Conformation
Sunday, March 19th
Judge's Bio: Linda Friedow
I have always had a love of dogs. My introduction to dog shows began while in high school. I learned to love the sport since I had very few wins. I would spend the entire day at the show, watching and listening. I learned the faults my dog had and that the best thing I could do was to enjoy her but spay her. She was my companion for 16 years. While attending college to be a veterinary technician, I handled a few dogs to stay "in the game". I met my husband, Rory, at Iowa State where he was a vet student. It was at the vet school that he had seen his first Tervuren. He chose the breed and I insisted that it must be a show dog. That first Tervuren was to become the foundation of Tervuren of Anduin. She was Ch Aerin of Anduin CDX, triple BAR and twice Select at National. We are currently on our fifth generation "of Anduin".
Our first Malinois was "Fergus", a rescue/rehome that was turned over to Rory's practice just a week before Christmas. He was still a puppy with a mysterious limp and an infectious charm. Due to serious health problems he only lived for 4 years, but he left such an impression on our household, that we began our search for another Malinois to join our Tervs. This time, we both wanted a show quality bitch. Our search led us to "Hester", Ch Tresbecc HysTaria of Anduin UD NA, ROM, group winner. She has produced two litters for us to date.
We are very proud of the 40+ direct champions and multiple performance titles that the dogs of Anduin have achieved. We believe that our dogs need to have the ability and willingness to work in whatever venue their owners choose. And that no matter what titles they may achieve, no title means more than "beloved companion". I thank the owners for all they have given.
We live with 6 dogs; 3 Tervuren and 3 Malinois. We enjoy working our dogs in conformation, obedience, agility, tracking, and a bit of herding. We live on a small farm with cats ( inside and outside ones), sheep, chickens, geese and a goat. We have two grown sons who also have a love of dogs. I have worked as a librarian for 12 years. I am a member of the ABMC and ABTC, currently serving as it's president.
A National Specialty is an event to be savored. Participate in all you can, as an exhibitor or as a spectator. To truly appreciate the versatility of our amazing breed, you need to witness every event you can. I am very honored by this assignment. Enjoy yourselves, I know I will!
Sweepstakes Judge's Bio: Marti Moses
My entire life has been spent in the company of dogs (not to mention cats, horses and various reptiles and amphibians). Like many youngsters I fell in love with the German Shepherd, likely the result of the old TV programs, and at 13 I got my first of a long line of Shepherds. While not conformation dogs, they were my constant companions and my privilege to love and train in 4H and obedience.
As with most young adults there was a time when having a dog was just not possible due to living arrangements. However, when Jim and I bought a house with a yard bigger than a postage stamp the first acquisition was a German Shepherd puppy. He was our first show dog and our first love. It was through him that we got involved in the conformation world and met the Malinois.
Our first two Mals came to us as adults from Carol and Frank Knock, CH Tri Sorts Sweet Thing (Taffy) and CH Hardcastle de La Ferme (Jack). Over the next several years I was co-breeder with Carol on several litters including the two from Taffy. Along with the Malinois came our involvement in the American Belgian Malinois Club. I know I speak for both Jim and myself when I say it has been a privilege to serve the club in several capacities and a joy to watch the club grow and mature. Thank you to all club members.
When Jim retired from the Navy we moved to the Eastern shore of the Chesapeake Bay and finally had room to do some serious breeding. We were again fortunate to purchase our bitch CH Tri Sorts Holly from Carol and Frank. She is a true special, finishing her championship at 6 months and 3 weeks she went on to win or place in several groups before becoming our foundation bitch. Under the kennel name of Cove Point she has produced two of our litters for us so far. Currently we live on 28 acres of field, forest and beachfront. Sharing all of that with us are our 10 incredible Malinois companions.
We have been so fortunate to have had such wonderful mentors along the way and while we are proud of the champions of the breed ring we have produced, we are even more proud of our pups who have become champions of their owners' hearts. Through our puppies and the ABMC we have made some wonderful life-long friends.
My goal, as always, is to further the Belgian Malinois breed through the dogs I breed and by helping the ABMC all I can. I have appreciated the opportunities for participation as membership chair and through being part of the Judge's Education committee. The National Specialty is so much more to me than a large Malinois show. It is a chance to see the people I got to know while doing membership, put faces to all the names, and watch the dogs improve over the years. Regardless of who wins which ribbons, the National Specialty experience renews my enthusiasm each year and reminds me of what a great bunch of people make up our club. Judging sweeps at the National Specialty is a great honor and I can't begin to describe how sincerely grateful I am for the opportunity.
