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Photos Yossi Guy and Alena Spivak

Considering the situation in Israel since October 7, naturally most dog shows had been put on hold, or based on local judges only. Many countries have anti-Israeli sentiment, the major problem being the approach toward Israel on local media. When an Israeli breed club wants to invite a judge from overseas, it may receive a negative response, or just be ignored.

December was the first time foreign judges gathered the strength to judge shows. Those who opened the door were Dusko and Mina Piljevic from Serbia, invited by Israel’s Toy Dog Club.

“We had actually booked the Piljevics six months earlier, but we had no problem when the date was changed to December," said Toy Club board member. "There were no particular obstacles with flights, and we promised we would remove them to a safe room if anything happened during their stay. Gladly, it went smoothly.”

Dusko Piljevic.

Serbian judge Dusko Piljevic seemed to reflect the same measured confidence in his responses to our questions about the experience.

When you received the invitation to judge in Israel, what went through your mind?

"I have been to Israel several times and I really like it. I was just glad to have a chance to visit it again.”

Did you think of the situation in Gaza and what you hear and see on the news?

"Of course, I was thinking about situation in Gaza. We were informed about military action. Lots of people lost their lives.”

What convinced you to come?

"Unfortunately, we who lived here in Serbia in ’90s were used to the fact that there was military action just a few hundred kilometers away from our city, but somehow life continued in, let’s say, its usual way. I just hoped it would be the same, or similar, in Tel Aviv. Looking back at the show, considering the circumstances, it was really well organized.”

How would you compare your winning dogs to those of other countries?

"I find the quality, in general, quite similar to quality of dogs here in Serbia … meaning, there were some exhibitors who showed their dogs with the wrong bite, even in the Open class, or in poor condition, but there also were some outstanding dogs. I really liked my main winners, and I believe they could win anywhere.”

In general, are you sorry you came? Any problems or feelings of fright?

On the contrary, I was delighted to spend some time in Tel Aviv. Hospitality was wonderful. Everyone tried to make me feel really welcome. And I didn’t see or hear or feel any threat."

What would you say to other judges who are invited to Israel now?

Come and support cynology. And don't feel afraid, because if the organizers decided it was safe for them and exhibitors, it would definitely be safe for the judge."

Robert Kotlar.

Robert Kotlar from Hungary came to judge the Toy Club last month. He had quite a large entry over two days.

When you received the invitation to judge in Israel, what went through your mind?

"As a Jew, to get an invitation from Israel always makes me happy. Of course, I heard and read a lot of news about the war, so my first question to Tal Yaffe was: Is it safe enough? He told me yes. I also texted my very close friend, Judith Ashir, about the safety, and she confirmed that I need not worry. That was enough for me.”

Looking back at the show, how was the organization?

The organization was perfect. Before my arrival I got all the details of the weekend, the breeds I would have, and the time schedules.

"I had professional ring assistants, the owners/handlers were on time for the ring, the dogs were well trained and groomed. All the winners got nice prizes, and I noticed a high level of good sportsmanship among the owners and handlers.

"The hospitality was outstanding, as it always is when I am here in Israel.”

How were your winning dogs? 

"I was really delighted with the general quality of what I had in my ring. Each breed that I judged had some outstanding specimen. Sometimes the best was the baby or puppy dog (like in the Boston Terrier), which means a great future for the breed here.

"I have to say the quality of the Japanese Chin and the King Charles was one of the highest I’ve ever seen. I also had nice-quality Shih-Tzu. And I have to mention the Pekingese, who was a Junior and alone in the breed, but representing a beautiful type with beautiful head and perfect grooming.”

In general, are you sorry you came? Any problems or feelings of fright?

Definitely not! I didn’t see any problems and I never felt afraid during my stay. I felt safe, just like at home. I am really grateful to Tal and the club for the invitation, and I am waiting to return as soon as possible.

What would you say to other judges who are invited to Israel now?

Do not hesitate to accept any invitation to Israel. If these people say it is safe to come, you can trust in them. The hospitality is great, the dogs have good quality, the people are kind, the country is beautiful.”

Dina Korna.

The latest foreign judge who came to Israel was Dina Korna from Estonia who judged a Herding Dog Club show.

Did you think of the situation in Gaza and what you hear and see on the news?

I have many friends in Israel, so I always know what really is happening  there. I was not afraid to come.

Looking back at the show, how was the organization?

The show was very well organized. It took place in nice hall, The ring was very spacious, covered with non-slip carpet.

"The ring stewards did their job perfectly, so everything went on smoothly."

How would you sum up your judging?

"I had to judge about 100 dogs in nine different breeds. The numbers in Rough Collies weren't big, but the quality was really good. BOB was young male from Intermediate class, an outstanding specimen of the breed. Of excellent size, very masculine, but the same time elegant, with beautiful head and expression, lovely silhouette, standing with great dignity, correct body and angulation, very sound movement. And the icing on the cake was excellent and correct coat. So, he finished as BIS -1. BIS-2 was my Shetland Sheepdog, and BIS-3 was my Border Collie.

"I would like to give a big thank you to the Herding Dog Club of Israel for inviting me and letting me spend a few lovely days in a country I love deeply, and tshowing me a lot of beautiful dogs!"

Arnaldo Cotugno.

The most recent judge was Arnaldo Cotugno from Italy who judged a Sighthound and Mastiff show.

What convinced you to come?

"Israel is a place where all of us have something to learn, especially if we are connected to Sighthounds. If the fear is to die, I’m sorry but we cannot decide how to … death will come wherever we are, and  there is no safe place to preserve us from it."

How was your stay? Did you have any problems?

"I wasn't afraid to travel, just cautious on my stay in a country that is going through a horrible rime. I was probably the only foreigner on my flight to Tel Aviv and I got the most of the scrutiny from the police at the airport. 

"So, alI told it’s passion for the dogs that helped me travel to Israel. Any place offers us the possibility to grow, and Israel is one of these places. Unfortunately, I was not able to tour the country as I would have liked to … and this will be a good reason to come back one more time as I promised my wife, I want her to see it, too."

How would you sum your judging?

"Here people live with their dogs as family members, and I like this a lot. Everyone who was at the show had their own dog, and the show was like a family reunion where we discussed the dogs and the represented breeds.

"Among others, I was impressed by the quality of Saluki, as expected, as well as Italian Greyhounds and Cane Corso. The Salukis touched my soul, and were nicely presented. My male who was later Best in Show truly stole my heart due to his movement. The Best Female had true desert type. Both of them, not standing perfectly for different reasons, were shouting their breed in their movement. My Reserve BIS went to my Italian Greyhound … a super young black beauty! I am curious to see what will happen in a couple of years. Cane Corso were nicely represented and my Best of Breed was a female that would be considered super high quality in any country, thanks to her type and movement."

The Other End of the Lead

Far right, Tal Hasin.

Israeli exhibitor Tal Hasin has a story that is quite sad.

Hasin was born and resided in the northernmost city of Kiryat Shemona, quite close to the border with Lebanon. The day after the war began, his city was severely bombarded by missiles launched by Lebanese terrorists. Hasin, like the majority of the local population, had no alternative but to leave the town and go to another, safer location. Until then, he ran his own grooming salon in Kiryat Shmona. Naturally, his income has seriously been decreased. After he gathered some clothes and other items, he took his dogs and relocated to Tiberias, about two hours away. Their landlady eventually decided to double the rent she wants from the family.

We’ve been forgotten,” Tal said. “The State of Israel, where are you? Wherever we go, we are treated as refugees in our motherland, but what can we do? It’s not our choice. No matter what they give and how much they give, there is no place like home, and the only thing I want to do in life is to return home.

My dogs are my sunshine. They keep me alive and sane. For me, coming to the show, meeting my friends, seeing lovely dogs and getting qualifications for mine definitely made my day.