CCA Judge Training Seminar
The Canadian Cat Association (CCA) held a Judges Seminar September 9-10. It took place at the "Days Inn" located in
Kingston, Ontario Canada at which 16 judges and a couple of judging trainees were present. CCA were wonderful hosts,
provding the judges with lodging and meals. The Chairman of the Board of Examiners, Eleanor MacDonald, asked Tracey
Semchisn of Natureworks Pixie Bobs, located in the 1,000 Islands Gananoque region in Canada, to present the Pixie Bobs
to the judges at the seminar. This was the first time in the 12 years Tracey has been showing that CCA has held such a
seminar. Other breeds presented in the seminar were the Maine Coon, Burmilla, Burmese, and the Foreign Burmese.
The presentation went very well for the Pixies. "It gave me an opportunity to show important features we are striving for"
Tracey remarked. Part of her presentation touched upon how to recognize these key features at different stages of maturity.
Along with her show Pixies, she also brought in a few incredible looking Pixie-Bobs that she normally wouldn't be able to
bring to the show that exhibited one or more of these attributes. Some Pixie-Bobs aren't able to be shown that exhibited one
or more of these attributes. Some Pixie-Bobs aren't able to be shown due to tail length, temperament, pattern, age, etc. Due
to breed standard restrictions, certain tail lengths aren't allowed in the show ring. However, this doesn't mean they aren't
outstanding individuals. This may be such a minute attribute such as a tail that is a hair to short or long, or a bit larger flaw
such as their pattern being either Mackerel or classic instead of the required spotted pattern. Many Pixies exhibiting these
traits are used in breeding programs given that they do not exhibit major structural flaws. When breeders use these cats in
their programs, they work to find the right cross to break the pattern up in to spots, correct minor flaws etc. yet preserve
that individuals desirable traits.
As for temperament, many cats don't like to be shown. Imagine putting the most lovable, sweet, laid back house cat in a
strange, loud area crammed with people, strange cats and smells. Then, put them in to a small judging cage to be pulled out
by a complete stranger towering over them. Once taken out of this cage, the judge then proceeds to grope them every where
while turning them every which way as to not miss an inch of fur. This truly goes against the nature of a cat and many, even
though they may be the sweetest teddy bear at home, voice their opinion and can get a bit "catty" while being handled.
These cats are generally kept at home as part of a breeding program and can be exhibited at shows with out having to be
sugjected to the rigors of judging. Many go on to produce absolutely gorgeous pixie's with the perfect show temperament.
The attitude towards Pixie Bobs in CCA is an excellent one. "CCA loves Pixie's", Tracey says, "Belvedere was 4th Best
Cat All Breed and 2nd Best Kitten All Breed in CCA for the show year ending Aprl 20, 2006 after only 5 years of
recognition in CCA. Pixie-Bobs will final in almost every ring."
The Pixie Bobs that were used for Tracy's presentation were DGR Spunkykitten Cedar of Natureworks, a 9 year old
shorthair male, Kyle Fuller's Astonwoods Fairy Tale a Foxxygirl daughter whom Tracy says is "an immature, shorthair
version of Foxxygirl. She is so pretty!" Tracey also brought Natureworks Spotted Fawn, a shorthair female with a very
"Pixie" head.
Due to short notice, Tracey wasn't able to prepare like she would have liked. For the next Judges Seminar, Tracey hopes
to have a PowerPoint presentation, a photo comparison between poor/better/best of eyes, ears, muzzle, top line, boning, etc.
as well as hand outs for judges to take with them for review later and add to their judges books.
Thank you Tracey for presenting such a remarkable seminar.