Table Talk · December 28, 2022
Thank goodness we have a two-week break after the biggest dog shows of the year! It takes this girl that long to recover from the busy week in Orlando. Many exhibitors breathe for a day and get right back to the grooming table–trimming, stripping, etc. to get ready for the new year. Hats off to you, my friends. I hope you all get some rest.
I had a conversation with a good friend about the AKC National Championship in comparison to the Westminster Kennel Club shows, and which is considered most prestigious. Before the National Championship began, Westminster was the crème de la crème! It was the show where your dog was invited as one of the top 5 in its breed, or you had to be a lucky one whose entries were accepted before the 2500-dog limit was reached. Back then, it was a “Champions Only” show. When the AKC National Championship began, it too was by invitation-only. Historically, the entries for Westminster were limited due to the space limitations of the venue. If Westminster would move to a facility that does not have such limitations, do you think the entries would increase and be comparable to what we now see in Orlando? When we talk about sheer numbers, Orlando is twice the size of Westminster. However, Westminster boasts a tradition and history that spans well over a century. The Westminster Kennel Club dog show will hold its 147th show this May. The AKC National Championship is just a baby by comparison. Both shows offer the best the sport has to offer as well as a great opportunity to visit with fanciers we only get to see a few times a year. The depth of quality at both shows is incredible. The Orlando facility is huge and a great place for a dog show. By comparison, I am anxious to hear what exhibitors think about the Sports Complex in Queens this year.
The decision by Westminster to hold its’ show mid-year as opposed to the beginning of the year has made life complicated for those campaigning top dogs from the previous year. Back when Westminster was in February, new dogs often waited until after Westminster to begin their career while last year’s dog finished their careers at WKC. It is difficult to make that kind of commitment when Westminster is held mid-year in May. It will be interesting to see if WKC continues to be held in the middle of the year if more top dogs from the previous year take a pass on the opportunity to have their last lap in the ring on the iconic green carpet.
In my humble opinion, both shows continue to be can’t-miss events. They are each special in their own way.
Don’t forget to tune in to ABC on New Year’s Day at 2 PM Eastern Time to watch the 3-hour coverage of the AKC National Championship!
The next shows we attend will have AKC’s new Group 2, 3 and 4 rule in effect where class animals who place in the group will get the maximum number of championship points for dogs defeated in their group.
The AKC is encouraging all-breed clubs to designate a Junior Coordinator. This is a great way to foster communication between the AKC and the clubs about the Junior programs. Club representatives who are interested should email juniors@akc.org.
I received the very sad news that Lee Canalizo passed away just a couple days after the AKC National Championship. Lee was a retired AKC judge, breeder of sighthounds and an accomplished silversmith and artist. She was a kind, talented lady whose smile always lit up the room. She was well-known for her welcoming attitude toward new exhibitors in her breed(s). Contributions in Lee’s memory can be made to Take The Lead, Afghan Hound Rescue, Saluki Rescue or German Shepherd Dog rescue. Lee will be sorely missed by the fancy and all who loved her. Sincere condolences to her son, Michael, and all of her family and dear friends.
I received the great news that Beep Lee is home from his triple bypass surgery and is doing well. Take good care of him, Shari! we will see you both soon.
Congratulations to terrier handler Allison Sunderman on her retirement! You will be sorely missed at the shows and in the ring, but we look forward to seeing you in the future from a different angle. Enjoy some well-deserved time off!
There are several fanciers celebrating wedding anniversaries this week. Peggy and Geoff Browne are celebrating 30 years of wedded bliss. Robin and Cindy Stansell are also celebrating their anniversary. Amanda Giles and Daniel Martin celebrate their anniversary, as well. May you all have a very special day.
This week’s birthdays include Carol Spritzer, Kim Hansen, Matt Chumbley, Bobby Schoenfeld, Jessica DiPerna, Johnathan Herbert, Julie Lindquist, Andrea Glassford, Paige Rogers-Brocato, Debbie Davenport, Jason McIlwaine, Melanie Steele, Guy Fisher, Lisa Arnett and Beth Gray Harper. Make it a great one, my friends!!
A message to those of you who will be joining me in Palm Springs, please reach out at deb.cooper@caninechronicle.com. This is the first time I will be bringing you Table Talk Live! coverage from Palm Springs!
Every year you make a resolution to change yourself. This year make a resolution to be yourself! (Thanks Dennis O’Connor!)
Be safe wherever your journey takes you. May you have a Happy, Healthy New Year. I’ll see you soon down the road…
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