 DR.
RICHARD GREATHOUSE, M.D. needs no introduction among dog
fanciers but here are some things you may not know about the distinguished Kentucky gentleman.
Dr. Greathouse has been judging for forty nine years
but no, he’s not All-Breed judge. He’s content to adjudicate Hound, Working, Terrier, and Herding
Groups, plus some other breeds.
He is also one of the most popular judges amongst the
Junior Showmanship crowd. In fact, he told us about a unique
program for young people.
“I recently did a ‘Junior Judging
Contest’ which I believe was first done about twenty years ago at
the Chicago International show. We had about 20 kids come in and judge some Borders,
Collies, Boxers, and Staffordshire Terriers. After I had gone over
the dogs and given my anonymous placements to the Steward, the
Juniors came in and judged the same dogs.
“Then they sat down at the AKC table, wrote down and
justified their placements. They were given a grade from 0 to 100
and the highest scoring kid won the contest. I hadn’t done that
program before but I highly recommend it to other clubs.
“It’s based on the 4-H judging for live-stock and the
4-H club was involved in this. In fact, it wouldn’t hurt for the
American Kennel Club to have their prospective judges do this.”
Dr. Greathouse began showing Rough Collies in 1954 and
still supports the breed as one of the founding members of the
Collie Health Foundation. Although he later used professional
handlers, he was a successful owner-handler and always gives
consideration to a novice handled exhibit.
When the Working Group split into Working and Herding,
Dr. Greathouse judged the first Herding Group at Westminster in
about 1984.
You might have seen him on TV in the boxing ring - as
ring doctor. His medical specialty is Sports Athletics. He was on
the Kentucky State Athletic Committee along with Fred Lampson, who
was Chairman… and who showed Collies.
Dr. Greathouse also took care of All Breed Judge Joe
Gregory’s Kentucky Colonels, an All Star high school basketball
team.
Asked about his personal dogs today, he replied “We
have the Norwich Terrier and Papillons. In fact, we have three
Norwich pup-pies right now and they are probably the best I’ve seen
in twenty years. Most people don’t want to put in 3 - 4 hours a day
working on the coats nowadays.”
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“By the way,
my wife and I enjoyed the Therapy Dog story in the last paper. We
have a Newfie Therapy Dog. He’s absolutely the sweetest dog and he
helps my wife in many ways.”
We’re glad you like the paper! And you are right; Newfoundlands really are wonderful! Tell us, which breed do you
think is most improved?
“Probably the Smooth Collie but ‘shoe button’ eyes
can ruin the expression.”
Well, what’s the most important physical characteristic
you look for in a dog?
“Type and overall balance, when assessing a dog, a
class or a Group lineup.”
Do you evaluate puppies as puppies or as adults when
selecting Winners?
“Both! I see puppies as puppies but if they are
good enough, they can win.”
Handlers, pay attention. The most annoying thing
exhibitors do is “Throw liver as bait.”
My next question brought an equally succinct answer.
What is the most important thing exhibitors should do?
“Show a really good dog…”
An in-demand judge, he prefers to drive but flies
to distant assignments including inter-national shows. He
appreciates having good quarters (accommodations) and being picked
up on time.
So what is the most in-considerate thing a club can do
to judges?
“Ignore hospitality. And condone the breeding of bad
dogs nowadays.”
Is he a Club Delegate?
“I was Delegate for the
Louisville Kennel Club for seven years. Biggest waste of time I
ever spent in dogs!”
Dr. Greathouse, what advice would you give aspiring
judges?
“Mentor with knowledge. Your experience, good breed
knowledge, and studying good dogs will lead to becoming a good
judge.”
We talked for a minute about days gone by,
opportunities and people missed. Bobby Barlow was one of my handler
heroes and turns out, someone deeply missed by the Doc. When Bobby quit judging and went back to handling, I
interviewed him. (see
ProFiles - Mr. Bobby Barlow). Those were good times. We talked
to Bobby frequently and the last time, he seemed in good spirits but
the very next week, the cancer took him. His untimely death was a
huge loss to the sport.
On that sad note, the Doc shared one last bit advice –
“Don’t look back.”
He’s right. We’ll treasure our friends in the sport. We
will learn from each other and from our mistakes but
we’ll look to the future.
Thanks Doc…
Interview by Barbara "BJ" Andrews - Publisher
 Barbara
J. Andrews is author of seven breed books and a columnist for major
dog publications since 1968, including the AKC Gazette. BJ and
husband Bill (deceased) have bred over 260 AKC Champions, top ranked
national winners, and ROM sires and dams. |
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