We find ourselves quickly telling each other that another Crufts has come and gone. Attending shows all over Europe and USA, I do feel that there is no better show than Crufts. It has its own buzz, pizzazz and extra factor that just nails it for the world of dogs. You have to see it to believe it!
“The AKC Offices in North Carolina have been closed since 12:30 pm on Monday and will not open until tomorrow due to a breakdown in the air conditioning system coupled with 100 degree temps outside. Due to this delay, the Events Department is still a few days away from finishing off the May events processing.
Few breeds exemplify the gestalt of purebred dogs like the Great Dane. Equally magnificent and adorable, that amazing dichotomy can only result from a rich, varied history. Its size, majestic presence, benevolent expression, and endearing temperament confirm that background. But nothing reflects the breed’s heritage better than its candybox of colors and markings.
Motels may not have been created for hunting dogs but you’d be hard pressed to convince mine this is true. If you were to ask them whether they wanted to sleep in their crates in the back of the truck, even though the crates were cushioned with memory foam, or go inside and do what people do–brag about the shots they made that day, moan about arthritic knees and other aching body parts, watch the weather channel–there isn’t much question which option the dogs would select. Obviously the motel room is infinitely better than any crate, no matter how many comfortable amenities it might contain, and I suspect this is not just true of sporting dogs but virtually any breed except possibly the sled dog breeds that would find even the chilliest motel room unbearably hot.
The Cheer-neck-o dell’Etna, yes, Etna, Mount Etna, the Volcano, yes, Sicily, Italy…
And so goes the introduction of this ancient breed into America.
In our lifetime things happen. We travel and make choices about everything in our lives each and every day. In the world of dog shows we plan campaigns and breedings, attend nationals and do things dog-esque that turned out really well for us, or not.
It was Thomas Wolf who said, “you can’t go home again!” I don’t agree with him. Last weekend I DID go home again. It was the spring weekend of the Long Island Shows. The Ladies Kennel Assn. on Friday and Saturday and the Long Island Kennel Club on Sunday.
Dogs in paintings run, play, follow the prey, take care of their puppies and look at us. Such paintings are indispensable for unraveling the history of dogs.
When I was in Germany many years ago, I learned that in some European countries the parent clubs appoint some of their most knowledgeable and highly respected member breeders to act as “Zucht Wachter,” or breed wardens if you prefer. No longer active breeders when receiving this appointment, their primary responsibility is to serve as breed guardians.
Not only did thousands of those who participated in the finale of Crufts 2015 have the chance to see the volunteer of PETA protesting against Crufts in the name of crossbred dogs but a bit later the same organization uploaded a video and they were proud of this so-called ‘dramatic’ moment.
