“Author Archive”
Stories written by AnthonyA

Elixirs are everywhere. They are magical moments of joy which buoy us at random, unexpected moments. Their appearance goes unnoticed. Sneaking up on us, we never know where they lurk. Perhaps, that is their charm? Once they bring their gifts, we are left with some morsel of happiness, a Best In Show, a litter of stellar puppies, an invitation to judge at next year’s Westminster Kennel Club, even the news of a big entry for a show chair. Suddenly, a rush of warm air envelops us with its spell. With the biggest smile imaginable, we wonder what just happened.
April 18th, 2023 | Posted in Current Articles,Featured | Read More »

As regular readers of my work will know, I often like to add a personal perspective (where indeed these exist) to the breeds I feature. I think it lifts their story far above that of just a catalog of show wins and depicts them as (what the vast majority of any given breed becomes) the valuable family members and important memory makers they most definitely are.
April 17th, 2023 | Posted in Current Articles,Featured | Read More »

We’ve all heard it again and again: juniors are the future of our sport. At some point the prior generations of “greats” will pass the responsibility to this generation. The majority of us do our best to give back, hoping to further the sport we love, but, what would happen to our sport if juniors are not given opportunities? What if we do not foster the desire to learn and be involved in the sport? What is really at stake, and how can we ensure that junior involvement continues to increase?
April 16th, 2023 | Posted in Current Articles,Featured | Read More »

My grandmother bred several generations of Standard Poodles in a townhouse near Washington Square Park. They had coats of many colors, and temperaments to match, and were named for Italian opera singers, Middle Eastern potentates, and writers. (She also had a very entertaining Collie-derived mixed breed. She was called “Genevieve” for the 1953 film about the Brighton Old Car Race.)
April 15th, 2023 | Posted in Current Articles,Featured | Read More »

Join Michael Hill in his exciting series “INFLUENCERS.” Michael will be hosting dog show enthusiasts, handlers, breeders, and judges as they reveal who has impacted them the most. This series will touch upon how influential mentors are and how they shape not only individuals but the future of the dog show world. Next, in the series is [...]
April 15th, 2023 | Posted in Featured,Videos | Read More »

The AKC keeps adding breeds. And even though it split the Working into two groups in my lifetime, that was a long time ago. So, of course, every group is gaining breeds. That includes the Hound group, which at one time seemed on the cusp of being split into Sight and Scenthounds, but as everything became a complicated mess in the abandoned group realignment project, in the end it all just stayed the same. Except—more breeds keep coming.
April 14th, 2023 | Posted in Current Articles,Featured | Read More »

2 All Breed Shows at Tallmadge, Ohio
3 All Breed & Specialty Shows at Raleigh, North Carolina
April 13th, 2023 | Posted in Current Articles,Featured | Read More »

Westminster is confusing; that’s inseparable from the experience. However, there have always been a few predictable aspects of the ordeal. Until recently, regardless of new and complicated entry requirements, bizarre benching changes or the inevitable nightmares getting there, we could depend on a couple of things for sure. Midtown, February and Madison Square Garden.
April 12th, 2023 | Posted in Current Articles,Featured | Read More »

The presence of a dog is guaranteed to spice up any occasion. At least here in New York, it’s not uncommon to encounter them on the subway or in the supermarket. Even in places where they are officially not permitted, a contraband dog is a welcome surprise. Of course, a few breeds tend to trigger a real avalanche of public adoration, Golden Retrievers for instance. That combination of a sweet nature and the looks of a big old teddy bear–well, it’s an irresistible combination. Plus, the breed is an ideal fit for so many situations.
April 11th, 2023 | Posted in Current Articles,Featured | Read More »

Many in our sport complain that dog shows today cannot compare to days gone by. I am grateful. With evolution comes change, and with change comes a new perspective. Not all change is positive nor welcome, but we have incredible advances and growth driven by necessity. Nothing stays the same, so to lament the loss of the past only paralyzes us and stifles our ability to evolve. The time for complaints has passed, and the time for solutions is upon us.
April 10th, 2023 | Posted in Current Articles,Featured | Read More »