By Amy Fernandez “I’m getting too old for this” is a common refrain this week. Then again, “you’re as old as you feel.” And one old girl is definitely proving that point this weekend. A little Smooth Coat Chihuahua, GCh. Ayrwen Star Kissed Delight, better known as Dee Dee, made the last flight out of [...]
The veterans of our military services have put their lives on the line to protect the freedoms that we enjoy. They have dedicated their lives to their country and deserve to be recognized for their commitment
For over a decade we’ve heard rumors about the imminent demise of Westminster’s home base. Naturally, it’s hard to imagine since the club’s relationship with Madison Square Garden is now into its third century.
By Amy Fernandez Bigger and better seems to be the ongoing mantra of AKC shows and it’s almost impossible to recall when entries typically hovered around 400-500. But that was the reality until the 1950s with a few notable exceptions, as Arthur Fredrick Jones explained to his Gazette readers in July 1951. “Purebred enthusiasts of [...]
By Amy Fernandez We’re all familiar with that exclusive group of two-time Westminster winners. Only a handful of top dogs have pulled it off since 1907. It’s a rare achievement, thanks to the show’s size and level of competition. In that respect, it had only one American rival. For much of its 43 year history [...]
By Amy Fernandez Anyone acquainted with our sport knows that the first dog show happened in 1859. However, like most conventionally accepted historical facts, the truth is kinda, sorta different. “The Sporting Dog Show” staged at the Town Hall, Newcastle-on-Tyne on June 28 and 29, 1859 was actually an afterthought tacked on to a wildly [...]
By Amy Fernandez Gazette editor Arthur Fredrick Jones loved to get on his soapbox. And his June 1962 reprisal of Shelterock Airedales provided an ideal opportunity to pontificate about one of his favorite topics. “American breeders are roundly criticized for spending fortunes on imported stock and the wasting the valuable bloodlines brought from Europe. This [...]
By Amy Fernandez Westminster isn’t complete without a new show at the Secord Gallery. We’ve not only come to expect it, this annual ritual has turned us into rather savvy art connoisseurs. Needless to say, it’s also ramped up our expectations. You won’t be disappointed this time. The inaugural show at the gallery’s new location [...]
It’s 30 years and counting since a breeder/owner/handler worked that magic. According to Westminster spokesman David Frei… “Will it ever happen again? I believe it will …” We’ll find out on February 17th. See you there!
By Amy Fernandez Few fanciers can name the AKC presidents. They come and go, barely remembered. August Belmont is possibly the only exception. His 28 year reign of terror forged the innovations that made AKC what it is today. His successor belongs to the first category. Hollis Horatio Hunnewell took the reins in 1916 and [...]
