Within Limits, for Openers…
My desktop, iPad, and phone are ready…I wiggle my fingers, loosening them for the upcoming challenge…the seconds tick down…I wipe the sweat from my brow, take a deep breath…5…4…3…2…1…Click!
“Author Archive”
The Competitive Edge – Don’t Leave Home Without It
Competition comes in many forms and on different levels, and while not everyone is looking to compete at the highest level, I believe it is important to find some level of competition in conformation–or in the companion or performance events–for everyone that wishes to participate in the sport of purebred dogs. Competition on any level is healthy; it gives our training purpose and structure, and leads to positive results.
Chihuahua – The pocket-sized companion with a king-sized heart!
Mexico was the destination of my first long-haul flight and it will always have a special place in my heart. So enamored was I by that very first trip to Cancun (in my twenties) that, over the succeeding years, I have revisited the country numerous times, taking in its breath-taking Mayan ruins, pristine beaches and, of course, its stunning wildlife.
Breed Priorities – Affenpinscher
The name “Affenpinscher” means “monkey-like terrier” in its native Germany, and the breed has a characteristic monkey-like facial expression. A rough coated, ap-proximately square dog, the Affenpinscher’s longer head hair framing the face, with the eyebrows and beard, contribute to the expression.
The Inner Game of Winning in the Dog Show World
Do you eavesdrop on other peoples’ conversations? Don’t worry – your secret’s safe, so answer honestly.
The Big E – Eliminate the Negative
Let me set the scene. It is 1944. World War II continues to dominate the country’s interest and concern. Movie goers fill every seat in their local theaters, eager to see the latest films which offer a perfect outlet, and some relief, from the rigors of war. Before the feature fills the screen, the newsreel with its stories from home and far away runs in its gritty black-and-white format. The strident voice of the narrator reverberates throughout the cinema like that of town criers of long ago. Finally, the moment has arrived for the latest blockbuster movie. Here Comes the WAVES starring the crooner of crooners, Bing Crosby, is the film for which all these theater goers have been waiting with mounting excitement.
Wendell Sammet – A Life Dedicated to the Poodle
AKC calls this game a great equalizer. Theoretically, everyone–regardless of breed, background or expertise–competes on the same level playing field. We all know that’s nonsense. Five minutes into it, every novice recognizes that all powerful undercurrent of success, the hierarchy of breeds. The rankings shift now and then, but there’s always a contingent of breeds signifying entry level competitor. In every Group they rise through an increasingly competitive pitch until you reach those cutthroat breeds guaranteed to make mincemeat out of seasoned pros. And then there’s Poodles.
IMHO – Judges’ Opinions About Zoom Interviews with AKC
Started during COVID-19 and continuing through today, judges have been interviewing for their initial breeds and additional breeds on the ZOOM platform. What have been their experiences? Were they comfortable with this new opportunity? Do they suggest the continuation of ZOOM interviews? This month’s panel of judges offers their thoughts, opinions, and suggestions having recently participated in a ZOOM interview. Their responses will be very valuable to read.
New Roles for Canines and The Importance of Ownership, Health and Longevity
Since the domestication of the canine, more than 300 breeds have been developed and all of them with verifiable ancestries. Better selection methods, genetics and research have opened new doors for the study of human and canine development, health and longevity. The history of purebred dogs shows that they are not only part of closely monitored populations, but they have also been useful in making improvements in canine and human lifestyles. For canines, the model most often used has been to breed puppies from healthy sires and dams who have established pedigrees, promising genetic profiles, and extensive behavioral and medical screening. This approach has influenced the efforts used to study: early development, weaning and the maternal influence (Slabbert), early neurological stimulation (Battaglia), exposure to different environments, different surfaces, handling, and non-traditional situations (Thomas).
Lessons from The Foothills Cluster – Moving Forward in Style
July in Greenville, South Carolina is always hot. This year, members of the Greenville and Piedmont Kennel Clubs felt a bit more heat than normal as they prepped their annual 4-show weekend amid pandemic fears, extraordinary preparations and last-minute juggling. And according to exhibitors, judges, cluster volunteers and the AKC Executive Field Staff, a good job was done by all.
