A Dogs in Review
With James Dalton
Fabelhaft French Bulldogs, Japanese Chin and Afghan Hounds
INTERVIEW BY ALLAN REZNIK
PHOTOS COURTESY FABELHAFT
Dogs in Review: Where did you grow up? Do
you come from a dog show family? If not, how
did your passion for show dogs begin?
James Dalton: I was born and grew up in Northern Ireland. I begged my parents for a pony for my
birthday and instead they bought me a mini smooth
Dachshund. We had a neighbor (Maureen Gregg of
Tynan fame) who successfully showed Poms, and
she took me to my first dog show. That was 1974.You
know what happened next!
DIR: What is the significance of your kennel
name, Fabelhaft?
JD: The name Fabelhaft came about because I
started with Dachshunds. It is the German word
for “fabulous.”
DIR: What is your profession?
JD: My profession is fashion design. I have a master’s degree from the prestigious Royal College of
Art in London. At my graduation, one of the guests
was the legendary French art deco artist Erté. He
signed my degree with his famous signature. At the
time, he was in his nineties and died in Paris a few
months later.
James with ‘Katy.’
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DIR: At what age did you move to the United
States, and what prompted that decision?