Israeli Jubilee

Photos: Yossi Guy and Yigal Pardo

For many centuries, Jews worldwide did not really breed dogs. The Jewish religion has several aversions to keeping dogs — even though it is possible — in particular the fact that they are considered “impure.” A large number of Jews who came to Israel were from North African and Middle Eastern countries where dogs are not usually kept as pets. People in those countries used dogs mainly as guards and as hunters. Since most Jews did not live in rural areas, they were not accustomed to having dogs.

But in Europe, the situation was not the same. Jews in those countries did live with local neighbors who kept dogs, but the Jewish religion had many sanctions against having dogs as pets. Only German Jews were used to breeding dogs and having them as pets. A famous ex-German Jewish couple, Rudolph and Rudolphina Menzel, were among the first to establish a kennel in Israel where they would also train dogs for various goals, including dogs for the blind, search and rescue dogs, and guard dogs for the military. During World War II, they provided trained dogs for the British military.

The Menzels also founded the first kennel club in Israel, based on German principles. They opened a stud book and held the first dog shows back in the ’40s. Their organization was based on several regional clubs, not necessarily for particular breeds, but for people who lived in certain regions.

A couple of decades later, another organization was founded by Dr. Rita and Prof. Zeev Trainin. They had met in Switzerland, where they studied veterinary medicine. Rita was born in Finland and brought with her the Finnish approach, which was much less strict than the German approach.

In the mid-’70s, both organizations wanted to join the global Fédération Cynologique Internationale. Since FCI regulations do not allow more than one national organization, the two Israeli groups joined forces, merged and in 1973 founded the Israeli Kennel Club (IKC). Interestingly enough, there are still remainders from the two initial organizations expressed in the way different breed clubs approach their members — some with strict “German style” and others in more liberal “Finnish style.”

Over the past two decades, the massive immigration of Jews from Russia, Ukraine and other former Soviet countries has brought many more dog lovers and breeders to Israel, increasing the size of the IKC membership.

This year, the IKC is celebrating its 50th anniversary, and the major event was the Jubilee Show, held at the Expo Tel Aviv convention center in early May. The judging panel included FCI president Dr. Tamas Jakkel from Hungary; FCI vice president Gerard Jipping from Holland; FCI board member Jose M. Doval from Spain; three Slovenian judges, Tatjana Urek, Stefan Sinko and Branislav Rajic Bane; Astrid Lundava from Estonia; Janusz Opara from Poland; Dr. Milivoje Urosevic from Serbia, and two prominent Israeli judges, Dr. Zafra Sirik and Mr. Eytan Hendel.

Entries soared from the regular 700 to 800 to a whopping 1,033 dogs from 138 breeds. The highest entries were Pomeranians (31), Shiba Inu (16), Pembroke Welsh Corgis (23), Australian Shepherds (20), Shih Tzu (19) and Vizslas (20). The numbers may not sound very impressive, but one should keep in mind that the entire IKC has around 2,000 members, and very few people come from overseas to shows because the only way to arrive is by air.

The President of the IKC, Doron Rachlin, said in his opening address: “A week ago we celebrated Israel’s 75th Independence Day. We are going through difficult times and feel it well. One thing will never change, no matter what happens — dogs are and will continue to be our common denominator, something that unites us around this wonderful hobby of dog breeding and sports.

"This year we are celebrating the 50th year of the IKC, following its acceptance as a regular member of the world’s largest canine organization — the FCI. The show takes place in the Expo Tel Aviv in a festive and special format. We have a new local record in the number of entered dogs. We have built a special corner that includes two short videos about the IKC history and its honorary members.

"Winners that receive championship certificates in junior, adults and veteran classes will be entitled to the special title of Tel Aviv Winner and will receive a special certificate designed especially for this show.

"I would like to thank all our dedicated volunteers who helped put up the show and run it,” Rachlin concluded.

Dr. Milivoj Urosevic, a veteran Serbian judge, summed up his experience: “So far, I have been to Israel several times, to different shows in different places, but this one is by far the best and most beautifully organized. The showground is extremely good. The program that was held parallel to the exhibition on the lawn next to the hall is to be commended. My ring was outside the hall but very well organized. The dogs I judged were quite satisfactory. Of course, there were those who received a lower score but that happens at all shows. I especially liked the fact that they all exhibited very good character and temperament.

"I want to thank the Israeli Kennel Club for inviting me to be part of this grandiose show event,” Urosevic continued. “It was an honor to be part of the judging panel."

FCI president Tamas Jakkel made a short speech when presenting the IKC with a special plaque from the FCI.

"The 50th Anniversary of the Israeli Kennel Club's establishment in its present structure has been celebrated in Tel Aviv,” Jakkel noted. “As the president of the FCI I handed the Memorial Plate of the FCI in appreciation of their historical work.

"It was emotional to meet Prof. Zeev Trainin, who was personally one of the mentors of the procedure and the grand dame of the IKC, Ágnes Ganami Kertész.

"On this special occasion the IKC organized its CACIB show with a record entry in its history in an impressive manner and great showground.

"I had the privilege to judge the quality BIS line up topped by a lovely, typical, classic, well balanced, functional moving Golden Retriever. Second, a Keeshond, third a Lakeland Terrier.”

The Best in Show dog is Jr. and Israeli Champion Rainy Hunter Baramotz, almost two years old. He was bred by Nadav Bar-Amotz, member of Kibbutz Maabarot, who has been breeding since the ’60s and began breeding Goldens in the ’80s. The dog is the fourth generation of his breeding crossed with dogs imported from leading foreign kennels.

Alya Duchovny, one of the dog’s owners who usually handles dogs from their kennel, added: “Hunter was handled by our friend, a Golden breeder from Italy who came to visit us. The dog was supposed to go to her, but remained in Israel. However, she loves him and wanted to handle him.

"Hunter was BOB and BIS in our club’s latest show judged by breeders from Sweden. Now we are actually somewhat in a shock and are extremely happy for Nadav, Hunter’s breeder, who invested a lot in his breeding.”

Nadav Bar-Amotz provided us with some more information about his breeding, which began decades ago.

"In 1976 I was released from the military and a friend of mine gave my uncle a German Shepherd who eventually ended up with me. This was before the IKC was founded and there were two unions. I was very amateurish. I had various breeds — St. Bernard, Pyrenean Mountain Dog. I was in France and Belgium for three years and then I got a Keeshond. I later brought the first Bulldogs to Israel from South Africa and then a couple of Border Collies. Several years after that I brought the first Shar Pei from France.

"I lost interest in these breeds when I got my first Golden Retriever, in the early ’90s. When she passed away, I adopted all five dogs that belonged to Smadar Sachs, the president of the Retriever club, including one from Dewmist in Sweden. I subsequently imported several dogs that promoted my breeding. I’m now 77 years old and when I retired, I built a very nice kennel with the assistance of our kibbutz. I am very happy with the results of my breeding. We have been working with service dogs for people with special needs, something that is very satisfactory for me. We have several people who work with us. Sharon Regev is my ‘second in command’ who helps me with everything. We are able to do whatever we want because we have backing from the kibbutz and a dog-food company associated with it.”

The last Golden to win BIS was in 1983.

Branislav Rajic Bane of Slovenia judged Hounds and Pointers, both in the breed ring and the groups.

"My return to Israel after long time was filled with great expectations and turned out to be a great experience,” Rajic declared. “The honor of judging in the show that celebrated half-century of Israeli Kennel Club was the cherry on the cake. Starting with excellent digitalized immigration procedure into the country that saved lot of time (and nerves), I was pleased with the hospitality and warm care. The show itself was organized in a marvelous exhibition hall with comfortable air conditioning and a lot of space for exhibitors, dogs and judges. Computerized ring administration helped a lot for all involved. The quality of dogs has improved since I was last there, and I was glad to meet so many people speaking different languages — that meant that they had found safe shelter in this beautiful and highly developed country. Meeting old friends and colleagues was a joyful bonus for me (and for them). The last day of the visit was also special. IKC organized a tour for judges to meet a breeder and rescuer of Canaan Dogs, sightseeing of Ashkelon National Park with marvelous sea views, followed by a visit to Bedouins in the desert with a last stop at the Ben Gurion Memorial. That was a weekend to remember. Thank you and shalom, dear friends."

Janusz Opara of Poland also judged at the show. “My recent visit to Israel and the judging assignment, which coincided with the most important anniversaries of the country and its Kennel Club, brought me indescribable joy.

"While the anticipation for this event was a pleasure in itself, the actual visit turned out to far exceed my expectations.

"Saturday's show was extraordinary from the moment we arrived at the impressive show grounds. Spacious, perfectly arranged and furnished with everything you can expect for such special occasions and much, much more.

"The panel of judges was extremely international, with a strong FCI board contingent — president, vice president and member of the General Committee at one show is not something you see too often.

"Breed judging was pure pleasure with the help of the ring staff consisting of professionals with personality and attitude. My beautifully decorated ring was of a size that allowed my exhibits from FCI groups 5 and 10 to move in their natural way and style, without spatial constraints.

"The overall quality of the dogs was very pleasing; in most of breeds there was a depth of quality allowing to pick not only one star; many of those who were placed in lower places could have won themselves in slightly less fierce competition. Low-rated exhibits were few and far between.

"A breed that deserves special comment is the Canaan Dog,” Opara emphasized. “Having evaluated the breed many times in the past, I felt honored that I was entrusted with this national gem on such a special occasion. Of the four presented exhibits, BOB went to the junior male. Later I found out that not so long ago he was captured in the wild. A true pariah dog, no doubt, and a true-to-type Canaan Dog as described in the breed standard. His type, headpiece, set of ears and expression, tail carriage, movement and coat were at the level of Canaan Dog champion. His temperament and demeanor were extremely good, as we expect in a well-bred one of the well-established lines. I trust he has a lot to offer the breed. In a rapidly changing world and shrinking wilderness areas in Israel, there is a need to try hard and quickly to include as many typical specimens from the wild as possible before it is too late. We can trust that breed enthusiasts in many countries can and will do everything in their power to keep the breed in good shape, but no country other than Israel can offer a chance to expand the gene pool. The heart rejoiced to see that there was still such a possibility. My BOB male is the result of a successful cooperation between the doyenne of the breed and the new team of Canaan Dog enthusiasts and breeders. Nothing augurs better for the future than carrying the torch together before handing it to the new generation.

"The finals in the big ring were both spectacular and touching. The BIS judge, FCI President Dr. Tamas Jakkel, began his part with congratulations and handing over a commemorative plaque on the occasion of the 50th Anniversary of Israel's membership in the FCI. Few eyes remained dry listening to the kind words and watching the country's great dog-world personalities, all well known for decades, all in great shape and evidently happy being part of this historic moment. The BIS line-up was as spectacular as the entire Jubilee event."

One note regarding the author of this article. I had the opportunity to take part in something that has never been done before, to the best of my knowledge: I accompanied three local ladies who participate in Heelwork To Music, singing a live rendition of an Israeli song, “Hallelujah,” to which they danced. I couldn’t be prouder.