I was going through some old files and came across Peke photos sent to me by Irene Schlintz. In order of printing, they are:

A - Luc Boileau showing Ed Jenner's Ch. Wendessa Crown Prince. Mrs. Schlintz is the judge.

B - Nigel Aubrey-Jones handling St. Aubrey Debonaire of Elsdon in April 1965 to Best under Percy Roberts.

C - Stanley Dangerfield awarding Dr. and Mrs. H.L. Huggins' Peke, Ch. Mar-Pat Man'D Sun of Monte Verde Best in Show in the mid-'60s. Handler Frank Sabella.

D - Hollis Wilson awarding Best to Int. Ch. Mandarin's Kentucky Colonel, with Lorraine Heickel handling.

E - Tom Crowe handling Ch. Bettinas Kow Kow to Best under Mr. Roberts.

Leave it to Lou Auslander and IKC to come up with the novel idea of holding a bench show without actually benching the dogs! Think of the money and time to be saved. IKC will provide marked areas for crates and setups on the floor of McCormick Place in lieu of benching. If this works well, it could revolutionize the world of the remaining bench-show-giving clubs. With costs increasing over 40 percent to hold this show, and increases to the exhibitors just fractionally higher, this idea will both preserve the tradition of the bench show (modified greatly, of course) and enable IKC to continue its great community and charitable work for dogs. Lou's “Letter to the Editor” about this program is contained in this issue of DOG NEWS. That's the “FIRST” first.
The second first concerns the Full Litter Registration program announced in DOG NEWS last week. It seems AKC has started a new and long overdue program whereby breeders may, at their option, register all dogs in a litter at the time of litter registration. This is similar to the single-tier registration in effect forever in the U.K. and comparable to the CKC scheme. As strong proponents of this concept, we were personally delighted to hear that AKC was introducing this pilot program. And at a discounted price for one year, to boot! Well, wouldn't you know, on the day the press release was received, we were ready to register a litter born in our house. Lo and behold, we became the first people to do so! Hopefully, lots more of you will be following suit. Of course, this is but an initial step. Now, the people we sell the pups to will hopefully register them in their name as well, but at least as breeders we are now assured that the entire litter is registered and named.
Last week, I asked the “Question of the Week” about showing dogs in 100-degree heat. Most everyone agreed that it was not a wise move. Certainly, when racetracks cancel entire slates of races for the day due to the heat, one would think concern would surely spring up in the dog world. Handlers with full strings of dogs in air-conditioned trucks, motor homes and vans may be able to rationalize the situation. Income, of course, being their major factor. And perhaps under some circumstances this is acceptable. Not to me, but I can see their point of view. What is totally unacceptable is the flying in and/or driving in of dogs from outside their territories in these instances. I mean, coming in with the single entry is nothing more than going for the win—just as flying out after two days in one hot place to go elsewhere is win-oriented. Certainly, there are differences in opinion as to whom, if anyone, should step in and monitor these situations. The traditionalist in the sport puts the onus on the owner. Personally, I think it is high time AKC stepped into the picture. Just as the New York Racing Association convened a meeting of jockeys, veterinarians, stewards and owners in order to get a consensus to call off the day's races in Saratoga. This at a loss of $14 million in betting receipts. So AKC must establish a procedure to handle dog-related heat problems—real or anticipated.
And whilst on this subject, how many times in a week or a month do you think a dog should be allowed to be exhibited? And one step further, how many assignments in a two-week period should a judge be allowed to accept? Or are these problems with which AKC should not be involved? From where I sit, they must establish policies in these areas as well, and forthwith, too. •