Once again it our sad duty to report the passing of one of our great dog people, Chow Chow breeder and AKC judge Dr Samuel Draper. Although Dr Draper’s interest in Chows dated back to the early 1930s, his first show dog was a Cairn Terrier. After serving in the Army during World War II, he met Joel Marston of Starcrest Chows and began his long association with Chow Chows. Among his first successful show dogs was CH Ah Sid the Avant-Garde , who won 18 Group firsts and the National Speciality in 1966. Dr Draper co-owned Ch. Eastward Liontamer of Elster, a top-winning Chow who went on to sire 32 champions.
In 1967 Dr Draper teamed up with Desmond "Desi" Murphy and proceeded to breed under the Liontamer banner some of the most important Chows in the history of the breed, collecting more than 60 all-bred Best in Shows. The two of them wrote extensively and gave multiple seminars on the Chow Chow. Dr Draper was the co-author of two comprehensive books on the breed: The Book of the Chow Chow and The World of the Chow Chow.
He was approved to judge Chows in 1971 and was approved to judge the Non-Sporting, Toy, and Terrier groups, and several sporting breeds. Dr Draper judged the Non-Sporting Group at the 2002 AKC/Eukanuba National Championship. A longtime AKC delegate from the Chow Chow Club and judge of the club's 1986 national specialty, Dr Draper played key roles in the Westchester, Tuxedo, and Saw Mill Kennel Clubs, and the Westbury Kennel Association.
Our condolences to Desi and all of Dr Draper’s family and friends.
I honestly think my heart is broken to read this. Definitely one of my favorite judges.
ReplyDeletehe was also a huge opera fan and a great gentleman!
ReplyDeleteSome of the best judges have left us this year. We really need to step up in our effort to educate judges fully on the breeds they are judging. Sometimes I begin to wonder what we will do with these great judges that have left us.
ReplyDeleteA truly wonderful man who will be sorely missed by all who had the opportunity to work, be judged or just be around him. Have fun judging at the Bridge!
ReplyDeleteEven though he always appeared to take his judging seriously, I do not recall seeing one show win picture over the decades with Sam as the judge in which he didn't look like he was having a blast!
ReplyDeleteMy best to you Dr Draper as you start your new journey, may you do as much good and make as many good mpressions there as you did here.
A very nice man who knew a good Schipperke and always had a smile on his face while judging them.
ReplyDeleteI have never seen a picture of him without his HUGE smile, and I never heard an unkind word about him. Truly, he loved his association with dogs and his Chow Books have been my Bibles for Chow reference ! God Speed, and say hello to my
ReplyDeleteChows for me!!! kathleen zins
Dr. Draper always had time for us...the first time I met him, he was so kind and so encouraging I truly thought at the time I was where I ought to be - showing my Chows. He was able to teach us all lessons in being gentle and had experience and intelligence. Smiling, and a wise soul, he had much to teach us. His legend will live on...we thank you Dr. Draper...our condolences to your loved ones and friends... Cara & Christine Millman (Farnell)
ReplyDeleteWhen I was a child I was told that dogs didn't have souls and thus couldn't go to heaven. Now that Sam is there there is no way St. Peter would dare to keep them out. I've known Sam since 1961 I will miss him dearly. The sweetest, kindest, most generous man ever.
ReplyDeleteDick