For almost forty years I have traveled to dog shows taking pictures of the dogs and people that gather under the big and small tents of dogdom. Last year, I finally had my fill and walked away. Arthritic knees, the expense and drudgery of travel, the fact that I missed my farm and family and my own dogs were all good reasons but there was one more reason and it has haunted me. It’s the constant barrage of gossip. Oh, how I hate it.
Aside from Britain, we generally forget about the many countries responsible for to our eclectic and ever growing canine gene pool. We can blame that narrow focus on tradition, which doesn’t make it good. We tend to overlook the multicultural contributions that led to the rise of purebred culture–both directly and otherwise–as well as the importance of ongoing genetic interchange. In fact, Britain never had a monopoly on this business model. Just check out our current top ten AKC breeds. Even the venerated Labrador Retriever is not strictly an English product.
The Scottish Terrier is one of five short-legged terriers originating in Scotland, along with the Skye Terrier, Cairn Terrier, Dandie Dinmont Terrier, and West Highland White Terrier. It was also called the Aberdeen Terrier, and nicknamed the “Diehard,” reflecting the breed’s toughness in the field.
Herding breeds represented a serious competitive threat long before they were assembled into an actual Herding Group. They flew under the radar thanks to their ever-shifting designation within AKC. For example, for years AKC dithered over their varying criteria for group alignment and eligibility. As a result, many breeds bounced into almost ludicrous competitive circumstances. Judging Saints against Chihuahuas, really? Like most parts of AKC, it was a work in progress. However, that lack of a cohesive identity explained the fancy’s collective astonishment when the Old English Sheepdog, Ch. Slumber, went all the way to Best In Show at Westminster in 1914.
Back again in the familiar fairgrounds building on the site of the New York State Fair, the four clubs which comprise the cluster held their 2023 shows. Better lighting brightened up the building, but some rings still had areas which were darker. The rings were full of exhibitors from the United States and our neighbors to the north, Canada. The quality from both countries was noticeable. The panel of judges reflected both countries, too. More and more we are seeing vendors return to the show scene. They were busy with shoppers every day.
Having a show dog looks so easy–slap on a lead, stand still, look pretty, run around, down and back, and collect your ribbons. In reality, those who consistently have top-winning dogs understand that having a show dog isn’t easy at all–it’s planning, breeding, socializing, training, conditioning, and timing.
Many of us will be walking through the ring gates of the Westminster Kennel club this month. When we do, it can feel as if our whole show career has been building to that moment. It can feel like the most important moment of your show career, especially if it is your first time on the famous green carpet. And, if you get these feelings, you may also have anxiety accompanying them. So, what can we do about it?
Elaine Lessig sits down with Sporting Group Judge Mr. Frank Kane to chat about Westminster 2023. Click here to watch on Canine Chronicle TV!
Elaine Lessig sits down with Judge Mr. Jason Hoke to discuss his Westminster 2023 judging assignment and sports commentary. Click here to watch on Canine Chronicle TV!
