280 — Richard Lopaschuk on Form and Function, Education and Judging | Pure Dog Talk

Summary: Richard Lopaschuk on Form and Function, Education and Judging<br> Richard Lopaschuk, an all-breeds judge from Canada, said his priority in the ring is form and function.<br> <br> “All these breeds have a specific function,” Lopaschuk said. “If the form doesn’t match what they’re supposed to do, that’s how I assess what I have in the ring.”<br> <br> Richard and Nancy Lopaschuk, 54 years married and involved in purebred dogs.<br> <br> Lopaschuk and his wife Nancy started in dogs 54 years ago with a German Shepherd Dog they showed in obedience. Like many other breeders, they competed in their first fun match, won a ribbon and were hooked for life. They bred GSD for 25 years, later moving in to Miniature Schnauzers, Cairn Terriers and most recently Papillons.<br> <br> The Lopaschuk family stayed deeply involved in breeding, showing, judging, founding kennel clubs and competing in performance events with their dogs. Health testing, Lopaschuk said, was always a priority for their dogs in breeding programs. One of their first Papillons participated in initial testing to develop a marker for PRA in the breed.<br> Don’t be a drive-by dog enthusiast<br> “If you want to get in to show dog scene,” Lopaschuk said, “sit around the ring from 8 a.m. til best in show. Observe as many breeds as you possibly can. Watch the breed you like for several days. Get a perspective. Decide whether you’re going to be compatible with that breed.”<br> <br> All-breeds judge Richard Lopaschuk from Canada judging best in show.<br> <br> The difficulty with people today, Lopaschuk noted, is that when the breed is finished, they go home. They have no idea of perspective regarding other dogs in the ring.<br> <br> “Novice handlers often have excellent dogs,” Lopaschuk said. “I don’t care how it’s handled. I sometimes see younger dogs that need to be trained. But I won’t *not* put up just because of the training, if the conformation is better.”<br> Education is the key<br> Lopaschuk said long time breeders and clubs need to educate anybody that’s interested in owning a dog, make sure they buy the right dog, and know what they have to do to develop a great pet.