Winter Garden Specialties
I took my annual hike up to Rye Brook to check out the 2020 Winter Garden specialties. I don’t blame you for losing track of exactly what, where or when. These shows have moved around A LOT.
“Author Archive”
Westminster – Junior Showmanship Finals
Just before the group judging on Tuesday night, the Westminster Junior Showmanship finalists enter the ring. They had to qualify for the privilege of competing at Westminster. Now, the top eight from the daytime preliminaries compete at the Garden for scholarship awards and the title of Best Junior Handler.
The Westminster Group Winners Their Story…
The Best in Show lineup at the 144th Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show didn’t disappoint judge Robert H. Slay of Cary, North Carolina. He called it the strongest he’d ever seen—among the seven were two repeat group winners from 2019 (the Havanese and the Boxer) who also happened to be 2019’s Number 1 and Number 2 show dogs (all-breed), respectively. The Standard Poodle was the top Non-Sporting dog in 2019, and 4th in all-breed points. And, the Hound Group winner was the formidable Whippet Bourbon, the top hound last year, and Number 3 in all-breed points.
Frigid Dog Work
Almost everyone who does any work with their dogs outside a temperature-controlled training facility and who lives north of the Mason-Dixon Line has had times when they were cold. Now by “cold,” I don’t mean the sort of namby-pamby cold that can be cured by a hot buttered rum, a cup of Irish coffee or by putting on a fisherman’s wool sweater. No, I’m talking about the kind of cold that no matter what you do, you can’t warm up, when your teeth chatter like castanets, when even your hair seems to shiver and you feel like there’s an icicle lodged in your core.
Looking Around with Lee
I just couldn’t stay away! A bad back can’t stop me now! I’ve found a new venue in which to adjudicate; one that does not include standing out in the rain, on dirt floors, or in the blazing sun ‘til perspiration runs rampant in places I will not mention.
Breed Priorities – Basset Hound
Bred to hunt hare, the Basset Hound is heavier boned than any other breed of dog considering its size. Its large nose (second only to the Bloodhound in scenting ability), loose skin, and long ears contribute to its skill and success at trailing. The breed originated in France that has several breeds with “basset” as part of their names, from the French “bas” which means low to the ground.
Three Double Lightning Strikes for Welsh Terriers at Montgomery County Kennel Club
On October 6, 2019, GCh. Ch. Brightluck Money Talks, “Dazzle,” owned by Keith Bailey (Bayleigh) and Janet McBrien (Brightluck), and presented by Tracy Szaras, won Best of Breed under the distinguished terrier judge Mr. Clay Coady, and continued on to win Best in Show under the esteemed breeder judge Mr. David Kirkland.
IMHO – In My Humble Opinion
I asked three longtime judges this question: As a long time judge, what inspires your judging?
I then asked four newer judges this question: As a newer judge, what inspires your judging?
I think you will find their responses to be not only inspirational, but refreshing, and it might help you understand why people choose to judge dogs.
Robert Slay: The Consummate Gentleman
When he entered Westminster’s Best in Show ring in February, judge Robert Slay of Cary, North Carolina was thinking not just of the splendid dogs arrayed before him—but also of all the legendary dogs and handlers who have come before.
The Big E – Eliminate the Negative
The iconic movie, “Planes, Trains, and Automobiles”, depicts the adventures of two men, strangers, desperate to get to Chicago for Thanksgiving. They meet hailing the same New York cab going to the airport. Coincidentally, both are on the same plane to Chicago.
