Compared to other countries, America really doesn’t have many genuine native breeds. I would argue that both the Chihuahua and the Chinese Crested deserve that status, but I’m not the CEO. However, our homegrown purebreds are quintessential American success stories. Before I get tangled up in those weeds let me get to the Silken Windhound because this breed is a grassroots, Made In America product straight out of Austin, Texas.
These days the phrase “alphabet soup” is tossed around to refer to dogs sporting a list of titles that even experienced dog people may not understand. Some titles are truly hard-earned designations of extreme talent, while others may be fun afternoon pastimes. None should be denigrated as “just titles” but some are harder to get than others, and appreciating that should make you less likely to accuse owners of being “title-seekers.” After all, isn’t anyone who wants a CH in front of their dog’s name or a UDX behind it a title-seeker? Or for that matter, a BIS or HIT?
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Elixirs are everywhere. They are magical moments of joy which buoy us at random, unexpected moments. Their appearance goes unnoticed. Sneaking up on us, we never know where they lurk. Perhaps, that is their charm? Once they bring their gifts, we are left with some morsel of happiness, a Best In Show, a litter of stellar puppies, an invitation to judge at next year’s Westminster Kennel Club, even the news of a big entry for a show chair. Suddenly, a rush of warm air envelops us with its spell. With the biggest smile imaginable, we wonder what just happened.
As regular readers of my work will know, I often like to add a personal perspective (where indeed these exist) to the breeds I feature. I think it lifts their story far above that of just a catalog of show wins and depicts them as (what the vast majority of any given breed becomes) the valuable family members and important memory makers they most definitely are.
We’ve all heard it again and again: juniors are the future of our sport. At some point the prior generations of “greats” will pass the responsibility to this generation. The majority of us do our best to give back, hoping to further the sport we love, but, what would happen to our sport if juniors are not given opportunities? What if we do not foster the desire to learn and be involved in the sport? What is really at stake, and how can we ensure that junior involvement continues to increase?
My grandmother bred several generations of Standard Poodles in a townhouse near Washington Square Park. They had coats of many colors, and temperaments to match, and were named for Italian opera singers, Middle Eastern potentates, and writers. (She also had a very entertaining Collie-derived mixed breed. She was called “Genevieve” for the 1953 film about the Brighton Old Car Race.)
Join Michael Hill in his exciting series “INFLUENCERS.” Michael will be hosting dog show enthusiasts, handlers, breeders, and judges as they reveal who has impacted them the most. This series will touch upon how influential mentors are and how they shape not only individuals but the future of the dog show world. Next, in the series is […]
The AKC keeps adding breeds. And even though it split the Working into two groups in my lifetime, that was a long time ago. So, of course, every group is gaining breeds. That includes the Hound group, which at one time seemed on the cusp of being split into Sight and Scenthounds, but as everything became a complicated mess in the abandoned group realignment project, in the end it all just stayed the same. Except—more breeds keep coming.
2 All Breed Shows at Tallmadge, Ohio
3 All Breed & Specialty Shows at Raleigh, North Carolina
