In the United States there is a serious shortage of qualified dogs to perform the much-needed role of explosives detection. After 9/11, Boston, Brussels, New York and London, the number of terrorist attacks continued to increase and so did the demand for these talented dogs.
The Maltese is a very old breed, documented as ex- isting in ancient Greek and Roman literature. It originated in and derives its breed name from Malta, an island in the Mediterranean Sea. It is considered to be a part of the Bichon family of dogs which also includes the Bichon Frise, Bolognese, Bolonka, Coton de Tulear, Havanese, and Löwchen.
As soon as it left my lips I was biting my tongue—I know better than to say, “I’ve never had (fill in the blank) in any of my dogs… Because as soon as I say it, that will be the very next thing I have a problem with. And as I was looking upon my three-week old litter, I stupidly said, “I’m so lucky. I’ve never had a single ill puppy, never had to make a life or death decision…”
I believe the vast majority of highly successful breeders would agree that the foundation of a breeding program is a good brood matron, and that the right bitch will be the single most important purchase that, over time, will dictate the success or failure of a breeding program. Why is this? The answer is simple. A bitch may only produce four to six litters, eight in a very busy lifetime. Compare this to the stud dog’s ability to sire two to four times that in a year. Her influence on her breed is softer and takes significantly longer to evaluate than that of the stud. It is also true that she will likely never achieve the fame and glory of a dog that can be used at stud while simultaneously carrying on with a brilliant show career.
Will Alexander Drops Some Knowledge About What’s Happening in the Sport of Dogs. It’s Deep… It’s Humorous… It’s Provocative… It’s Will Unfiltered! This week Will interviews Andy Linton. Click here to watch on Canine Chronicle TV!
Okay. I admit it. I was doing just a little bit of online shopping. Shocking! Honestly, it was not for anything at all exciting. What I was searching for was a remedy to help me get some relief from the runny nose, post nasal drip, and clogged ears which have plagued me for months. To add further misery, my watery eyes started to fill to the brim sending an endless stream of tears running down my face. Like so many of us in the Northeast, our summer weather has wreaked havoc with my sinuses. I have traded soft tissues for half-size paper towels. Unfortunately, they have become my new best friends. We go everywhere together. Nothing about the current situation is glamorous or pleasant, quite the opposite.
This week is the 45th anniversary of my first “official” AKC point show assignment! The show was the Summer Harrisburg Kennel Club show, and my assignment was Afghan Hounds.
Will Alexander Drops Some Knowledge About What’s Happening in the Sport of Dogs. It’s Deep… It’s Humorous… It’s Provocative… It’s Will Unfiltered! This week Will gives us Top 10 Reasons We Like 7 Day Dog Shows. Click here to watch on Canine Chronicle TV!
Dr. Don Sturz of Brooklyn, New York, will judge Best in Show at the 146th Annual Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show presented by Purina Pro Plan® at Madison Square Garden on January 26, 2022. The superintendent of the Valley Stream 24 School District in Long Island, New York, Dr. Sturz brings a lifetime of experience as a breeder, exhibitor, and judge to the most prestigious judging assignment in the sport of purebred dogs. Anchoring Westminster Week, this iconic annual dog show has been held continuously since 1877.
For this month’s IMHO, members of the judging community share their report cards defining what is working and what needs some thoughtful reconsideration. When you are reading their responses, see if you agree. Then, add your own ideas. Let’s get the conversation going.
