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

Rod: I was born in Pretoria, started school in Van Der Bijl Park and finished my schooling in Northern Rhodesia, served as a SAS Paratrooper in the Rhodesian Army.
Happily married to Connie for 38 years, have two married daughters, Tracey (living
in California, married to Gary, an American) and Belinda (living in London, married
to Jacques, a South African). No grand children. We reside in what was the village of Kloof, but is now incorporated in the greater
Durban metro. We run a Dog Grooming Parlour.

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

Rod: I started breeding and showing in 1967 with Irish Terriers, then a few years later I introduced Wire Haired Fox Terriers into the Kennel. In 1979, I imported two Welsh Terriers from England. In 1981, the male - an English Champion - won the "South African Supreme Champion, - a contest for All Breed Best in Show Winners.

The prize was a trip to an FCI International Show in Europe, I exhibited in Berne [Switzerland] and Luxembourg. In 1985, I imported two Bichon Frisé from the USA, and since then over the years, three more from England. In 1995 I imported a Griffon Bruxellois from England. I have handled the following breeds to Best in Show level: Irish Terrier,
Bichon Frisé, Welsh Terrier and Wire Haired Fox Terrier, also taking this breed to Reserve "Dogmor Dog of the Year".

I have been Chairman of the Natal Terrier Club for 28 years, and have also been a President of the KwaZulu-Natal Staffordshire Bull Terrier Club and the Natal Bull Terrier Club, and a former Chairman of Port Elizabeth Kennel Club, during the years that the present Club House was built.

I began judging in 1973, and wrote the very first KUSA Judges exam in 1986. I became an All Breeds Judge in 2000. When not judging or exhibiting, I still do a lot of Ring Stewarding, which I thoroughly enjoy.

SHOWDOGS: What motivates you as a judge?

Rod: I suppose it is a natural progression to showing and Ring Stewarding, you get talked into judging your first Open Show, such as in Port Elizabeth on the beachfront in 1973! I find Judging most enjoyable, I appreciate good quality dogs and try to give of my 30 year experience.

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

Rod: Australia (5 times), Brazil, Zambia, India & Norway. The most memorable must be have been judging at the prestigious Sydney 2005 Spring Fair. I remember with great fondness, the Hosts with the most, Wendi & Terry from Sydney, with their lovely house on Sydney Harbour overlooking the Sydney Bridge and Opera House.

The handlers and show procedures in Australia cannot be beaten. If South Africa adopted their style, our shows would run more efficiently and be more cost effective.

SHOWDOGS: What do you expect from exhibitors?

Rod: Clean and well presented dogs, including clean teeth. I believe some exhibitors never check their dogs teeth. Politeness, please! I cannot tolerate exhibitors who hold up a class.

SHOWDOGS: How do you handle bad sportsmanship?

Rod: I always insist that exhibitors go to their place numbers, whether judging or stewarding. I haven't heard any ringside comments - nothing serious anyway. I will not tolerate any attempts to influence my judging. The exhibitor has paid for my decision, not that of someone else.

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

Rod: Yes! Arriving at 3.00 am at a Brazilian Airport by bus from another airport after being diverted by thunder storm and finding no-one to meet me, no-one who speaks English, not knowing were I was going to be accommodated........ Funny now, but not then!

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