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Dr Francisco (Frank) Chapa was, for many years, a professional handler, during which time he championed breeds in all groups, winning Best In Show on numerous occasions. As a breeder and exhibitor of Whippets, he has been very successful, winning Best In Show on forty-five occasions. He has been instrumental in the formation of six Kennel Clubs in Mexico. Veterinarian, owner, breeder and handler since 1968 of German Shepherds, Borzoi, Boxers, Afghan Hounds, American Cocker Spaniels, Shih Tzu, and Whippets. Produced Mexican, International, De Las Americas and World Champions. Member of Mexican Kennel Club since 1973, started with the Judges' exams in 1978, approved in 1989 in All-breeds, International Judge FCI. Judged in many countries: Australia, Argentina, Canada, Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, United States of America, El Salvador, Guatemala, Mexico, New Zealand, Paraguay, Peru, Puerto Rico, Uruguay, South Africa, Venezuela.
Future Appointments 2006, 2007 in Australia, Canada, Hong Kong, New Zealand, South Africa, USA, India, Ecuador, Mexico.

SHOWDOGS: We're very pleased to meet you, Dr Chapa. Can you tell us more about you, the person, and what you do when you're not judging?

FRANCISCO: I studied as a veterinarian, I am married with two daughters, my wife is a dentist, one daughter is a graphic designer and the other has an international business degree. I have been a motivational speaker for American companies since 1978 and I travel a lot to the U.S.A. and Puerto Rico.

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

FRANCISCO: I have been involved with dogs since my childhood with Rough Collies and German Shepherds. I taught myself to train my dogs in obedience and started showing at breed shows in 1965. From then on I was very successful with my dogs in the show ring, taking many of them on to Best in Show.

SHOWDOGS: Can you share some of the highlights in your dog involvement?

FRANCISCO: I started as Ring Steward and had the honour to steward for Mrs Thelma von Thaden, who was the President of the F.C.I., and she encouraged me to start judging as she believed that I had a very good eye for dogs.

SHOWDOGS: What motivates you as a judge?

FRANCISCO: My motivation comes from my love of dogs in general. Due to my lifestyle, I cannot keep a lot of dogs at home so when I judge I do appreciate having the opportunity to handle different breeds of dogs that are in top condition and of outstanding merit.

SHOWDOGS: What do you expect from exhibitors?

FRANCISCO: The first thing I expect from an exhibitor is that they enjoy showing their dogs, they must be gentle with their dogs and they should try to show their dogs to the best advantage.

SHOWDOGS: How important do you consider showmanship and presentation skills?

FRANCISCO: As a judge, it is always a pleasure to have a dog presented to me in tip top condition. I like to see a healthy and happy dog and it is always a pleasure when the handler shows off the dog to the dog's best advantage.

SHOWDOGS: As a judge, what annoys or irritates you the most?

FRANCISCO: I get very irate when a handler is very rough on the dog.

SHOWDOGS: When you first look down the line of dogs in your ring, what draws your eye?

FRANCISCO: When the dogs enter the ring, I look for the dogs that are true to breed type and are well conditioned and balanced. I try to find more good points than bad.

SHOWDOGS: How would you compare the quality of South African dogs to those you have seen elsewhere in the world?

FRANCISCO: South Africa has a lot of top quality dogs that could compete anywhere in the world.

SHOWDOGS: Judging at the Supa 7 Spectacular, in which group did you find the most depth of quality?

FRANCISCO: The Utility, Working and Hound Groups had great depth of quality.

SHOWDOGS: Can you tell us what you liked the most about your winners?

FRANCISCO: The puppy and reserve puppy winner were, in my opinion, outstanding dogs in type, condition, balance and movement, and I believe that they will do a lot more winning in the future. My final line up in the adult winning dogs were all top quality dogs. My winners would both be very welcome to travel home with me to Mexico.

SHOWDOGS: Were there any other dogs that stand out in your memory that are worthy of your mention?

FRANCISCO: I liked the Chinese Crested and the Toy and Standard Poodles.

SHOWDOGS: What advice would you like to offer South African handlers?

FRANCISCO: South Africa has some very good handlers, but they must learn to relax in the ring and try to look as though they are enjoying showing and not look so stressed as the dogs pick up the tension, so smile and relax.

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

FRANCISCO: While judging in New Zealand some time ago, I was judging a large class of Bullmastiffs - all with lady handlers. A gust of strong wind appeared from nowhere, blowing away gazebos and umbrellas. The ladies in the ring were all wearing skirts and, to their astonishment, all their skirts blew up. All at once they let go of the dogs' leads to hold their skirts down and the Bullmastiffs all ran out of the ring in different directions.

SHOWDOGS thanks you most sincerely, Dr Chapa, for participating in this interview and we wish you many, many more wonderful dogs to examine.

FRANCISCO: Thank you for this interview and I also want say thank you to Jean and Jack Peden for the judging invitation and for the most Spectacular Dog Show. Jack and Jean are wonderful hosts and the show production was beautiful - the venue, the dinner, the exhibitors and, most important, the DOGS, made a most glamorous atmosphere for a most successful show. I'll keep wonderful memories about the event. Happy 2006 and I'll see you soon.