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 [...]
Will Alexander Drops Some Knowledge About What’s Happening in the Sport of Dogs. It’s Deep… It’s Humorous… It’s Provocative… It’s Will Unfiltered! Will Alexander has an in-depth conversation with Christian Manelopoulos. Click here to watch on Canine Chronicle TV!
After the AKC National Championship in Orlando, Florida on December 17th and 18th, the Canine Chronicle asked the Group and Best in Show judges for their comments. This show is well-known for its recognition of breeders and owner-handlers through its Bred-by-Exhibitor competition and National Owner-Handled Series finals, as well as its Junior Showmanship finals. Their Best in Show or Finals judges were also asked for their comments.
Click here to read the complete article 210 – February, 2023 By Elaine J. Lessig Land O’ Lakes Kennel Club – January 6th, 7th & 8th Who has a show in St. Paul, Minnesota the first week of January? Land O’ Lakes Kennel Club–headed by show chair, Jan Croft–takes no notice of the frigid temperatures [...]
Too big to fail, that remark has become so ubiquitous–well at least since 2008–that it really has morphed into a running joke. Bear Stearns? Ha Ha! But at least from a purebred perspective, it retains some relevance. Some breeds truly are too big to fail. And maybe it sounds ironic but the classic example is the smallest breed of all, the Chihuahua. As the standard says, “A well balanced little dog not to exceed six pounds.” Officially, that makes it the smallest genuine breed.
In 1932, the Westbury Kennel Association offered the first “Children’s Handling Class.” It was an idea that had been percolating for years, as children accompanying their parents to shows were bored and restless. Leonard Brumby, Sr., then the President of the Professional Handlers’ Association, came up with the idea of a special class for these youngsters that would be both entertaining and educational. At first, the judges were local celebrities, told to base their choices on the child’s ability to present the dog “quietly, proficiently and to its best advantage.” Later, professional handlers and then AKC judges judged the classes, often on the spur of the moment. Junior Showmanship has been a Westminster fixture since 1935, with a Westminster Best Junior win being the golden fleece of the sport. In 1951, the competition was renamed “Junior Showmanship.” More changes were to come as the sport gained in popularity. The AKC began offering scholarships and added performance and companion events to Junior eligibility.
Thank you for the work you do on behalf of your breed and your club members. As owners of your breed’s Standard, we know you take seriously the education of those who will be judging your breed and we appreciate the gravity with which you choose your Judges Education Committee members.
She is a beautifully built bitch, but if I cannot examine her, I cannot consider her,” the judge said to the handler. Just minutes later, the handler is heard telling her husband, “She may be no good for showing, but we can breed her and have a great litter of puppies.” While stewarding at all-breed shows, I have witnessed a similar exchange at least once a year for the past forty years. In contrast, how rare is it for an owner to realize that a bitch that has a very nice show win record may be totally unsuitable for breeding.
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 [...]
