Longtime dog breeder Peter Belmont

By Amy Fernandez

Peter Belmont had a knack for grabbing the spotlight. Best known for his Elmo Afghans, his equally notable writing was characterized by lively insights and outspoken views on every facet of today’s dog world. Sadly, the end of this diverse, creative life also made headlines. Sunday afternoon, 12/16, a concerned neighbor entered Belmont’s Kansas City home to discover his badly beaten body covered by a sheet. The previous Friday evening, his Afghan Hounds escaped from his property. Longtime dog breeders do not carelessly leave gates ajar. Belmont’s puppy was struck by a car and taken to a local animal hospital where friends are arranging its care. Police have ruled his death a homicide. So far, there are no suspects, but there was no sign of forced entry, which suggests that he knew his killer.

The tragic circumstances of Belmont’s death at age 69 cannot overshadow his many achievements. His artistic family background guided his career choices, starting with his first turn in the spotlight as a teenage figure skating champion. After earning his MFA a NYU he spent two years working on his doctorate at Columbia, interning with Dr. Margaret Mead.

In the mid 1960’s he relocated to Kansas City, Kansas, where his eight acre property became the site of his home, studio, and kennel. He carved out a successful career teaching academic and applied art at all educational levels, and became one of the few artists to successfully market modern art to the dog fancy. His Abstract Expressionist Afghan Hound prints and sculptures were widely collected, including his “Peace, Despair and Hope” print series inspired by the tragedy of 9/11.

Belmont’s Elmo Kennel was founded in 1966 based on foundation stock that traced directly back to Marion Florsheim’s Afghanistan imports. Throughout his life, he proudly credited his mentors, Joan MacDonald Brearley, Sunny Shay, Anne Seranne, Barbara Wolferman, Kay Finch, and Barbara Tongren. His breeding program produced over 100 champions, and for four decades Elmo was celebrated for top quality Afghans including the top producers Ch.Shikari Tosca Blue and Ch.Elmo’s Dar es Salaam. Afghans were his first love, but he also made valuable contributions in other breeds. He owned the top producing Kerry bitch Ch.Camshron’s Turnabout, and the multiple specialty winner Ch.Temple Toi Treasure Royale, one of many Shar-Pei champions bred under his Temple Toi prefix.

After retiring from his teaching career, Belmont became a popular judge, accepting invitations all over the world. He never lost his desire to learn and share his knowledge. He was involved in numerous all-breed and specialty clubs, and was particularly interested in rare breeds. I first met Peter when he contacted me for information about Xolos back in the 1980’s. We became friends immediately. I was impressed with his enthusiasm and knowledge of a breed virtually ignored by the purebred world at that time. Years later, I interviewed him shortly after his group win at the 2007 World Show. As usual, he had plenty to say, but when asked if he considered this the epitome of his career, his response was a firm NO. “I still have very much to learn!”

The dog world will be poorer for the loss of this provocative, creative individual.

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Posted by admin on Dec 26 2012. Filed under Breaking News, Current Articles, Featured. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. Both comments and pings are currently closed.