Shame, Blame, And The Better Way: Building A Stronger Dog Show Community
Spend enough time in the conformation world and you learn a great many things.
“Author Archive”
Life’s Lessons I Have Learned At Dog Shows
Call it an addiction, call me crazy, you can call me obsessed. I would not fight you over any of those descriptions. I am passionate about our sport. I love how every day and every show is different.
Future Forward
When I look back at my early years showing dogs, there is an air of fascination and wonder for the sport that permeates every memory. I vividly recall watching expert handlers as they handled dogs with such skill and precision, but also the dedicated assistants who perched ringside, ran back and forth between rings, and diligently cared for dogs. At that time, ringsides were full of assistants carrying bags, fans, and coolers, or bringing up dogs for the next group. More recently, I flew home to Florida to work a show and looked around…Where did they all go? This experience, coupled with recent discourse, has left me considering the role of assistants and their future in our sport.
The True Blue Aussie Toy
The Huon Valley is a particularly beautiful part of the island of Tasmania (it’s that little heart shaped piece that is slightly detached from the right-hand bottom corner of the huge continent of Australia) and is very reminiscent of my England birthplace; acres of green pastures and miles upon miles of apple and cherry orchards, and it is dotted with little villages and characterful houses that certainly wouldn’t look out of place in Cornwall, Devon, or Dorset.
Around The Rings – The Steel Valley Cluster
Click here to read the complete article 122 – September, 2026
Antimicrobial Resistance In Dogs
Antimicrobial resistance is no longer a theoretical concern discussed only in medical journals. It is a growing reality affecting both human and veterinary medicine, and one that many healthcare professionals have been warning about for decades. The overuse, misuse, and inappropriate selection of antibiotics have contributed to the emergence of bacteria that are increasingly difficult and sometimes nearly impossible to treat. Responsible antibiotic stewardship has become one of the most important challenges facing modern medicine and veterinary care.
Split 4 Summer Shows 2026
With its ancient Roman palace and ruins, lovely squares and beautiful waterfront, Split has evolved into one of the Mediterranean’s defining destinations. With the famous circuit of four all-breed and various specialty shows established, and still run by Croatia’s internationally renowned handler, breeder and judge, Ante Lu?in, the city has become a true flagship and the pride of Europe’s dog show scene as well.
Rare Value…Squandered?
Try this hypothetical: You see a company that holds a near 100% market share on the product it offers. It has favorable tax status, it’s coming up on 150 years in business, and it has a product that has stood the test of time. Barriers to entry for potential competitors are very high, as is customer loyalty. You would consider investing, wouldn’t you?
Slightly And Moderately Speaking Of Breed Standards
Why are there so many variations in the way we interpret breed standards? It’s not the nouns; that is, the names of each part of the dog. The nouns are definitive anatomical features and universally understood. A “loin” is a “loin”. We know what a loin is, (at least I hope so) but the adjectives that describe the loin are debatable. Adjectives are extremely important words, but unlike nouns, they leave lots of room for interpretation. You may have heard the expression; one man’s junk is another man’s treasure? Well, apparently, one man’s short loin is another man’s long loin. There are many adjectives that are used to describe the individual parts of a dog. But only two can be applied to all of them: moderate and slightly.
From The Publisher
Over the past year, there have been several tragedies where dogs have died due to the negligence of those responsible for their safety and care. Some were in the possession of professional handlers while others were in the possession of their owners.
