Breeder Interviews for ShowSight magazine 2020

As a breeder, exhibitor, and long time board member of the Barbet Club of America, Judy is instrumental in promoting the Barbet in the United States. Also involved with Whippets since 1985, Judy lives at Hickory Tavern Farm and is the delegate for the Western Pennsylvania Kennel Association.

Where do you live? What do you do “outside” of dogs?
Hickory, Pennsylvania. Gardening, cycling, boating, and our Maryland lake house take up our ‘non-dog’ time.

How has the breed’s recent AKC recognition affected you?  
Being part of the regular Sporting group has changed how much we are showing Barbet. Competing for real group placements and Grand Championships is much more fulfilling than our years in Miscellaneous. There is more awareness of the breed among dog people.

What special challenges do breeders face in our current economic and social climate?
The global pandemic has affected and limited our breeding plans although the market for pet puppies has never been stronger.

What definite signs of show-worthiness are you looking for in your puppies?  
I am always attracted to the wide, thick, square, substantial pups who have enough neck and a strong topline. In addition to all the pieces of conformation and carriage, I want to see a puppy who stands well over her feet and thinks a lot of herself. I spend most of my time watching the puppies loose in the yard and I am continually noting who stands out. 

What is the most important thing about the breed for a new judge to keep in mind? 
It’s important for judges to remember that the Barbet is a Sporting retriever and should not be evaluated solely on the hair. Under the coat the dog should have hard fitness, strong, sound skeletal construction, substance without coarseness, and an attitude of playful exuberance. The profuse coat should be the well-conditioned finish on a dog with smart carriage. 

What’s the best way to attract newcomers to your breed and to the sport?
I wish I knew the answer to this. I would love to see Barbet gain more serious breeders who can thoughtfully produce a consistent, quality type. 

What is your goal as a breeder? 
The perfect Barbet exists in my head and my goal is to breed a high quality, healthy, recognizable family of dogs who maintain similar type, carriage, attitude and conformation. I am pleased with how they’re improving as we go and each one of them has attributes that I value; the goal is consistently putting it all together in one dog. 

What is your favorite dog show memory? My favorite Barbet memory is winning the breed with Flynn (Ch. Hickory Tavern Wish Upon A Star CM DS FDC) under Jamie Hubbard at the first Barbet club show in Orlando. Otherwise, it’s absolutely Westminster 2020 with Bourbon winning the Hound group and Reserve Best in Show.

Pure Dog Talk on Barbet with Judy Descutner

I was so pleased to speak with Laura Reeves of the podcast Pure Dog Talk. You can listen to her episode on the Barbet by clicking on the link below.

Canine Chronicle March 2020

Happy to see our girls in the March 2020 issue of the Chronicle

Solene: Another Barbet Champion

Right before Westminster, Solene and I went to Indianapolis to show for two days to try and earn her final three points for her championship. At 8 years old, Solene is competing with girls who are much younger than her, but her type, style, and correct movement make her still competitive. The first day she was Reserve Winners to a major and the second day she was Winners Bitch for 5 points to finish her AKC championship. Solene became the second Barbet bitch to earn a championship, following in her daughter Flynn's footsteps. Flynn and Solene are also the first two American bred Barbet with AKC championships. We are incredibly proud of our girls.

American and Canadian Champion Hickory Tavern Intl Intrigue CM

Thanks to judge Anne Savory Bolus

After finishing her championship, Solene won Group 3 in a large OH ring. Thanks to judge James Albrecht.

After dropping off the dogs at home, we flew to New York for the Purina Show Dogs awards dinner. We celebrated Bourbon's incredible year as the #1 Whippet, #1 Hound, and #2/3 All breeds.

Champion Flynn and other Barbet Wins!

We've had a great start to the year with Barbet entering the AKC Sporting group as of January 1, 2020. We've shown dogs in Maryland, Ohio, and Florida. Flynn earned her AKC championship January 10 and Solene is close on her heels. Flynn also has several OH Group placements. We are so excited to be part of the Sporting group. Our thanks to Justin Smithey, Erica Cross, Janet Evans, and Moira for the help!

OH Group 2 - Dr Norbert Dee

Flynn in the Sporting Group

First AKC Points awarded to Flynn

Flynn's AKC Championship - Barbara Alderman

Other dogs we bred were showing and winning in Virginia, Massachusetts, New Jersey, and California. We are so proud of our dogs!

Flynn Receives Her NADD Dock Diving Invitation!

 

Flynn got mail yesterday -- her formal invitation to the NADD Dock Diving National Championships! We are so excited that she'll be participating in Orlando. Good girl Flynn! 2018 is the first year that a Barbet will compete in Orlando. Best of luck to Flynn and Astrid!

Barbet Grooming Chart

Often I am contacted by groomers who wonder just how the Barbet is to be trimmed. I created this drawing to help but over the years I've found that hand scissoring is the only way to achieve the correct coat on the Barbet. Longer on the top of the head, shorter on the neck and back, long on the legs, shorter on the belly...it's been a lot of trial and error to come up with the trim that I'm happy with on my dogs but I do feel like my dogs are now consistently presented with an easy and attractive cut.

Dana's Photo Shoot

I sat down and Dana plopped herself on my legs!

Sweet puppy face

Hickory Tavern Former Child Star - Dana

Congratulations to new CM Winner Alainn!

This beautiful dog is UKC Ch Hickory Tavern Finally Friday CM. "Alainn" is one of the Claire kids from her litter sired by Quaciendas Thunus Georgii. Alainn earned her Certificate of Merit this past weekend, becoming the 9th Barbet and the 4th Hickory Tavern Barbet to earn the CM title! Alainn is owned by Lynn Vogt-Kinsey and Leslie Woodward and is shown by Leslie. They have done a beautiful job raising Alainn into a wonderful show dog and super fun pet!

Congratulations to New Canadian Champion Beau!!

Can Ch Hickory Tavern Fool For Brookberry

'Beau' is co-owned with Donna and Stephanie Forte and is handled by Stephanie

We are so excited about this young dog. He will be shown in the US while he works on his Certificate of Merit. He will also be siring his first litters this year. Beau is OFA Good Hips, Normal Elbows, Normal Thyroid, Normal Cardiac, and Normal Eyes. He also has a super fun and goofy personality. Beau is a beautiful moving dog with an outstanding front assembly. He reminds me so much of his Dutch mother, Nessa. Donna and Stephanie are doing a fabulous job with their first Barbet!

Barbet Now At Regular AKC Shows!

Leslie introduces Micah to a new friend

Micah, Can Ch Hickory Tavern Secret Liaison CM, won Best in Miscellaneous last weekend in Tallmadge, OH, during the very first weekend that Barbet were shown in AKC Miscellaneous. Thanks to judge Bill Sahloff. We are so proud of Micah and the wonderful home given to him by owners Leslie Woodward and Lynn Vogt-Kinsey. Micah is Marlee's big brother, and he is a sweetheart. Sister Meg just had her first litter of puppies in Wisconsin. This litter of Bosch x Solene just keeps getting better.

Marlee - Last AKC FSS Appearance for the Barbet

This shot by Candid Canine Photography is the last appearance ever for a Barbet in the AKC FSS Group. Taken in Orlando during the AKC National Championship, our Marlee won a Group 2. As of January 1, the Barbet moves into Miscellaneous and the wider world of AKC dog shows! We are so proud of the advancement of this beautiful breed and look forward to showing a lot more in 2017. Local shows, favorite shows, new shows...America is open to the Barbet!

So Lucky!

We are so lucky to share our home with our beautiful dogs. This fun Facebook creation of our most used words reflects an exciting year past :)

Marlee Wins at the AKC National Championship!

Marlee wrapped up the show year with another spectacular win, Best of Breed and FSS Group 2 at the AKC National Championship in Orlando, FL. Beginning in January, the Barbet moves on to the Miscellaneous group, making our AKC show opportunities much more accessible. We are so proud of our dogs and have enjoyed helping this beautiful breed get started with the American Kennel Club.   Look for us around the dog shows as we make this next step in America!

Hickory Tavern Final Grade CAA RN CGC THDN, one of America's Most Titled Barbet

Last weekend, little spitfire Hickory Tavern Final Grade CAA RN CGC THDN, also known as Fia, earned her AKC Coursing Ability Advanced title. From her first serendipitous lure course last May, Fia has become a fierce girl on the chase! Amazing to watch her in action. Congratulations to Leonard Tena for handling Fia to her CAA title, and to the entire Tena Family for their devotion to Barbet Fia!

One Week Pups

This week has flown by! The puppies have almost doubled their weight and they look terrific. Solene continues to be a sensational mother who keeps the puppies spotless and rarely leaves the whelping box. The puppies are really crawling around well, and they let Solene know when they need a feeding!

Our Second Spring Litter!

Our wonderful Claire was confirmed pregnant today and our second spring litter is on the way! More than likely, these two litters of Solene and Claire will be our only 2016 breedings. We are very excited to welcome Claire's pups. This litter is Pascal's first and Claire's last. Puppies due April 7.

Barbet Art for the Barbet Club of America

My good friend Leslie Woodward created these three images for our AKC/Westminster Meet the Breeds booth this year. I think you'll agree they are spectacular! We are excited for these beautiful posters to grace our breed booth and, after Meet the Breeds wraps up, these images will be available as prints, notecards, mugs, and other items as fundraisers for the Barbet Club of America. The online store for these images is CafePress/Barbet

Solene Best of FSS Breeds at Eukanuba!

Here's a picture of a special win for Solene and me. FSS Group 1 during Eukanuba week in Florida at the KCUSA Open Show under esteemed judge Pluis Davern. This was a very large entry and Solene showed beautifully. Solene has always been so special to me and it is a thrill to get her in front of a crowd. Thanks to judge Davern for appreciating her so much!!

Eukanuba/AKC National Championship Results

We are thrilled beyond words at our success in Florida last week. Our Barbet Solene won Best FSS at the Open Show under esteemed judge Pluis Davern, and Miffy the Spinone won the NOHS Sporting Group Thursday under Karen Hynek!! Show pictures to follow soon!!

Hickory Tavern Intl Intrigue CM
Winner of FSS Group, Orlando, FL

GCh Nodessa Dal Podere Antico
Winner of NOHS Sporting Group, Orlando, FL