Around The Rings – 2026 World Dog Show – Bologna, Italy
Click here to read the complete article 240 – July, 2026
“Author Archive”
The Depth Of Our Breeding Madness
How did our journey into the wild world of canine reproduction become such a three-ring circus? Most of you know what I’m talking about, so don’t pretend otherwise. Just ask any private, purebred dog breeder muttering as their bitch nears her heat cycle—they’ll confirm the madness. Honestly, we’ve all gone a bit mad. Yet here we are, doomed to repeating the cycle until our wallets wave the white flag.
Cell Phone Use Inside The Show Ring – The Debate And The Answer
The cell phone dilemma. These gadgets have become so woven into our daily routines that some folks can barely function without them–even in the middle of a dog show ring.
The Big E – Enough Is Not Enough
Once upon a time, very long ago, my husband and I made our first trip to England to visit two breeders whose acquaintance we made at a specialty show in San Diego, California. In talking with each other, we discovered we had a lot in common. We both had acquired Cavalier King Charles Spaniels from the same line, and had several dogs related to each other. Both of the gentlemen were eager for us to visit them. The opportunity to actually see their dogs and those from other breeders in England was too good to refuse.
Showing A Dog Under Its Breeder? – The AKC Rule Change
There’s always an uproar at the World Show. One of the “scandals” this year was a dog winning BOB under a judge who was also its breeder. Fortunately, AKC would never allow that—right?
Type vs. Hype – Judging Dogs According To Breed Standard
There was a time when the conversation always began with type. When breeders spoke, they spoke of heads and boning, of expression and balance, of silhouettes that told a story long before the animal ever took a step. We discussed virtues, forgave faults, and measured excellence against the standard, not against popularity. But somewhere along the way, the conversation shifted. The dialogue quieted. And in its place rose something far louder, far emptier: hype.
How Welcoming Is Your Parent Club?
“Join now! It’s easy to apply!” That’s on the Golden Retriever Club of America website, and I can practically see a Golden Retriever wagging its tail and inviting me in for a cup of coffee as a new member.
To Win More In The Juniors’ Ring
If you are not winning your class as often as you would like, you can. To win more in Junior Showmanship, you should focus on skill development, plan and conduct consistent and engaging practices with your ring partner, and develop a competitive mindset that allows you to prioritize your effort and personal growth in the sport over just winning. Also, if you practice good sportsmanship and take ownership of your successes and failures, the wins will come to you.
Closet Confidential — Woofstock Cluster
Woofstock Cluster
Contra Costa County Kennel Club
Yolo County Fairgrounds
Woodland, CA
June 5-7, 2026
