Puli Information Interview with Jackie Ferrigan

I have been involved in Pulis since 1989, having had Gordon Setters and German Shepherds since I was a young, I decided to get something a bit smaller for my daughter to take an interest in. Seen my first live Puli Ch Hollibell Moonlight Sonata at a local Dog Show and I was hooked. I was privileged to have her niece, her name was Hollibell Kristmas Tinsel (Zoe), which myself and my daughter campaigned at various dog shows in the UK, she was mated in 1992 and in the litter came Int Ch, Nor Ch Hollibell Zobraki Endless Love & Irish Ch Zobraki My Precious Gift JW. Unfortunately Zoe died soon after the puppies were born so we kept a male Zobraki My Pride N Joy. Not a show dog however, , was a wonderful companion and sheep herder.

Sorry to hear of your loss of Zoe, what happened?

Zoe died the puppies were 4 weeks old therefore they were on solid food Her passing was due to the failure of the locum vet to provide her with correct treatment. I tried to sue her but the BVA said I was getting nowhere, but my own vet sacked her .It was a heartbreaking time as she was only 2years old and I can remember it as though it was only yesterday.

Where did your affix come from?

My affix Zobraki was made up from Zoe my first Puli and Bracken my last Gordon Setter.

Do the Pulis get on well with the Komondors?

My Pulis were brought up with Komondors, we required our first Komondor in 1992 White Orchid Of Zobraki . She had the sweetest of natures and Pulis, Gordons & Kom would romp through the fields and eat & sleep together. There was no question, the Pulis have always been in charge of our Komondors and always put them in their places, however they were not too keen on visiting Pulis. Except for our youngest Komondor, Findlay she loves any kind of dog, cat, chicken or sheep and human. I believe being brought up by the older Pulis influenced her behaviour right up to the end of their lives. Even when we had a litter of Komondors, the Pulis would be through to inspect the next lot they would have to keep under control.

Do you enjoy showing? Have you participated in obedience?

I showed Gordons in the 80's at Open Shows and did some obedience with them, but started going to Championship shows when we got Zoe and it took me all over the UK and Eire. I have handled other peoples Pulis both in the United Kingdom and abroad . I love showing Pulis they are born show off’s and always want to please. Komondors are a bit different they do not concentrate and they turn completely deaf in the ring, so a much different approach is needed. After showing for a few years I got my first appointment to Judge Pulis at an open shows in Scotland and then I judged both Pulis and Komondors at National Working Breeds Open Show in 1996 and subsequently, the Hungarian Puli Club Show in 2004. I have also judged Best In Show at Fife Kennel Club Limited Show and various other pastoral breeds. When judging I look for a specimen who first catches my eye, has just that little bit extra, and then I can't wait till I get my hands on to see if the dog confirms to the standard. A well presented dog is a must, especially in Pulis and Komondors.

You have visited shows abroad, how do you feel they compare with the UK show scene?

I would say that the shows in Europe are more laid back than back at home, for several different reasons. One is that you can travel to many countries in central Europe in less time than takes to get to Birmingham National Dog Show, from Scotland. The entry fees are a lot cheaper in Hungary if you are a resident and also even cheaper if you are showing a Hungarian Breed. There are shows which are back to back so you can do 2 Champ shows at the weekend under 2 different judges. The preparation of the dogs are quite different to both UK & USA, not much use of scissors and many on shown on extended leads. Not so many professionally handled either, more a nice relaxing day out, with breed specialists from both Hungary and all over Europe. In Hungary alone there are 34 shows either CAC/CACIB and all over Europe classes for both Pulis & Komondors, along with Club Shows which can expect entries well over 100 entrants. In the USA the show scene is much more professional, dogs being groomed with their portable dryers being run by lines of generators at the side of the rings, also professional handlers running from ring to ring, dogs are all immactuately presented but most judges all rounders rather than breed specialists.

Having moved to Europe, will you be travelling to many events?

First event is both the Puli Club & Komondor Club Committee meeting, shortly. Should be fun as my Hungarian gets me a tin of paint and my dog does not bite!!! Will be over to the USA in May for Bucks County & Trenton shows, but only as a spectator. But will be showing at the World Dog Show, Sweden in July and European Show in Budapest in October. Have been to Croatia last year and Zobraki Flower Of Scotland(Findlay) got CAC,CACIB & BOB, have also entered a couple of shows in Hungary where will be competing with the Crem de la Crem, so will wait and see, but have a few Hungarian friends in both camps who will keep me right. Hope to be visiting Slovenia, Austria, Slovakia, Chech Republic, Serbia and Italy as all reachable in a few hours.

How have your dogs reacted to "returning" to their land of origin?

Thats a good one, dogs have settled no problem as all are older and quite content, its the Hungarian people who are unsettled, our neighbours think I am the crazy British woman with three Komondors and a black dog!!! The workman refuse to come in unless dogs are locked up!!! The German tourists think they are Pulis!! !When they see me and my husband walking all the dogs, they bring in their own dogs and children off the street. We think it is hilarious, as all ours are pussycats, and after running boarding kennels for seven years all are used to all other dogs and humans in all shapes & sizes.

Come to that ...... how are you enjoying life now?

Life is now at a slower pace, no more up at 6.00am feeding sheep, cats and then dog walking till 10pm seven days a week, now its leisurely strolls up the forest with the dogs or down by the lake. Mostly outdoor sports here cycling, sailing, fishing and swimming and lots of wine drinking. There are British people here(non doggy & doggy) and have managed to steer two British couples in the right direction to purchase of Komondor and Puli puppies and I have volunteered to do the coats so still got my hand in. Hope to have my own Puli puppy after the show scene winds down in October, quite like the Fakos but will wait and see.

Interviews

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