report next month. All in all, progress is being made!
CHIC (Donna): Our chosen photo of Don Roback’s J is being used on the CHIC website and I put
8 CHIC certifications in the mail on my dogs so all is up and running.
Materials for Judges Education (Donna): Susa will have the tri-fold ready by the next meeting.
Dana reported that she had received a terrific packet of JEC info from the PWD club which she
would like to share with Board members at the Specialty; Dana will also be bringing along other
JEC items that might work for our club as well.
John suggested a letter of thanks be placed in the next Headlions for all out-going members of the
LCA Board and Committee Heads.
2013 National Specialty. Following is the proposal from Co-Chairs Kathy Bumiller and Vicki All:
Please join us for the 2013 Löwchen National Specialty in Bloomington (Interstates 55 & 74) in
Central Illinois. Four days of shows, Friday May 24th thru Monday May 27th. Air conditioned
building, plenty of grooming area, lots of RV parking including shaded areas. The host hotel is the
Double Tree in Bloomington. There is a Cerf and Cardio Clinic on Saturday and Sunday by the
University of Illinois at a reduced fee. Obedience and Rally trial on Saturday and Sunday.
Supported entry in breed on Friday, Saturday and Monday, with the National Specialty being held
on Sunday. We will get a $1.00 per entry back for the Supported entry days. Building is available
to us at 10:00 am on Thursday the 23rd. We may give them a list of preferred judges that they will
look at, and if they are able to judge additional breeds, they will be happy to hire those judges. We
may also do a Judges Education Seminar as well, like was held this year at, no charge. National
specialties that have chosen this cluster, and have returned yearly: Welsh Terriers, Giant
Schnauzers, Standard Schnauzers, Kuvaz, English Toy Spanish, and Coonhounds.
Links to the hotel and to show site:
http://hotels.hotelguides.com/illinois/bloomington/127980photos.htmlhttp://www.cvent.com/rfp/bloomington-hotels/interstate-banquet-and-conferencecenter/venue-090f5364c65f4df2916d391569e92b9d.aspx.
9
September 2012
After a vote by the Board, Dayle responded to Vicki and Kathy’s proposal: I am pleased to inform
you that the Board has decided to accept your proposal for the 2013 Nationals. We have every
faith that you and Kathy will do a wonderful job for the club. Meanwhile, could you address the
judging venue as soon as possible? The club voted this year to have Doris Cozart judge Nationals
and Betty Lenninger (as second runner up) to judge Regionals. As time did not permit us to take
advantage of these voting results for this year's National, it is our hope that we can invite them for
the 2013 shows. I think that if you can get these names into the cluster chairman asap, hopefully
we can take advantage of the members' wishes. Thanks so much and we look forward to working
with you for the success of the 2013 Nationals.
The meeting closed August 15, 2012.
Barbara Cecil, Recording Secretary
10
September 2012
TREASURER’S REPORTS
Submitted by: Dee Gardinier
LCA Treasurers Report - June 2012
Expenses
Susa Williams Seminar (MO)
Total:
$200.00
Balance
Loss
$24,701.46
$200.00
$200.00
Total
$24,501.46
Deposits:
Less Expenses
Loss:
$200.00
Breakdown of funds:
Health & Research
Trophy Fund
Rescue
LCA
$10,301.69
$ 2,662.74
$ 3,442.38
$ 8,094.65
$200.00
Balance:
$24,501.46
LCA Treasurers Report - July 2012
Expenses
AKC Medallions Awards
Total:
Income:
Balance
Loss
$24,501.46
$105.00
$215.00
Total
$24,396.46
$110.00
Explanation:
Trophy
Headlions
Loss:
$215.00
$40.00
$70.00
Total:
$110.00
Less Expenses
$215.00
Breakdown of funds:
Health & Research
Trophy Fund
Rescue
LCA
$10,301.69
$ 2,702.74
$ 3,442.38
$ 7,949.65
$105.00
Balance:
11
$24,396.46
September 2012
October 2012
Extracted from the 2012 LCA Löwchen Calendar
The 2013 is under construction - Remember to send along your cute Löwchen photos for
inclusion in next year’s LCA Calendar!! Deadline for submitting photos for inclusion in the
2013 calendar is Sunday, October 22nd. Photos received after that date will be considered
for 2014.
Wintery scenes, springtime photos, fun-in-the-sun, holiday-themed, action shots, show
poses, not-so-show poses, head-in-the-cookie-jar mischievous poses -- and any other cute
shots captured throughout the year will be welcomed additions to next year’s montage!!
Send your photos via e-mail attachment to: [email protected] ASAP in as highresolution JPEG format as you have available.
12
September 2012
Löwchen Club of Canada
National Specialty
August 17-19, 2012
Brockville, Ontario
Hosted by Gillian Robertson
“Wasn’t it a party! I promised if you came
you’d have fun and from all accounts that’s
what everyone had. This year’s LCC
National in Brockville was planned with our
beloved Löwchen personalities in mind.
Described as “fun loving” that’s what I
hoped to achieve. A summer party with lots of fun packed into the three day
event. From the start everyone got into the spirit. What made it so great for me
was meeting for the first time other members of the LCC and it was wonderful
that so many friends from LCA made the trek all the way up to Canada to be
part of the show. Having Cath Horne from Australia as our National Judge and
John Taylor from the US to judge
Sweeps added so much to the event!
From start to finish there was a lot going
on, lots to do and FUN FUN FUN.
Congratulations to all our winners!
Thank you everyone for making it such a
success and making my job so easy. I
couldn’t have gotten through this
without the support shown and I
appreciate everyone for all that was
done to make the weekend a wonderful memory.” – Gillian Robertson
13
September 2012
“Ever since I brought my first Löwchen into our home, I have made a point of
attending all of the LCA Specialty shows. I greatly enjoy getting together with
other people that love this special breed, and of course, it is always great to see
all of the Löwchen. Now I’m finding that once a year just isn’t enough, so this
year was the first time that I have actually traveled outside of the US to attend a
dog show. Rhonda Croxton and I traveled North to go to the 2012 LCC Specialty
Show in Brockville, Ontario, near the Thousand Islands. What an absolutely
gorgeous area!!
Kudos to Gillian for making everyone feel like
family!! Gillian did a fabulous job of
organizing a great event, with wonderful
prizes for all. The LCC auction was held on a
dinner cruise on the St. Lawrence River –
WHAT A BLAST!! I was so looking forward to
seeing the area from the viewpoint of being
on the river, but we were too busy talking to
new friends to even really take time to appreciate the stunning views! After all
the dog show fun was over, we headed West to Niagara Falls, which we had
never seen before…definitely a ‘must-do’ if you haven’t had a chance to witness
the awe! Next year, Kim & Alicia
Schmidt are planning to host the LCC
Specialty on the other side of
Canada, in Osoyoos, British Columbia
(right across the US border in the
middle of the state of
Washington)...another part of
Canada that we’ve always wanted to
explore!! Fingers-crossed we can
make it!” – Kat Roll
14
September 2012
LCC National Specialty Winners:
August 18, 2012
Judge: Cath Horne, Australia
BOB/BOW/WB - MUSICBOX OREO’S PROPERLY
DUNKED
BOS/WD - ASHFORD’S OMRAN AT ROSELAND
AOM - KIJI PARTY IN THE HOUSE
RWD - MUSICBOX LOST IN THIS MOMENT
RWB - KIJI’S QUEEN OF IT ALL
BPIB - MUSICBOX UPON A STAR
BVET - TAYWIL’S ULTIMATELY U R GRACE
LCC Sweepstakes Winners:
August 18, 2012
Judge: John Taylor, US
Best in Sweeps
KIJI QUEEN OF IT ALL
Best Veteran in Sweeps
CH IVYTREE BIHAR TRUEBLUE
15
September 2012
…and from the LCC Specialty Judges, Cath Horne and John Taylor (sweeps):
Cath Horne, Specialty Judge –
“My sincerest thank you goes to the Löwchen Club of Canada for the lovely time I had in
Brockville. Due to timing issues I was not able to provide individual critiques or talk
immediately after judging. For this I am sorry.
On the whole I was very happy with my entry of Löwchen. Temperaments were excellent
with only a couple appearing unwilling to perform. Overall the entry was happy, outgoing
and lively and was a pleasure to judge. Presentation was also very good and a real
compliment to their owners. Bites, tail carriage and pigmentation were also excellent.
I was most disappointed in the chest development in a number of the dogs. Short (in length),
shallow rib cages were more common than I’d want. The breed is a robust, lively dog that
requires heart and lung room. Also lacking in some of exhibits was muscle tone. Again this is
part of the active look of the breed.
The breed is known for its lack of angulation in the front, I was however more concerned
with how the dogs used their fronts. I looked for dogs that stepped out in profile and were
sound coming towards me rather than the lay of shoulder when stationary. The unsound
fronts seemed to go hand in hand with the shallow chests, which is something to watch for.
Size, especially in the males, was of great concern to me. There were a few very large males
who were either too coarse or too fine in bone. I understand that the American Standard for
a number of years called for a larger dog than the rest of the world however I judged to the
Canadian Standard which asks for 10-13 inches. Size in the bitches was much better and
gives hope that size can be brought down in the dogs.
Some may have been surprised that my Best of Breed and Best of Opposite Sex came from the
Winners. Both however were adult exhibits who were excellent in size, sound and balanced
on the move with lovely chests and good proportions.
Best in Show/Best of Winners/Winners Bitch – Musicbox Oreo’s Properly Dunked: I could
not deny this bitch. As hard as my AOM winner pushed her, I could not say no. Excellent
size, lovely head, loved her proportions and her outline on the move was very correct.
Balanced, level topline with head and tail carried high.
16
September 2012
Best of Opposite Sex/Winners Dog – Ashford’s Omran at Roseland: Perhaps not the most
polished dog present, but he was awarded based on his excellent breed type, lovely coat,
perfect size and proportions with sound movement. He was so very Löwchen.
Award of Merit – Kiji Party in the House: I wanted there to be a Runner Up prize, but
Award of Merit was all I could give. Totally classy bitch with lovely topline, correct size,
gorgeous expression and very sound. It was a very close decision to the end.
Reserve Winners Dog – Musicbox Lost in This Moment: A pleasure to go over, with sound
balanced movement. His chest and muscle tone made me take notice. I would have loved to
have had a shrinking machine to bring him back to size and that is what cost him the
Winners ribbon.
Reserve Winners Bitch – Kiji Queen of it All: This bitch made me smile, the large eyes set in
a very sweet feminine face. Excellent size and loads of attitude. She was a strong contender,
she needed more angulation and to be a tad longer in second thigh.
Best Puppy – Musicbox Upon a Star: The Puppy Bitch class was the toughest decision I
made all day. Both bitches were gorgeous, and it was a huge struggle to choose. I chose my
Puppy Bitch and Best Puppy because she was shorter in back and stronger in topline. Both
bitches had lovely heads and expression, age appropriate movement and substance. I really
loved them both and look forward to seeing how they grow.
Best Veteran – TayWil’s Ultimately U-R-Grace: A very fit veteran, lovely chest and head
who moved with ease and balance. She has aged extremely well and is an absolute
compliment to her breeders and owners.”
John Taylor, Sweeps Judge –
“It was an honor, a privilege and a pleasure to attend the LCC Show in
Brockville. If I had known what a delightful area it is, and how hospitable the
Canadians are, TayWil Löwchen would have been to the Canadian shows many
times.
17
September 2012
It was a delight to be presented such a proper group of younger dogs, and
though judging is to be done based on what is presented at that moment in
time, it was nice to see that the future of Löwchen seems in good hands in
Canada. The structure was excellent for the most part, with good heads-proper
broad skulls with good ear placement and nice round eyes and proper muzzles. I
saw no problems with having level top lines and the tail sets were as preferred
with the "tea-cup handle," which just totally completes the look of a Löwchen.
The rears were well formed, as were the fronts. Your Löwchen were excellent
examples of the breed and made it a true statement that a Löwchen in motion is
a beautiful sight.
Thank you again for this honor.
John C. Taylor
TayWil Löwchen (first Löwchen in 1986).
18
September 2012
Fun Times In Brockville – The Land Of A Thousand Islands…
19
September 2012
LCA National 2012
November 15th – 18th, 2012
Concord, North Carolina
Take a look at the Cabarrus Arena site brochure:
http://www.cabarrusarena.com/CabarrusArena2011Brochure.pdf
Agility will be in the Arena, Conformation and Vendors will be in Event Center
A, Grooming will be in Event Center B, and Obedience/Rally (and crating for
those events) will be in Gold Hall 1.
20
September 2012
The Host Hotel will be the Hampton Inn and Suites in
Concord, NC.
http://hamptoninn.hilton.com/en/hp/groups/personalized/C/CLTKGHXLOW-20121115/index.jhtml?WT.mc_id=POG
Note that the hotel will be undergoing renovations while we are there but we have been
assured that the construction will not affect our events.
Follow this link to get to the Löwchen Club of America Nationals 2012 page where you
can see the hotel and make a reservation online.
Agility Premium is available at:
http://gonedogginagility.com/
Four days of agility including three days of Time 2 Beat! The trial opens Sept.
18 and AKC online entry is available.
Thursday, Nov. 15:
All breed agility
All breed rally and obedience.
Evening: We will have an informal get together at the hotel
including snacks. This will be organized by Karen Douglas and
Lisa Brown.
21
September 2012
Friday, Nov. 16:
All breed conformation
Löwchen sweeps (Judge Alice Watkins) and Löwchen regional
(Judge Ron Rella)
Judge's education seminar by Susa Williams to follow regional
General Membership Meeting after seminar (Location TBD)
Board Meeting after Membership Meeting (Location TBD)
All breed agility, rally and obedience.
Performance seminar organized by Barbara Cecil (evening)
This event will also include short presentations on Tracking by
Laura Boyce and Agility by Don Roback
Saturday, Nov. 17:
All breed conformation
Löwchen sweeps (Judge Cindy Stansell) and
Löwchen national (Judge Nancy Hafner)
All breed agility, rally and obedience
Löwchen Club of America Banquet at host hotel
Sunday, Nov. 18:
All breed conformation
Löwchen supported entry
All breed agility, rally and obedience
TROPHIES
We still have room for trophy contributions! If you want to
donate, contact Dee Gardinier at [email protected] or
Don Roback at [email protected]
22
September 2012
Photo Contest
Do you have a great picture of your Löwchen? We're taking submissions for
our annual Löwchen Photo Contest! If you have a great shot you'd like to
share with other Löwchen enthusiasts, send to
John Taylor at this address:
John Taylor
4775 Lee Jackson Hwy.
Greenville VA 24440-1803
A 5"x7" is preferred and a $5 entry fee (each photo). Please include your
name and the name of your Löwchen. The photos will be on display at the
Banquet.
John will determine the appropriate categories for judging but some
examples from past years include:
Best Indoor Photo
Best Outdoor Photo
Best Sport Shot
Best Costume Photo
Best Head Shot
Not-So-Beautiful Photo (covered in mud, etc)
Most Creative Löwchen Photo
Sweetest Puppy Photo
Best Litter Photo
Questions? Contact either John Taylor or Don Roback
23
September 2012
Banquet Information
The banquet will be held at the host hotel Hampton Inn and Suites in
Concord on Saturday night, Nov 17, 2012 starting at 6:00 pm.
The menu will consist of a typical Western North Carolina BBQ meal with all
the fixings!
Pulled Pork Barbeque
Mesquite Beef Brisket
Baked Beans
Carolina Slaw
Potato Chips
Apple Crisp
Banana Pudding
Sweet and Unsweetened Iced Tea
The cost per person is $32. Make a reservation using the form on the LCA
website (www.thelowchenclubofamerica.org) or mail a check (made out to
LCA and labeled 'Banquet') to
Don Roback
1505 Flying Hawk Rd
Apex, NC 27523
Please make your reservations before Nov 2!
Also include a note if you have any special dietary needs and we will do our
best to accommodate you.
24
September 2012
Auction Items
Please contact Sue Ingle if you have any auction items you'd like to donate.
Sue can be reached at [email protected]
Also, thanks to all the Committee heads who will be organizing the
Specialty!
Trophies:
Hospitality:
Banquet:
Photo contest:
Judge’s Ed:
Clothing:
Performance seminar:
Auction:
Decorations:
Laura Boyce
Karen Douglas and Lisa Brown
Don Roback
John Taylor
Susa Williams
Vicki All
Barbara Cecil
Sue Ingle
Marsha Moore
We are still looking for volunteers for all committees. If interested, please
write to Don Roback at [email protected].
25
September 2012
LCA Nationals 2013
Please start planning so you can join us for the
2013 Löwchen National Specialty in Bloomington IL
(Interstates 55 & 74)
Four days of shows, Friday May 24th thru Monday May 27th
Hosted/Co-Chaired by Vicki All and Kathy Bumiller
Air conditioned building, plenty of grooming area, lots of RV
parking including shaded areas.
The host hotel is the Double Tree in Bloomington IL.
There is a CERF and Cardio Clinic on Saturday and Sunday by
the University of Illinois at a reduced fee. Obedience and Rally
trial on Saturday and Sunday. Supported entry in breed on
Friday, Saturday and Monday, with the National Specialty being
held on Sunday.
Building is available at 10:00 am on Thursday the 23rd.
26
September 2012
**NEW RULES FOR QUALIFYING FOR AKC/EUKANUBA IN 2012**
AKC/EUKANUBA NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP
DECEMBER 15-16, 2012
ORLANDO, FLORIDA
The American Kennel Club and Eukanuba are pleased to announce that the AKC/Eukanuba
National Championship will become an open show awarding Championship and Grand
Championship points. This new format will begin with the upcoming AKC/Eukanuba National
Championship on December 15-16th, 2012 in Orlando, Florida. The Orange County Convention
Center will once again host The Space Coast Kennel Club of Palm Bay, Brevard Kennel Club and
Central Florida Kennel Club shows on Dec. 12-14, 2012, making for five full days of dog shows.
In addition to the conformation competition, the show will still feature the AKC Agility Invitational
and National Obedience Invitational, the Bred-By Exhibitor competition, the Eukanuba World
Challenge and AKC Meet the Breeds®
Judging Panel:
Löwchen breed judge: Mr. Andrew Brace (UK)
Non-Sporting Group judge: Mr. Andrew Mills
Best In Show judge: Mr. Edd E Bivin
Bred-By-Exhibitor Non-Sporting Group judge: Mr. Carl E Gomes
Best Bred-By-Exhibitor in Show judge: Mrs. Patricia V Trotter
Best Junior Handler judge: Mr. William P Shelton
2012 AKC/Eukanuba National Championship: Qualifying For and Entering the
AKC/Eukanuba National Championship
Qualifying Dates for the AKC/Eukanuba National Championship:
October 12, 2011 through October 10, 2012
Two Year Qualifications (Bred By Exhibitor [BBE], BBE/Puppy, Amateur Owner Handler [AOH],
AOH/Puppy and International Qualifiers): October 13, 2010 through October 10, 2012
Entries Close: Wednesday, November 14, 2012
Automatic Qualifiers
Dogs automatically qualify for the AKC/Eukanuba National Championship by meeting any one of the
following criteria:
•
•
•
Dogs ranked in the top 25 of their breed (by breed points only) at the end of the qualifying period (1
Year)
Dogs receiving an all - breed Best in Show at an AKC show held during the qualifying period (1
Year)
Dogs winning Best of Breed at a parent club national specialty* (1 Year) View List
27
September 2012
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Dogs completing their Grand Championship during the current qualifying period (1 Year)
Dogs completing a Bronze, Silver, Gold or Platinum Grand Champion Level in the qualifying period
(1 Year). This will include those dogs that are elevated to an additional level during the qualifying
period.
Dogs completing their championship with all points earned from the Bred-By-Exhibitor Class (2
Years)
Dogs completing their championship with all points earned from the Amateur Owner Handled Class
(2 Years)
Miscellaneous breeds who have won a CM (Certificate of Merit title) or at least three (3) Best of
Breed WITH COMPETITION or One (1) Best in Misc. class WITH COMPETITION during the current
qualifying period will automatically receive an invitation.
Dogs that will be 7 years of age or older on the first day of the event and are eligible to compete via
the Veterans eligibility rules noted below.
The seven top breed winning dogs from over 60 International Registries and the Best of Breed and
Best of Opposite Sex to Best of Breed winners from Crufts (2 Years)
Other Ways to Qualify
•
•
•
Breeder Owner Handled Puppy: Dogs earning their championship during the qualifying period with
all of their points earned as Breeder/Owner handled originating from Puppy and BBE class may be
eligible for an invitation. All of the points do not have to be earned during the qualifying period, but
the championship does.
Amateur Owner Handled Puppy: Dogs earning their championship during the qualifying period with
all of their points earned as Amateur/Owner handled originating from Puppy and/or Amateur Owner
Handled class may be eligible for an invitation. All of the points do not have to be earned during the
qualifying period, but the championship does.
Attn: All World Show Best of Breed and Best of Opposite Sex winners from the 2011and 2012
events will be eligible for entry. These winners must contact Michael Canalizo at: [email protected] for
an invite.
Eligibility for Veterans 7 years and older:
•
Eligibility for the Veterans who have made a mark during their career. While the event cannot offer a
separate competition due to time constraints we will be sending invites to any dog over 7 years on
the day of the show to compete for Best of Breed and if eligible for the Best Bred-by-Exhibitor
Award. A dog will need to meet one of the following criteria:
o Winner of an All-Breed Best in Show
o Winner of a National Specialty
o Ranked in the Top five in Breed any given year
*** Please note: These Veterans must be "Intact" since they might advance to compete in Group and Best
in Show competition. Spayed or Neutered dogs will not be eligible to enter.
Qualifying for Junior Showmanship
•
Eligibility to enter the event is based on the Junior's accomplishments in the show ring and in the
classroom.
*******************
28
September 2012
MORE DETAILS ABOUT CHANGES TO
WESTMINSTER 2013…
More details will eventually be available in the premium
list that comes out in October, but here’s the latest
news about the changes to Westminster for 2013:
Additional venue: Breed judging and benching will take
place at Piers 92/94 in New York City, located at West
55th Street and the West Side Highway, both days of
the show, Monday and Tuesday (see
www.piers9294.com). Piers 92/94 is a trade show and
special event venue with a total of over 200,000 square
feet of exhibition space.
Group and Best In Show judging, as well as the Junior Showmanship Finals, will still be held at Madison
Square Garden on Monday and Tuesday evenings.
Entry limit: The increase in available space at the Piers allows for an increase in the entry limit to 3,200
dogs. This will be the largest entry limit since a formal entry limit of 2,500 was established in 1941. In recent
years, the entry limit has steadily decreased as Madison Square Garden renovated its physical plant to
serve its core activities.
Dogs eligible to enter: For the first time since 1991, non-AKC champions will be eligible to enter and
compete in the classes (Bred By Exhibitor, American Bred and Open). To be eligible for these classes,
dogs must have won at least one major award (3 points or more from the classes at one show). These dogs
are all eligible for all awards, including Best of Breed. As has been the case since 2000, the top five dogs in
each breed in breed point standings will be invited to pre-enter. In addition, Best of Breed winners of
National Breed Club specialties in 2012 will also be invited to pre-enter.
Transportation: Westminster will provide bus transportation from the three Garden-area hotels (Hotel
Pennsylvania, Affinia Manhattan, New Yorker Hotel) for exhibitors with dogs beginning early each morning
and returning later in the day as dogs are released from benching. Bus transportation for Best of Breed
winners and their handlers will be provided from the Piers to Madison Square Garden and return each day.
Schedules will be listed in future issues.
Parking: There is daytime parking for 900 cars at the Piers. There will be reserved parking available for
handlers/exhibitors with box trucks and large vans on the first level of Pier 92 (no propane tanks will be
allowed). More details and reservation forms will be available at a later date.
Hotels: Our list of hotels will be on the website as it develops. We recommend that you continue to use the
Garden-area hotels. Plans are under way to provide shuttle transportation services for exhibitors and
spectators between the Piers, Madison Square Garden, the Hotel Pennsylvania, the New Yorker Hotel and
the Affinia Manhattan Hotel.
Westminster 2013 Judging Panel:
Löwchen breed judge: Ms. Joan P Scott
Junior Showmanship Finals: Mr. Jason Hoke
Non-Sporting Group: Ms. Florence Males
Best In Show: Mr. Michael Dougherty
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September 2012
JUDGES’ EDUCATION SEMINAR SCHEDULE
Held by Susa Williams
Date: Friday, November 16, 2012
Time: Following the Regional Specialty
Cabarrus Arena
Concord, NC
Wondering where to go to find the current membership list or past
copies of Headlions?
If you aren’t already on you need to join today!
LCA Members Yahoo Group
[email protected]
Contact Donna Jones – Moderator about getting on and having
access to this and much more today!
September 2012
30
HEALTH NEWS
Flea Problems?
Submitted by: Kat Roll
As a professional groomer, dealing with flea and tick infestations has long been
one of the more unpleasant aspects of my work. The groomer is usually the first
person people talk to about these problems. When the spot-on flea and tick
products were first developed, these radically changed the grooming industry.
We actually lost a great deal of business in Florida, where I worked at the time.
Clients that would bring pets in once a week for flea treatments, now only had
to come in once a month. Even with the loss of business, it was a great thing to
not see so many animals suffer continually with the fleas. These products really
worked. There is always concern about the safety of new products, but as
widespread as the use of them became very quickly, there were very few
animals that had any reaction to them. The animals that we did see reactions in
had pretty mild reactions. I have seen animals scratch themselves raw at the
spot of application and I have seen animals that will drool and maybe be
lethargic for a little while, but overall, nothing too severe. I started using these
products on my pets and I have been absolutely thrilled with the results. Even
in Florida’s bug friendly climate, these products kept my pets and my home fleaand tick-free. That is quite an accomplishment, considering that my dogs have
always gone to work with me and therefore have always been exposed to
whatever pests may be carried in on a client dog.
I eventually came to live in Pennsylvania where the
primary concern is ticks and the Lyme disease that
they can carry. I continued to use Frontline and never
had any problems until recently. At the very end of
last fall, I was quite shocked to find fleas on both of
my Löwchen when I was prepping them for a show. I
thought that maybe I just got a bad batch and re31
September 2012
bathed my dogs and treated them again with Frontline from a different box/lot.
I found fleas again on my dogs a couple of weeks later. Then winter came and
we didn’t have any more fleas for a while. As warmer weather returned in the
spring, so did the fleas.
I went online to an internet site that I frequently use to
chat with other groomers from across the country (on
www.petgroomer.com), and discovered that lots of
people were having flea problems with Frontlinetreated dogs. I have heard from many clients that they
are frustrated with fleas when they have had none
before. It seems that the fleas have developed immunity against the ingredient
in Frontline that is supposed to kill them. My veterinarian advised me to switch
to K9 Advantix, because it has a different active ingredient. So far, this one is
working for my pack. I don’t know how long it will work before the bugs
develop immunity to it. Unfortunately, I don’t have a good answer but
hopefully the pharmaceutical companies are working to find the next great
topical flea treatment in case the fleas acquire immunity to the existing
treatments.
If you have experiences with flea and tick treatments that you would like to
share, please forward them along to us at [email protected].
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September 2012
SPORTS PAGE
TRAINING A LÖWCHEN: CHALLENGES AND TRIUMPHS
AGILITY…
An Amusing Difference!
By Leslie Dawson-North
Owner, Trainer, Competitor.
Lives in Langdon, Alberta, Canada with her husband, 5 Beardies,
Löwchen, and Belgian Shepherd.
I got my start in agility shortly after getting my first Bearded Collie in 1991. I
actually started in obedience classes and trialed obtaining multiple HIT's,
Can/Am CDX to achieving a Can OTCh Title. I took my first agility seminar in
1992, where I got bit by the celestial agility bug. It has now been my passion for
20+ yrs. I have competed in many venues in Canada & the US, and had the first
Beardie with a USDAA, ATCh Title, & 4th &6th Beardies to obtain AKC MACH
titles. I also had the privilege of representing Canada as a member of the FCI,
Canadian Agility Team from 2004-2006, with my Beardie, Heather, who is now
12.5 years old and still enjoys playing agility!
After years of training Beardies, I thought I
wanted a new challenge of training a small
dog. Years prior, I had seen a Löwchen and
thought, WOW, a mini Beardie with a bare
butt! I instantly started looking for a puppy
and fell in love, and a year later (2008), I got
Pep (Can Ch Donalen Pep in Her Step, AADC,
MJC). What a great little breed! What a fun
new challenge! What a difference!
33
September 2012
Pep was a feisty little lion right from the get go and I don't know who has
learned more, Pep or me?? It has been a real learning curve for me, but what a
laugh! She learned things very quickly and was almost too smart for her own
good. Cute little innocent Löwchen…Ya, Right!
I had decided that we would do running contacts as to not slow her down. I
started with a "HIT IT" board. She soon learned that if she missed it and it didn't
beep, she would turn around & go back and step on it, make it beep then come
to me for her treat. Too funny! I also thought, ah she's little, I can keep up, I run
Beardies, how fast can a little lion run?? Boy, I'm lucky I have good legs and I can
run!! Who needs AREOBICS, I need Spin class. LOL!
Obviously I've learned distance training was essential & comes in handy,
especially now that we know we can't out-run a LION. I don't know how many
times I've been burnt on courses when sending Pep ahead to a obstacle, then I
move to the next position only to find the little bugger at my feet again. Deeked
me out again and missed the
jump. Oh ya, did I mention,
they can turn on a dime! It
happened occasionally to
me with my big guys too, but
I usually see it coming.
Usually with the herding
breeds, you need a fishing
line to reel them in! Not
so much with the Löwchen!
Have you ever had a
moment on course, where you look up for a second to get your bearings, then
look back down, only to find your Lion is missing?? You immediately start
turning circles to find them & as your doing that, they are doing circles around
your feet. Now you’re dizzy, good luck with the rest of the course. You definitely
don't have that problem with Beardies, they're as BIG as Life and are usually
34
September 2012
bouncing off of you! This is where "Size" difference comes into play. Just try
carrying a Beardie off the course when they're naughty? Thank goodness for
Little Lion dogs, you just scoop them up…that's if you can catch them!
Another difference among my
three breeds, is the endurance
time of the training session. No
joking here. My Beardies &
Belgian Shep have much more
stamina and can train with more
intensity for longer periods. I have
found it important when training
with Pep, short multiple sessions
working on short sequences & lots
of fun works best. Say we were
training the speed of the dog
walk & I get what I wanted after the first or second try, I would stop & reward
with her favorite toy, which is FOOD, just kidding, otherwise I would be
defeating the purpose. Because of this difference, it is important to have a set
training plan and know that the training process may take a little longer. I like to
finish training, leaving her wanting more. Knowing when to stop is a hard call
for many trainers as we get so wrapped up in the excitement of training,
especially these little fire balls. Be patient, ‘cause they'll be "ROARING" to go in
no time!
Pep and I have been competing now for just over a year and she has done
extremely well. She is now in the Masters level and has already achieved her
Masters Jumper title, but we still however, are not running like a team. This
translates to "I don't totally trust her"...yet, I'm sure you can relate, but we are
still a work in progress. On course, Pep runs with quiet determination, another
difference from my Beardies, who like to vocalize their excitement or frustration
at their less-than-adequate team partner. Pep, on the other hand, displays her
35
September 2012
saucy athleticism at the end of the course, where she like to give me a high
frequency "what for," which may I add, amuses the spectators.
She's so cute...? Ya Right!
It's really all about her, "MY Little lion Princess." I can't wait to see what Pep has
in store for me for my next lesson, but I do know it will be fun learning!
Happy Training!
*****************************************************************
36
September 2012
Löwchen Will Learn, Excel & Impress
By Mari Hiltz
Paws & Effect
Clicker Learning 4 Dogs
Melbourne, Florida
[email protected]
When I acquired my Löwchen puppies, I honestly had no idea what to expect.
Except for reading the common consensus on Löwchen characteristics online
and in books, I had only met a Löwchen in person once. Up to this point I had
been raising and training Bichon Frise and Brussels Griffon, mainly in Rally
Obedience and Tricks. My interest in the Löwchen grew dramatically once I
became involved in the performance sport of dog agility. My first Löwchen pup
Oliver, a male sable colored Löwchen, was extremely shy as a puppy and
continued to be throughout his maturing
years. I was sure he would outgrow this lack
of confidence with my continued support and
adequate amounts of socializing.
Remembering back to his first puppy class
beginning at 10 weeks of age, he hid under
my chair and avoided any contact or interest
with other puppies. Since then, I have tried
everything I can think of as a Positive
Progressive Trainer, TTouch Participant, Trick Team Instructor, Agility
Trainer/Handler and K9 Clicker Teacher to help him overcome his fears and
enable him to perform outside the safety of his own backyard. Oliver is an
incredibly skilled, motivated, and talented athlete. He was able to complete his
Novice level of Rally (shakingly so) and yes he is structurally perfect for the sport
of agility and freestyle frisbee. But I am afraid ‘we’ are the only ones who know
it. Loading up on books and DVDs, I was convinced I could help this insecure
furry boy of mine to perform in a ring, enjoy a walk in the park, jump off a dock
37
September 2012
into a pool and catch Frisbees while flying thru the air! After all, I was an
experienced dog trainer and he was my willing companion.
Oliver will be 5 years old next February and still his entire body trembles when
he rides in the front seat of the car. He jumps suddenly without warning
straight up in the air when he is walking in the neighborhood for reasons I still
do not understand and hides from the thunderstorms building in the distance.
He runs after balls and plays retrieve all
afternoon in his backyard, but will not come
out from behind me if we try it in the park. He
runs agility like a speed demon with detailed
accuracy but when faced with a performance
agility ring will slow to the pace of a worried,
overly concerned, unconfident dog that finds
treats and toys suddenly foreign to him. His
head hangs as his tail slips between his legs and he is overcome by extreme fear.
He dives and swims with relentless joy and passion but while climbing the stairs
leading to a competition dock platform you can see him literally talking himself
out of it step by step as he is once again deflated by fear. How awful it must be
for Oliver to live in a world dominated by what if? Isn’t that really what fear is,
worry? I teach a Learning Play Group where all small dogs are off lead in a pack.
We work on common behaviors such as recall, focus, team work, relationship
building, ‘leave its’ and ‘waits’ while Oliver sits quivering under the table at the
side of the room.
We have made some good progress though.
He used to crawl up in a lap or hide in a crate
curled in a ball. Now he comes out to accept
a tasty treat from a friendly stranger and may
stay long enough to allow nurturing pets and
sometimes even engage in a game or two.
His problem has never been humans, it is
other dogs, driven only by the level of energy
38
September 2012
present. This has become an important factor in my working and training this
dog, a simple thing called energy. We have been trying for many years gaining
baby steps one at a time and this will most likely continue throughout his entire
life. But somewhere along the way I finally allowed Oliver to just be Oliver and
accepted him as-is while supporting everything that
he CAN do. One of which is running 5K races with
me. He has become my running partner and while
the forward and continuous motion keeps him in a
balanced state of mind, we were able to capture 3rd
place two years running! My hope still remains
that by watching, learning and possibly emulating
the other 6 dogs he lives with, he can learn more
about the world around him and continue to feel
safe, loved, and content with who he is.
My second Löwchen puppy came along almost a year later. Idgie shared some
of the same behaviors such as going off to another room by herself when all the
other dogs were cuddled around us. Idgie
began cherishing her spaces, her toys and
bones, and guarding them at a very early age.
Even though Oliver began sleeping apart as a
young pup he later bonded with the pack and
enjoyed the company of his siblings. Idgie still
has a hard time with that. She will be 4 years
old in November and remains one of the most
complex dogs I have ever met. There is nothing
simple about Idgie. I believe her to be a genius
in a dog’s body, if there is such a thing. She is a serious thinker with questions
that go unanswered in her active mind. Speaking honestly of my own Löwchen, I
was compelled out of necessity to ‘teach’ Idgie that learning and working
together was something she really wanted to do. Once she grasped that
concept and I honestly believe she did, there was no stopping her OR us. There
are no limitations with Idgie, her boundaries are only those we set for her. If
39
September 2012
the rules are known and acceptable she will comply. I knew that the training I
was using with Oliver was not going to be appropriate for Idgie. She owned a
different type of fear, a fear of the unknown
rather than the known. Her fears lay with
possibilities instead of realities. Once I realized
this fundamental pearl the fun really began.
Since the first day I started working with her
our getting to know each other has never
ceased. Yes we have butt heads, yes we have
disagreed and yes we have had to forego our
learning at times for lack of understanding, but
we always go into the ring on equal terms. We have to. She needs to respect
me in order to work with me and I owe her the same courtesy. This simple little
known fact of mutual respect is something I learned as only Idgie could teach
me. Löwchen are not followers, they are natural leaders and respect must be
earned before the training can begin. This I say with true conviction, “if you are
going to lead a Löwchen, you had better be worthy of the position!” I walk a fine
line most of the time trying to balance the ‘can she’ and the ‘will she’? Of
course I can ‘out think’ her, but she can definitely ‘out react’ me in her most
honest, straightforward way. Together we are discovering a wonderful balance
which for me makes this breed one that remains
extraordinary and not to be undermined.
How instruction is presented is important. If behaviors
need to be repeated how can that be handled? How
will the praise, the cues, the reward be offered in the
most timely way to communicate the details of the
behavior I am trying to teach her? I’ve found that
Löwchen are much more precise in their learning,
which help them to excel in an abundance of
performance sports filing them all separate and apart.
Mine at least do not like to be manipulated into
40
September 2012
positions. They like to offer the behaviors until they find the right one as if to
say, “you don’t think I can get it?”
Although both of my Löwchen are
extremely cautious yet curious, most
encounters will keep them at bay.
They are not individuals to greet
strangers upon arrival or see them to
the door when departing. They are
not easily approached nor do they
wish other dogs or humans in their 3’
radius. They do not like to be touched
unless they are familiar and then only
on their terms. If you are lucky enough to be deemed acceptable, they will
proceed to lick your face off and wiggle themselves directly into your heart all
within a matter of seconds and utter chaos! They both can be extremely loud to
warn and overly excited about those entering their private domain.
I recently watched my Bichon Frise ‘Sydnie’ succumb to SARDS (sudden acquired
retinal degeneration syndrome) at the tender age of 7 years. It took a mere
week and a half to lose her sight completely. Since Idgie and Sydnie were not
the best of friends to begin with, I knew teaching Idgie to understand Sydnie
suddenly bumping into her and standing and staring blankly at her would create
a great challenge. They have always had little tiffs, nothing too serious between
them, but again that touching and staring issue would present bigger problems
with Idgie. The playing field was no longer equal so the learning had to
commence immediately or I would have bigger problems to deal with between
the two. I have a large dog cookie gumball machine on my counter. When my
dogs do good things they get rewarded. This happens throughout the day every
day of the week. Since this battle of wills with Idgie was a behavioral issue I
began with simply having the two dogs sit near each other. Again respect and
trust come into play added by the subtle growling undertones from Idgie. Each
day I would ask them to sit closer until they were touching shoulder to shoulder.
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September 2012
This touching has led to Idgie giving what we call a ‘kiss’ by touching nose to
nose with Sydnie minus any growling and with an almost sentimental
enthusiasm. Of course both dogs have always been rewarded for their part in
this shared endeavor. Today all I have to do is ask Idgie to go give Sydnie a kiss
and she will happily respond by
finding her and touching her nose
with hers. Most times I don’t even
have to ask anymore. She has since
carried this monumental behavior
over to the rest of her siblings with
gusto! I also taught Idgie to accept
Sydnie running into her by having
Sydnie do just that in small
increments and rewarding heavily
for positive responses from Idgie. Today we have achieved much more
emotional reactive self-control as well as support from Idgie when Sydnie needs
a shoulder to follow.
Watching this whole scenario evolve between these two dogs with the
understanding that Idgie has come to know and communicate with her
reactions, makes me think that this Löwchen breed is capable of much more
than we may give them credit for…a
breed of dog that has yet to be
discovered in full potential and
understanding. In my experience
working with numerous breeds in
obedience, rally, tricks, water sports
and agility, the Löwchen might better
be defined as complete, capable,
motivated, individuals with a willing
personality, vulnerable emotion and
extremely strong character. Intelligence endowed, but a given. The education
these two Löwchen have given me in their short years continues to amaze me
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September 2012
daily. They can be rude, determined, stubborn, pushy, loud, extremely verbal
and wildly crazy with excitement, but it is all well worth the ride and includes a
foolproof guarantee to fall in love! Savor each moment!
From our home to yours,
Mari, Dennis
Joey, Sydnie, Bogie, A’Mayzie, Oliver, Idgie & Wuisee
*****************************************************************
43
September 2012
Training The Class Clown
By Kat Roll
Novice Agility Competitor
When I brought our first Löwchen
puppy into our home, I really had
no clue what I was in for. I picked
up little 10 week old Sawyer from
the breeder, Donna Jones, at a
dog show in Perry, GA. I took this
cute little baby out into some
open space on the show grounds
and teased him with a toy and he
was immediately retrieving it like
a trained dog. He loved to chase, retrieve and tug, all the makings of a great
sports prospect. I was very excited about the possibilities for this little guy and
immediately started him in classes at my local training club. He was always the
first pup in class to pick up on new tricks and consistently impressed everyone
with his intelligence and willingness. As training progressed, little Sawyer
started to get bored in class, and we all know that trouble happens when the
gifted student gets bored in class. The classes just were not progressing to his
satisfaction, so Sawyer decided to start inventing his own games. One day in
class, the instructor had set up a
maze for the puppies and all of
the other puppies stumbled their
way through, Sawyer peeked up
over the top to see where I was
and proceeded to simply knock
down all of the walls between
me and him. As Sawyer became
an adolescent, we started getting
into the sports prep classes and
he found these much more to his satisfaction. As he started to really enjoy
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September 2012
training, he started liking it a little too much. As I would drive to the training
club, he would start trembling with excitement, and as we walked to the
building, Sawyer would start squealing. This was pretty embarrassing, as I
would stand outside the club waiting for him to get enough self control to enter
calmly, sometimes we stood outside in the freezing cold for quite a long time,
before he could stop squealing and keep all four feet on the ground.
From the first day in my home,
Sawyer watched my Puli play
frisbee with me and wanted in on
the game right away. When
Sawyer was old enough to play the
game, he showed an amazing
talent for the game and this
became his favorite activity in the
world. I started making him work
for the frisbee and this put our
training back on track. His training has progressed a bit slower because our
training sessions have to be really short, but the training is fun for both of us
and it may take me longer to get things right with him, but it is worth it in the
end. Things like doing weave poles and getting a correct, safe turn on a flyball
box do require repetition and muscle memory and will take us longer, but that is
ok with both of us. As training
continued, we ran into one
major problem. Sawyer hates
repetition. When asked to
repeat a behavior too many
times, his response is to get
creative and when he doesn’t
get a positive response from me
for his creativity, he would then
shut down and not even want to
work with me anymore at all.
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September 2012
The trainers that I was working with were not seeming to understand him at all
and I eventually decided to take a break from going to classes on such a regular
basis and just train in my backyard for a while as I tried to figure out how to get
the excitement and willingness back into our training sessions.
As Sawyer’s training progressed at
a slower pace, he proved his skill
by taking second place in the
novice division of a Disc Dog
Competition. He stunned the
audience with his athletic ability
and enthusiasm while he out did
Border Collies and other larger
dogs. I truly enjoy seeing people’s
reactions when they see the speed
that this little, fluffy dog can get to
when he bolts after that disc.
There are other small dogs that compete and you see that their handlers really
hold back on how far they throw the disc, while I throw it just as far and fast for
Sawyer as I would for a Border Collie.
People just don’t expect to see that and
I always have lots of people asking
about his breed.
After some time spent training at home,
we returned to agility class. He was
really having fun again, and proved that
he was not going to take this seriously
and proved that he will always be the
class clown and provide entertainment
for the class. He proved that he knew
how to do everything that was asked of
him, but he was still going to play his
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September 2012
own games and was not looking like he was ever going to be able to go to agility
trial. That was ok with me, I was having fun with my dog and that is all that
really matters.
I wanted to take my Puli to an agility
trial, so I entered Sawyer in the trial
with no real expectations, but I just
wanted to see what my goofy little
dog would do in that environment.
It was a 3 day trial and he had 3 runs
per day. I thought that we would
provide some entertainment for the
crowd and have some fun. He
stunned me by acting like a well
trained agility dog and he not only
earned qualifying times, but won his
class 7 out of 9 times in the ring. He
earned his first agility title with 3
perfect scores in standard agility.
He was absolutely amazing as he
again proved his athletic ability and
left the audience wanting to know
more about his breed.
Sawyer earned his other 2 novice
agility titles in the next weekend at
trial. So now we approach the open
division whether we are ready or not.
Our story will continue in Concord, NC
and we hope to see you all there!!
47
September 2012
HeadLions would like to extend a special
note of thanks to Barbara Cecil for her
efforts to rescue 14 Pomeranians from
deplorable conditions and give them a
second chance at a good life. Barbara
describes this ordeal in her own words on
the next few pages…
You’re a shining example for all of us – thank you
for reminding us to do what we can to help all dogs
in need
-Rhonda Croxton & Kat Roll
48
September 2012
The Rescue of Reddi, Li’l Bear, and
Their Twelve Cousins
Submitted by Barbara Cecil
Sunday morning, Sept. 16, 2012
I'm about to leave for Navasota, 60 miles north
of my home in Houston, where I, a member of Second Chance Pomeranian
Rescue, have been asked to deal with one of the state's biggest puppy millers
(over 100 toy dogs, mostly Poms and Yorkies, living in wire cages in a barn) and
sweet-talk her into surrendering her dogs. All we know about this woman is
that she is in trouble with the law and has hired a lawyer. Today is a trial run.
Two other Pom rescue ladies and I are meeting the miller on the Tractor Supply
parking lot in Navasota where she will give us at least 20 Poms. We will then
drive two hours to an angel of a vet in Lake Jackson who will keep the dogs for a
week and bathe, spay/neuter, groom, do dentals, shots, de-worming, etc.,
before the dogs are placed in foster homes to assess their adoptability. I will be
taking two into foster care because, of course, there are not enough foster
homes out there.
Besides the 20 she is giving us, Doris, the puppy miller, has another 30 Poms,
30+ Yorkies, 20 Paps and a dozen Cresteds back at the farm. She tried to give
them to the dog pound in College Station, but they were filled to capacity and
wouldn’t take them. I have to be super nice to this idiot because she could
change her mind at any moment and put all the dogs up for auction to other
puppy mills or simply dump them, dead or alive, in the woods somewhere.
Sunday afternoon, Sept. 16, 2012
Doris arrives a few minutes late in a dirty 1986 Chevy van with the back window
broken out. Doris herself is surprisingly neat and clean, about 70 years old, and
country as they come. “I only brought you 14,” she says apologetically. “I
picked 19 but changed my mind half way here and took five of them back.” I
feel bad for those five but relieved we are getting at least 14. Doris opens the
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September 2012
sliding door on the side of her van and there they are: hot, panting, dirty Poms,
in wire crates stacked together floor-to-roof. Doris pulls out the first dog, an
orange Pom the size of a small Sheltie. “This here’s the sweetest dog on the
face of the earth.” (And just how does she know
that?) “Are you all going to take him?” We’re not
supposed to rescue anything over 10 pounds or
anything that is not obviously pure-bred Pom. We
take him. Then there are two more, just as big, then
the tiny ones, most not weighing over four or five
pounds. The big ones are terrified. The tiny ones are
terrified and trembling. Still leery that Doris could
change her mind again, we put the dogs in crates in
our cars as fast as we can then get the heck out of
Navasota.
Sunday evening, Sept. 16, 2012
The rescue was a success! (At least in the fact that I didn't cry or lose my
temper, though one of my helpers did both.) I had prepared myself for dogs that
were near death, and while the dogs we took were smelly (really smelly!), dirty,
flea-bitten and had God-awful teeth, they were in good weight and all seemed
to have stable temperaments. Even though they were so scared, not one tried
to bite, even at the vet's clinic. The two I'm going to be fostering are the two
cutest and healthiest; I picked those two because they need to get adopted fast,
before my husband and I become too attached to let them go.
During the two hour drive from Navasota to Lake Jackson, not one of the five
Poms in my car made a sound, peed or pooped, and only one urped. This was
truly amazing: these 14 dogs, ranging in age from two to 10 years, had never, in
their entire lives, been out of elevated wire cages in a barn. This woman puppy
miller is the only person they have ever known. And yet these dogs - amazing
creatures - let me take them out of the crates in the puppy miller's decrepit van,
hold them, pet them, look at their teeth and put them in crates in my van
without a word of complaint. Four of the dogs were cute; the rest were so old
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September 2012
and sad they are going to have a hard time finding a forever home. My favorite
was an aged and tiny orange lady. What a sweetheart! She had no teeth so her
tongue stuck out of her mouth sideways. She tried to lick me but couldn't quite
get her tongue straightened around to do so.
This puppy miller, Doris, sees nothing wrong with keeping dogs as if they are
farm stock and a cash crop. One of the Poms we rescued had no tail. When I
asked Doris how that happened, she said "Oh, I bought him like that. Bought
him because he was real cheap. Didn't figure he needed no tail for what I
wanted him to do." Doris said she used to sell her Poms for $2000, but now
"with the economy like it is" she can't get even $100 for them at flea markets or
from brokers. When I asked her how many of the other breeds she had, she
looked at me as if that were an odd question. “I don’t know. I don’t count ‘em,
I just breed ‘em and sell ‘em. This is how I make my living.” I don’t count them?
I am counting on the help of Petey (Löwchen), and
Teddy and Johnny Cash (my rescue Poms) in
socializing my two fosters. Johnny will teach them to
bark, Teddy can teach them to wrassle and chase,
and Petey, master thief, can teach them how to fend
for themselves in the kitchen. I just hope someone
adopts the boys, who I’ve named Reddi and Li’l Bear
– QUICK. I’m already smitten with Li’l Bear; I'm
pretty much a failure at fostering.
Tuesday, Sept. 18, 2012
I brought Reddi (about 2 ½ years old and 5 pounds)
and Li’l Bear (about 18 months and 4 pounds), newly neutered and their
retained puppy teeth pulled, home from the vet’s today. Before I took them
into the house I put my dogs up then carried the two boys into the back yard
and set them down. Both froze for several minutes but then started to explore,
moving their feet on the prickly grass as if they were walking on hot coals. Then
Li'l Bear started to run, and run, and run! You could almost hear him hollering
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September 2012
"Yippee!!!" I let my dogs out and before you know it, all five dogs were running
- just for the sheer joy of running - all over the yard. Not a doubt in my mind:
this was something Reddi and Li’l Bear had waited their whole lives to do.
When it was time for dinner, I put a few kibbles of Taste of
the Wild on a plate in their ex-pen. Li'l Bear wasn't sure
what to do with it, but Reddi would sneak up to the plate,
grab one kernel, then run behind the crate to eat it. He ate
about 10 kibbles like that, then decided he wanted some
of the BilJac Li'l Bear had forced me to give him.
Both boys are very hand shy and to pick them up you have
to corner them first. Neither seemed to care for the most
expensive dry dog food made (I had decided I wouldn't
start them on raw since their new owners probably
wouldn't continue it), but other than that, they seem
healthy, happy, and are as cute as can be. Tonight they get to wear collars for
the first time and meet my grandchildren. The adventure begins and, for these
two and their 12 cousins, life begins anew!
_________________________________________________________________
If you would like to help the Navasota rescues, donations of any kind (but especially money!) can
be sent to: Second Chance Poms, 57 Poplar Court, Lake Jackson, TX 77566. Donations are taxdeductible. For information on adoption, email: [email protected].
52
September 2012
NEW TITLES SECTION:
Submitted by: Gillian Robertson
Championship Titles:
Ch Boondock Shake N Not Stired MusicBox
Sire: Ch Boondock’s Thunder Road
Dam: Ch Boondock’s Lil’ Suga Beet’s MusicBox
Owners: Jerry E Davis & Donna Jones
Breeders: Jerry E Davis, Donna Jones & Richard Harper
Ch MusicBox Fig Newton At Alharin
Sire: Ch Boondock’s Thunder Road
Dam: Ch MusicBox Double Stuffed
Owners: Barbara Fogl & Donna Jones
Breeders: Donna Jones & Rick Day
Ch MusicBox Taylor Made
Sire: Ch Boondock’s Magic N Motion
Dam: Ch Desusa’s Gala Affair
Owners: Donna Jones, Debbie Brewer & Kristine Hawless
Breeders: Donna Jones & Susa Williams
Ch Touche’s Xxx N Ooo
Sire: Ch Touche Pearlbrook Heartbreak
Dam: Ch Touche’s Uri So Happy
Owners: Richard Lawless, Erinn Bowling & Jennifer Lawless
Breeders: Jessica Bespaiko, Richard & Jennifer Lawless
Ch Ashford’s Allia of Cordin
Sire: GCH Ch Ashford’s Abbas Asad of Cordin
Dam: Ashford’s Bahlya of Cordin
Owners: Stacy Strickland, David Cordin, Paul Barnard & Gini Denninger
Breeders: Stacy Strickland, Gini Denninger & Sherri Forbes
Ch Harlequin’s It Takes Two To Tango
Sire: Ch Harlequins Last Tango With Kashmir
Dam: Harlequin’s Peak-A-Boo Pearl
Owners: Althea Walton-Smith
Breeders: Althea Walton-Smith
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September 2012
Ch MusicBox Be On The Look Out
Sire: Ch MusicBox Day Tripper
Dam: Ch MusicBox Katch Me If U Kan
Owners: Cynthia Muir
Breeders: Donna Jones & Debbie Brewer
PERFORMANCE:
Beginner Novice
Rally Advanced
Ch Desusa’s Cat Meow BN RA
Sire: Ch Annex Causin A Stir At Desusa
Dam: Desusa’s Kitten On The Keys
Owners: Lisa C. Brown
Breeder: Susa Williams
Rally Novice
MusicBox Dovie Ryan’s Mr. Guy BN RN
Sire: Ch MusicBox Bereton Butterscotch Sundae
Dam: Ch Seafever’s Not Too Shabby
Owners: Dovie Ryan, Dale E. Ryan & Donna Jones
Breeders: Donna Jones & Rick Day
Novice Agility & Novice Agility Jumper
Seafever’s Go For The Gusto! RN NA NAJ
Sire: Ch Ashford’s Al Sultan Seafever
Dam: Ch Seafever Angel Withnattitude
Owners: Lynne Valentine
Breeders: Katherine Tanguis, Janet M. Nienhaus & Donna Jones
Novice Agility Jumper & Agility FAST Novice
GCh Ch MusicBox Lost In This Moment RN NA NAJ
Sire: Ch Shic Choix Touche
Dam: Ch MusicBox Katch Me If U Kan
Owners: Katherine Roll & Donna Jones
Breeders: Donna Jones
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September 2012
Time 2 Beat
MACH Castlehill’s Born to Run MXS MJS MXF T2B
Sire: Ch Lionheart Loyal V. Ivytree CD
Dam: Desusa’s Simply Irrisistable
Owner: Christine Bartos & Susan Tapp
Breeders: Susan Tapp
MASTER AGILITY CHAMPION
Ch MACH Desus’a Tsunami Vd Dandylion RN MXB MJS OF
Sire: Ch Annex Causin A Stir At Desusa
Dam: Ch Desusa’s Flower Child
Owners: Joni Weed & Roger Weed
Breeders: Jonathan Kimes & Susa Williams
MASTER AGILITY EXCELLENT, MASTER EXCELLENT JUMPER
Ch Windsor Bihar Boom Goes The Dynamite CD AX MXJ
Sire: GCh Ch Windsor Bihar Chasing Rainbows
Dam: Ch Chic Choix Bihar Atlantica
Owners: Don Roback
Breeders: Margaret Cropsey & Carol A. Strong
OBEDIENCE MASTER 2 & VERSATILITY
Ch Taywil’s Kickin’ Aster VCD3 UDX OM2 VER RA MX MXJ MJB OF
Sire: Ch Bihar ‘N Annex Tucker
Dam: Ch Taywil’s Sunny Twinkle
Owners: Laura Boyce & Emmett Wiggins
Breeders: Herbert H Williams & John C. Taylor
55
September 2012
MASTER SILVER JUMPER 2 & MASTER AGILITY CH 3
CH OTCH MACH3 Taywils Wolfs Bane UDX OM4 VER MXC MUS2 XF
Sire: Ch Duncara Lucky Break
Dam: Taywil’s Candy Tuft
Owner: Don Roback
Breeders: Herb Williams & John Taylor
MASTER SILVER JUMPER 4 & MASTER AGILITY CH 12
Ch MACH12 Geolen’s Here Comes Tucker CD RE XF
Sire: Geolen’s Jolly Jamboree
Dam: Geolen’s Sweet Anticipation
Owners: Gary & Ruthie Nordahl
Breeder: Lenore M. Gish
HUGE CONGRATS TO DON ROBACK AND J
ON THEIR MACH 3
AND GARY NORDAHL AND TUCKER ON
THEIR MACH 12
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September 2012
MEMBERSHIP:
Submitted by: Don Roback, Membership Chair
Congratulations to new members:
Flynn Gentry-Taylor (full member)
Richard & Jennifer Lawless (full members)
57
September 2012
Tail’s End
Submitted by: Kat Roll
This issue of Headlions was especially interesting to put together for me, since
the dog sports are truly my favorite form of competition. I am still fairly new to
sports. Pippin, my Puli, was my first true sports dog. He is a high energy herding
dog that is always ready to work and I have never had to work to keep him
motivated. My biggest problem with him is just how fast he truly is! I thought
that going to a smaller dog would mean that I would have a slower dog that
would be easier to keep up with in the ring. I sure got that one wrong! My 2
Löwchen can keep up with him every step of the way. It has truly been a
learning experience to work with my little lions. They have the same speed and
drive of my herding boy, but I have to make sure that they are truly having fun
and I have to keep training sessions short and fun. Unlike Pippin, the lions
become bored easily and start trying to make up their own games or just stop
working completely. I feel like I have become a much better trainer since
Sawyer and Nadia have come into my life. Training them is always a learning
experience for all of us. I have to really read them and make sure that they stay
motivated in a way that I have never had to do with another dog. I have
enjoyed reading about other people’s experiences with this fun little breed and I
look forward to seeing some of these dogs in action at both the LCA Nationals
and the Eukanuba Invitational.
…The End
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September 2012