Mr Klein, is this the first time you have judged here in the Czech Republic?

No, I have judged in the Czech Republic on numerous occasions. I also get invited here because of my language skills, as I speak German (which is spoken in this country). It's a very important criterion, and I also speak French and English.

Comparing it with your experience of other shows, what do you think of this event?

The organisation of this major event is perfect. We had three very capable secretaries in the ring. They spoke English, so we were able to communicate in that language. They proved to be extremely efficient. The participants were in the ring on time for their dog(s) to be judged, unlike in France, where the contestants often keep us waiting.

So discipline was a key word, and that made things easier?

Oh yes, quite so - if you want to keep to the schedule, it is essential that people turn up for the judging on time.

Which breeds did you judge?

On Thursday, I judged all the small Spitzes and on Friday the large and medium ones and the Japanese Spitzes.

Is that your speciality?

Precisely. I'm the President of the French and Italian club.

What do you think of the quality of the dogs in general?

It was just like at home; there are some dogs that stood out from the norm and others that were fairly average: without any significant faults, but nondescript. On the other hand, in terms of handling, the people seemed more professional.

What would you have changed in this show if you had been a member of the organising committee?

The only thing that could have been better was the flow of information. When they invited me, the organisers offered to buy my plane ticket and send it to me. However, as I live a long way from Paris, I would have preferred to buy my ticket myself, as there is an airport two hours drive from my home. Also, I didn't know that the plane wasn't going to Brno, so I had a few problems in that regard.

What could be changed in French shows when compared with this show in Brno?

If there were one thing that could be improved in France, it would be the discipline of the participants. When we call them to the ring, they arrive late, then afterwards they complain that their dogs haven't been judged. As far as handling is concerned, the people are more professional here and on the whole very polite and well-educated.

Which aspect struck you as being the most positive during this show?

I loved the ring of honour; the entrance of the dogs was great, as was the way the groups were presented. The judging was quick, and the finals in the ring of honour did not take hours, which is very important. This ring of honour was really very beautiful. Finally, I also found the atmosphere between colleagues to be very good, although we didn't all know each other.

Mr Klein, thank you very much for this interview.

K. Donvil