The Canine Chronicle Owner Handled Hall Of Fame
Click here to read the complete article 278 – July, 2026 Click here to read the complete article 278 – July, 2026
“Author Archive”
The Leonberger – A Gentle Giant
Many years ago, we bought a tiny black and tan Miniature Dachshund puppy (who would later become the renowned ‘Alfie’) and dutifully attended our local ringcraft classes.
Volunteers – Why Let Them Hide In Plain Sight Right In Front Of Us?
By the time you finish reading this article, I hope you will come to the conclusion that dog clubs have increasingly come to recognize the need for more workers. Unfortunately, many are missing an opportunity that is hiding in plain sight. All clubs need more volunteers. Those who have found a way to develop this army of workers are building the backbone and atmosphere necessary to support the future success of their club. The better clubs find ways to recruit and use these individuals to benefit their club and the sport. For example, we know that members and non-members who volunteer to serve do so because they know it helps their club and it builds friendships. Collectively they like being with others, they want to help where needed, and they care about the sport. Yes, there are other benefits produced by volunteers including the economic, professional, and personal benefits. In many ways volunteers inject thousands of dollars into local economies across the country. Dog show data collected by AKC confirms that communities benefit from hotel stays, food, liquor, and gasoline sales– money spent by volunteers and those attending shows. For some of the younger volunteers, it boosts their employment prospects. Generally speaking, volunteers provide an effective and meaningful service, and demonstrate their commitment to a cause. Some see themselves as problem-solvers. Others have the satisfaction of seeing what they bring to the sport, their club, and the local community through their efforts.
Around The Rings – 2026 World Dog Show – Bologna, Italy
Click here to read the complete article 240 – July, 2026
The Depth Of Our Breeding Madness
How did our journey into the wild world of canine reproduction become such a three-ring circus? Most of you know what I’m talking about, so don’t pretend otherwise. Just ask any private, purebred dog breeder muttering as their bitch nears her heat cycle—they’ll confirm the madness. Honestly, we’ve all gone a bit mad. Yet here we are, doomed to repeating the cycle until our wallets wave the white flag.
Cell Phone Use Inside The Show Ring – The Debate And The Answer
The cell phone dilemma. These gadgets have become so woven into our daily routines that some folks can barely function without them–even in the middle of a dog show ring.
The Big E – Enough Is Not Enough
Once upon a time, very long ago, my husband and I made our first trip to England to visit two breeders whose acquaintance we made at a specialty show in San Diego, California. In talking with each other, we discovered we had a lot in common. We both had acquired Cavalier King Charles Spaniels from the same line, and had several dogs related to each other. Both of the gentlemen were eager for us to visit them. The opportunity to actually see their dogs and those from other breeders in England was too good to refuse.
Showing A Dog Under Its Breeder? – The AKC Rule Change
There’s always an uproar at the World Show. One of the “scandals” this year was a dog winning BOB under a judge who was also its breeder. Fortunately, AKC would never allow that—right?
Type vs. Hype – Judging Dogs According To Breed Standard
There was a time when the conversation always began with type. When breeders spoke, they spoke of heads and boning, of expression and balance, of silhouettes that told a story long before the animal ever took a step. We discussed virtues, forgave faults, and measured excellence against the standard, not against popularity. But somewhere along the way, the conversation shifted. The dialogue quieted. And in its place rose something far louder, far emptier: hype.
