 The last time we judged in Greece was three years ago. Both Gene and I were delighted to see the improvement, both in the quality of the dogs being exhibited and in the presentation of the exhibits. A degree of sophistication has evolved which is most encouraging. Some of this is the result of outside influences and some is due to the recognition by the Greek dog show goers of the need for self-improvement. There was a large increase in the numbers of foreign dogs being shown. Most happily for everyone, the Greek breeders, too, have matured to an equal level, and in some instances have surpassed the wildest hopes and expectations of the international dog world itself. I cite as an example the fact that 5 of the 10 Groups (FCI, of course) were Greek-bred and owned dogs, and certainly on Sunday, two of the best dogs I have seen in a long time won their groups. Both were bred in Greece, and interestingly, both have American bloodlines behind them. The Lhasa Apso was the breed winner at the European World Show, and is a totally awesome exhibit. The other was a black American Cocker Spaniel. More on both of them later on.
The first night, a Peke bred in England and owned in Russia was the victor. A most impressive dog with a grand face. He was silver gray in body with a black mask. A bit sizey for me but a superior looking exhibit. I never did judge him, but the next night Gene judged both the breed and Toy Group. The Lhasa was first and the Peke second. Then a Standard Poodle from the U.K.-truly impressive third in the group both days.
The second night, a Greek-owned, bred and handled dog won both of his groups and was best Greek Dog in Show both days and was adjudicated Best in Show overall. He was bred and shown by Nick Kanales, who has had and continues to have tremendous success with this breed, both on the Continent and in the U.K. He has multiple Best in Shows with various OES in all three places. Of course, the tail on this "Bob-tail" is disconcerting to the American eye, but when standing still it keeps the outline perfectly. Did the tail appeal to me? No, but fortunately I didn't have to judge that dog nor apply their standard to it either! Nonetheless, he is a fine example of the breed and could hold his own anywhere in the world, in both type and movement. I saw his sister, who is not quite as developed yet has as much in coat, but she is a real comer for sure.
On to a Greek-bred open Black American Cocker which caught my eye the first night. Gene awarded him the Group, and I was fortunate enough to judge him both in the breed and in the Group the second night. When was the last time you touched a dog and just never wanted to stop touching it? This dog was put down to perfection with a face and movement that was unsurpassed. A shoulder and top line not to be believed. Would I love to see him shown here, you know I would. Obviously I too awarded him his Group and he went onto Reserve BIS.
The breathtaking Lhasa, I have already told you about, and he was not shown the first day. I judged him in the breed the day Gene awarded him the Group and he could win anywhereÑand has!
I adjudicated many terriers the first day (not Kerrys, I hasten to add) and found what I considered a really good junior Westie exhibit from Italy for the breed and the Group. Gene gave him second to a Kerry I did not have (how it was beaten in the breed on my day is a mystery) from Russia. I don't know what I would have done had I had both of them in the ring together. The Westie, though, sure did look awfully promising. I had a lovely brindle male Scottie from France which wouldn't show in the group ring but was fine in the breed ring. I awarded him second in the group, while both Gene and I awarded a very useful Airedale bitch (with a tail) from Russia Group 3. There was also an Amstaff from Romania which I had no ribbon for, but that I wished I could have placed as well. If you think I was impressed with many of the terriers, you are surely right on.
The lovely exhibition hall that housed the show was a venue par excellence. Below is the layout. The event was called ÒThe Dog FestivalÓ and, indeed, it was just that. Thousands of Athenians came to visit, and the concessionaires were way above average as well. This was a weekend meant to celebrate the lifestyle of the dog in a festive manner, and believe me, it did just that. Hats off to Leo Zouboulidis, president of the Athens Canine Society. And if any of you need a Steward or two, I can tell you these English-speaking Greek guys and dolls were some of the best in the trade worldwide. It was a great weekend and show for sure. •
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