Having a show dog looks so easy–slap on a lead, stand still, look pretty, run around, down and back, and collect your ribbons. In reality, those who consistently have top-winning dogs understand that having a show dog isn’t easy at all–it’s planning, breeding, socializing, training, conditioning, and timing.
Many of us will be walking through the ring gates of the Westminster Kennel club this month. When we do, it can feel as if our whole show career has been building to that moment. It can feel like the most important moment of your show career, especially if it is your first time on the famous green carpet. And, if you get these feelings, you may also have anxiety accompanying them. So, what can we do about it?
Elaine Lessig sits down with Sporting Group Judge Mr. Frank Kane to chat about Westminster 2023. Click here to watch on Canine Chronicle TV!
Elaine Lessig sits down with Judge Mr. Jason Hoke to discuss his Westminster 2023 judging assignment and sports commentary. Click here to watch on Canine Chronicle TV!
Finally, spring has returned to the North to renew and refresh our lives. The first warm days help us melt from the chill, darkness, and rain of the season just ended. Whether the groundhog sees or does not see its shadow on February 2nd, by the time we reach mid-April, we know the season has truly arrived. Suddenly, one by one, or one and all, the girls come into season. They remind us that as the flowers bloom, so do they. Outdoor dog shows proliferate. The bigger rings and green grass always make the dogs look better. No more are there heavy coats, gloves, and hats to pack. Colorful sundresses and golf shirts dominate the show grounds. Ahh, yes, it’s spring at last.
These past three years have certainly proved to be eye-opening for a whole host of reasons that stretch far beyond Covid.
Follow Elaine Lessig as she tours the 147th Annual Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show at the iconic USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in Flushing Meadows, New York. Click here to watch on Canine Chronicle TV!
In 1972 ten-year old Don Sturz showed his Golden Retriever Ch. Copper Kettles Headliner (Clyde) at his first Westminster, and made it to the Junior Showmanship finals.
Contrary to non-stop AR predictions, Crufts has not faded into oblivion. In fact, 2023 was mobbed from start to finish. Spanning Thursday through Sunday, March 9-12, spectator attendance at this supersized venue broke records throughout the four days. Both Saturday and Sunday, Birmingham’s NEC was forced to suspend ticket sales for several hours to achieve some modicum of crowd control.
