Re-Finding Kindness For The New Dog Show Exhibitor
My son and I were recently wandering through an antique shop, mostly for a distraction from the daily work routine, and perhaps to experience a transport back in time.
“Author Archive”
Semi Q Canines
In July of 2026 the United States will celebrate its 250th anniversary, or its “semiquincentennial.” Since this is a hard word to wrap your tongue—or mind—around, it’s generally referred to as the “Semi Q.” In a wide range of celebrations all over the country, homage will be paid to our first citizens—the various tribes representing Indigenous peoples—the founding fathers—Jefferson, Madison, Washington, etc.— and other social, cultural, political and artistic movers, shakers and shapers of the American experience.
The Peruvian Inca Orchid
Who could have imagined it…a hairless breed competing in half of the AKC groups. We’ve had some time to reckon with the Chinese Crested in the Toy Group, the Xoloitzcuintli in Non-Sporting, and the American Hairless Terrier, well, take a guess. And now, the Hound Group will have its own hairless representative when the Peruvian Inca Orchid joins the crowd this coming December. And unfortunately, there’s no reason to anticipate any less confusion and misinformation this time around.
A New Ranking System – Part One
For the first century of the sport, no one knew which dogs were number one, or two, or three, or eleventh. It’s not certain if the sport even cared who was number one. With far less than half the number of shows back then, dogs more likely became famous for winning the big shows, the shows with the most entries, the most prestige. Then along came Irene Castle Phillips Khatounian Schlintz (née Foote) who created the sport’s first ranking system in 1956. It became prominent in the late 1960s.
From The Publisher
The four-plus day show cluster has become the staple of today’s dog show scene in the United States. A quick glance at our events calendar at www.caninechronicle.com shows how clusters of shows held in one location has become a normal, weekly occurrence in most regions. Heck, we even have a button titled “Cluster View” on our events calendar that groups the shows by cluster each weekend.
On The Cover
Click here to read the complete article 10 – July, 2026 Click here to read the complete article 10 – July, 2026
The Mastiff – The Gentle Guardian
Mastiff breeds have experienced a dramatic resurgence in recent years. AKC currently recognizes the Mastiff, Bullmastiff, the Tibetan Mastiff, the Neapolitan Mastiff, the Cane Corso (Italian Mastiff), the Dogue de Bordeaux (French Mastiff), and the Dogo Argentino (Argentinian Mastiff). Additionally, many more of these breeds are currently accepted by FCI. After decades of obscurity, they are ascending. This is due in part to AKC’s belated willingness to recognize new breeds, a process that was stalled in neutral for decades. As a result, more people have discovered them. In addition to that, research-based dietary protocols have replaced longstanding myths about large breed nutrition. An equally significant factor in their improved overall health has been the introduction of health testing. Hip dysplasia screening was just the start of the current menu of certifications for breeding stock. And last, but certainly not least, is the recognition of behavioral assessment and temperament testing for potential breeding stock–along with the acknowledgment that these are not breeds for beginners.
The Tick In The Tall Grass: A Growing Threat To Dog Owners And Their Dogs
I wish I had told this story sooner, but sometimes the most vital news arrives right when we need it most. As the climate shifts, a dangerous new syndrome is rewriting the rules for everyone who loves dogs, the outdoors, and our sport.
Breed Priorities – Leonberger
Heinrich Essig, a businessman and politician, developed the Leonberger in his home town of Leonberg, Germany, in the 19th century. It was developed primarily to be a companion and to resemble the image of a lion on the town’s crest. Essig claimed that different colored St. Bernards and a Pyrenean Mountain Dog were used to develop the Leonberger. Later, Essig’s nephew bred Leonbergers that were of tawny colors with black masks that are seen in the modern breed.
Inside Their Minds – Insights From The 2026 Westminster Kennel Club Breed Judges
The Working Group, a view inside the minds of 2026 Westminster Kennel Club breed judges.
