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SHOWDOGS: We're very pleased to meet you, Fran Browning. Can you tell us more about you, the person?

Fran: I am widowed, with one child - Richard (23). I live in Johannesburg, where I was born. I work as an Advertising Sales Representative on a number of publications. Interests, other than dogs, include reading, gardening, and studying ancient history (especially Egyptian). My favourite non-doggy activity remains travelling and meeting new people.

SHOWDOGS: When did dogs and doggy matters begin to occupy a large portion of your life?

Fran: My sister, Jackie, and I just grew up in dogs. Our late parents, April and Buster Browning, started showing in 1948 and as kids we used to handle their dogs and then other peoples'. After my husband died, Jackie and I decided to share a house and our energies as breeders and exhibitors just grew and grew. I am founder of the Transvaal Utility Breeds Club; founder of the Golden City Poodle Club together with Martin Croeser and currently Vice Chairman; Chairman of The Best of the Best Committee and I sit on Western Gauteng KC Committee. I have also served on various Presidential Subcommittees over the years. I don't ring steward because I have a fairly high-pitched voice and, quite frankly, my voice doesn't carry. I started judging in 1968. My first show was the Pekingese Club with 80 Pekes. I remember that the late Stella Angle showed the immortal "Arkle" who went BIS.

SHOWDOGS: Can you share some of the highlights in your breeding/exhibiting career?

Fran: To be honest, all wins are special. Each dog has his or her own level, so a Group win or Best in Show for one dog may be special, but a CC for another dog may be just as exciting. However, some dogs and their wins inevitably stand out. Most memorable are undoubtedly our first ever Best in Show with a Standard Poodle, Ch Jusbar Free Trader of Springett and our first Group win with a Miniature Poodle, Ch Braganza Bitter Rice (when he won that, Utility and Working dogs were shown in one group so it was a huge accomplishment). Outstanding Cockers and Poodles we have owned or bred have included Ch Madonna von der Hutzelschweiz - Miniature Poodle record holder for Group and Best in Shows wins and we think, all sizes of poodles as well.

Also worth remembering was Ch Stonecourt Stowaway at Braganza (Standard Poodle). We have owned three top-winning Standard Poodle bitches, including my personal favourite, Ch Braganza Bucks Fizz "Solo" - winner of 3 All-breed Best in Shows (a record for bitches). Amongst the Cocker Spaniels, the love of my life was "Stryker" Ch Broken Promise to Braganza - the ultimate show Cocker and pet. "Oliver" Ch Sarbraes Trelarken Odin is an amazing show dog with a record of wins on two continents that is mind-boggling. As a housedog and ambassador for the breed, however, no-one comes close. Over the years we have been privileged and blessed to own, handle and breed some amazing dogs that judges both locally and internationally have recognised. I also think winning the CACIB at the World Show in a huge entry of Miniature Poodles with Len Smith's bitch, Ch Lamtara Time after Time, must also count right up there with heart stopping thrills.

SHOWDOGS: What motivates you as a judge?

Fran: I just kind of grew into judging. There was no conscious decision. I love dogs and everything about the dog world, so judging was a natural progression. I judge because it is so satisfying to challenge one's brain regarding the various points of the standard. It's so rewarding to see a really great dog come into the ring and especially pleasing when one judges the same breed a few years later to see progeny of a particular favourite being shown. Showing is about presenting the best your kennel has to offer and as a breeder judge of Poodles and Cocker Spaniels, I particularly like judging these two breeds to see where we as breeders are going. Most importantly I always hope to see THE DOG - the one I have always dreamt about. That is probably the thing that motivates me the most: the opportunity to see really great dogs in any breed.

SHOWDOGS: In which other countries have you judged? Which was the most memorable?

Fran: I have been fortunate to judge all over the world. Brazil is my favourite - the country, the people, and really super dogs. The handlers are so amazing. Australia is another great country with fabulous hospitality and super dogs. The style of show management is pretty similar to ours and, quite frankly, we have fantastic shows, beautifully managed and I'm not sure that other countries can't learn from us. The best dogs I have ever judged?????..... probably the German Shepherd Dog I put Best in Show in India two years ago. He made me want to cry! I also liked the Leonberger male in Norway that went Best in Show, the wonderful blue roan Cocker, Feenix Fair Star, in Australia, and my personal favourite, the black Standard Poodle bitch in Australia, Jurado Top Shelf. There are many others that I have seen but these dogs' beauty, construction, movement will remain with me always.

SHOWDOGS: What do you expect from exhibitors?

Fran: Good dogs! Seriously though, condition on the dogs shown and attentiveness to their dog and to me as a judge.

SHOWDOGS: How do you handle bad sportsmanship?

Fran: I have never had one exhibitor ever display poor manners, never been approached before a show and if asked after judging what I thought of their dog I am much more tactful now than in my youth and try to be as constructive as possible about the exhibit in question, because at the end of the day the owner loves his or her dog and once their show career is over that dog will still be someone's beloved pet. No exhibitor has ever tried to influence my decision because I am sure that anyone who knows me will know it will never be appreciated.

SHOWDOGS: Do you have any amusing judging anecdotes to share with us?

Fran: The funniest thing ever was in Australia last year. A dear old lady was showing a Tenterfield Terrier. She said to me, as I was going over her dog, "You don't look old dear! You are quite young, with all that experience that's on your resumé in the catalogue I thought you were at least 80."!!!!!!!!!!! Needless to say I was quite stunned because she was at least 85.

SHOWDOGS thanks you most sincerely, Fran, for participating in this programme and wishes you lots of stunning dogs to go over.