Chris Walkowicz is considered the first and the last word in Bearded Collies. She and her husband, Ed, founded the very successful breeding program known as "Walkoway" and has authored many highly acclaimed breed books including of course, The Bearded Collie and The German Shepherd Dog on her breeds.

Her profession outside of dogs was that of Legal Secretary, followed by a stellar career as a freelance writer. She has authored more than 800 columns and articles and is currently the author of eight 8 books. Chris’ first litter and first show dog was the German Shepherd. She is no longer breeding but remains very active in the sport through Rescue work, the Bearded Collie Foundation for Health (BeaCon), as Coordinator for Judges Education. She is chair of the Illustrated Standard committee, President of Dog Writers Assn. of America, and serves regional, national and local all-breed clubs.

We asked her when, and why did you decide to become a judge?

CW: Applied in ’94; couldn’t run around the ring any more ;-). Like many others, wanted to stay active in the sport and felt this was a natural progression.

TDP: Do you use the internet and do you find it a helpful tool in dogs?

CW: Absolutely, and absolutely.

TDP: Do you have an opinion on the future as regards AKC and High Volume Breeders?

CW: I can see both sides. Looking at it from the viewpoint of a dog lover, I hate being "lumped" with commercial kennels (though I was not a HVB) and would like to see them go away. Realistically, they aren’t, and whatever we can do to raise the standards of the animals raised in them is worthwhile.

TDP: Do you still exhibit and if not, why not?

CW: No, burned out.

TDP: Is the sport better off than ten years ago?

CW: The depth of quality doesn’t seem to be there, unless it’s just spread around to so many shows, but educational possibilities are much greater than they ever were. AKC is trying many innovative policies, such as the Advanced Institutes. The DNA test is a positive thing.

TDP: On which do you rely the most, visual or manual examination?

CW: Visual with smooth and short-coated breeds, and I’d say 60/40 visual with coated breeds. But if you want one word -- visual.

TDP: When you first look down the line, what draws your eye?

CW: Type, outline, that LOOK

TDP: In addition to overall quality, which is more important, showmanship or condition?

CW: It depends...we all like a good showman. Condition is temporary unless it’s extreme. Out of coat doesn’t bother me; a tad underweight doesn’t bother me. Dead, dirty coats and more than 5 pounds either way does make a difference. Soft and flabby definitely makes a difference. I want to see and feel that muscle tone.

TDP: How do you feel about the use of bait or squeakies?

CW: With judicious use, they’re ok. Too many handlers simply don’t know how to use them to the dog’s best advantage.

TDP: Which breed(s) are you most comfortable judging & why?

CW: Herding and Working, as that’s where I started -- especially my breeds of origin: German Shepherds and Bearded Collies

TDP: What is the biggest problem in that breed today? Greatest strength?

CW: Shepherds - pros are many, many with good shoulders; pigment is better, less extreme than past years, versatility. Cons? Going away, feet, bitchy heads in dogs, often shown too fast, some timidity. In Beardies, pros are type, pigment, expression, versatility, and temperament. Cons - proportion, trimming, fronts, lack of bone.

TDP: Do you plan to apply for new breeds? Which ones?

CW: Yes, balance of the Working group, and eventually (and hopefully) Sporting.

TDP: Where would you go first to learn a new breed? Judge? Breeder? Handler? Seminar?

CW: National breed studies, regional breeder mentors; seminars depend on the presenter. I do learn a lot during observations.

TDP: What would you like to say to each exhibitor as they enter the ring?

CW: Have fun! Loose lead please. I would also say take advantage of the educational opportunities that exist within clubs, Nationals and AKC. I remember when seminars used to draw 300+ people. Now 10-15 is average. We’ve gone astray in wanting that scrap of silk and those ratings. Few people seem to care about a breeding program any more.

Ms. Chris Walkowicz