Show Name: Burlington Kennel Club, Inc.
Location: Davenport, IA
Show Date: Saturday, May 11, 2024
Total Entry: 425
Best In Show Judge: Mr. John Constantine
Show Photographer(s):
Lennah Snell, LLC • Website: www.photosbylennah.com

Dog Reg: CH Sheez-Beez Evermore Twice Told Tales [Bitch]
Breed: Harrier
Handler: Megan Honari
Owner: M Honari, C Rutten & S Allen
Breeder: M Honari, C Rutten & S Allen

Reserve Dog Reg: GCHS Tauro Burgundia [Bitch]
Reserve Breed: Pomeranian
Reserve Handler: Stephanie Hentschel
Reserve Owner: J Januskauskite-Plunge
Breeder: J Januskauskaite Plunge & T Plunge

Sporting Judge’s Name: Ms. Peggy Beisel-McIlwaine

Total Entry:
#1-
Dog Reg: Ultima N Patriot Its So Easy [Bitch]
Breed: Weimaraner
Handler: Rusty Howard
Owner: : G Jungermann & A Johnson
#2-
Dog Reg: GCH Corlyns Diamond Hunter [Dog]
Breed: Spaniel (English Cocker)
Handler: Celso Schneider
Owner: R & P Vesely & C Rempel Langlois
Breeder: P & R Vesely & C Rempel Langlois
#3-
Dog Reg: GCH Rohan & Chuckanut Livin For The Weekend At Alloro [Bitch]
Breed: Retriever (Golden)
Handler: Christian Rutten
Owner: C Fertitta & B Strohl
Breeder: K Mayo & K Matthews
#4-
Dog Reg: CH Sarabande Dare To Dream [Bitch]
Breed: Spaniel (Welsh Springer)
Handler:
Owner: M Stoneman & M Riese-Bassel
Breeder: N & A Worth

Hound Judge’s Name: Mrs. Linda Hurlebaus

Total Entry:
#1-
Dog Reg: CH Sheez-Beez Evermore Twice Told Tales [Bitch]
Breed: Harrier
Handler: Megan Honari
Owner: M Honari, C Rutten & S Allen
Breeder: M Honari, C Rutten & S Allen
#2-
Dog Reg: CH Oheavens And Con Cara Queen Of Tarts [Bitch]
Breed: Otterhound
Handler:
Owner: R Horton & C Huffman
Breeder: K & N Lange
#3-
Dog Reg: GCHP Kenmars Dont Stop Me Now [Dog]
Breed: Dachshund (Longhaired)
Handler: Marietta Singleton
Owner: D Kulesa & M McCullough
Breeder: M McCullough & M & D Howell
#4-
Dog Reg: GCH Wylde Rose Volunteer Boogie Woogie [Bitch]
Breed: Dachshund (Smoothhaired)
Handler:
Owner: S Anderson & B Ward

Working Judge’s Name: Dawn L Gabig

Total Entry:
#1-
Dog Reg: GCH Londons Keeping the Dream Alive [Dog]
Breed: Akita
Handler:
Owner: J Burleson & J Taylor
#2-
Dog Reg: GCH Vikingus King Olaf The Warrior [Dog]
Breed: Standard Schnauzer
Handler: Brenda Lee Combs
Owner: G & C Calero
Breeder: G Calero & C Cuff
#3-
Dog Reg: GCHG Highlanders Game Set Match At Fanta C FCAT2 [Dog]
Breed: Siberian Husky
Handler: Charles Zimmerman
Owner: J Brewer
Breeder: C & D Shopp & A & B Palmer
#4-
Dog Reg: GCH Rivergroves Speak Of The Devil [Bitch]
Breed: Great Pyrenees
Handler:
Owner: J Jarnefeld, A Stonehouse & J Boyd

Terrier Judge’s Name: Ms. Peggy Beisel-McIlwaine

Total Entry:
#1-
Dog Reg: GCH Camaroo By George IVe Got It [Dog]
Breed: Australian Terrier
Handler: Jacqueline Johnson
Owner: C Morse & E Armfield
Breeder: C Morse & E Armfield
#2-
Dog Reg: GCHG Chyscotts The Greatest Showman [Dog]
Breed: Scottish Terrier
Handler: Krissy Shaffer Simmons
Owner: W & L Shafer & K Simmons
Breeder: M Plumb, L & W Shafer & K Simmons
#3-
Dog Reg: GCHS Mchills Boy George On The Passport [Dog]
Breed: Border Terrier
Handler:
Owner: B & C Zimmerman
Breeder: L & R George, H Zimmerman & P Holson
#4-
Dog Reg: Stonehouses Cant Be Tamed BCAT [Bitch]
Breed: Bull Terrier (Colored)
Handler:
Owner: J & C Smith & M Aten

Toy Judge’s Name: Ms. Peggy Beisel-McIlwaine

Total Entry:
#1-
Dog Reg: GCHS Tauro Burgundia [Bitch]
Breed: Pomeranian
Handler: Stephanie Hentschel
Owner: J Januskauskite-Plunge
Breeder: J Januskauskaite Plunge & T Plunge
#2-
Dog Reg: CH Calliope-Palmetto Gypsy V Altacrest [Bitch]
Breed: Chinese Crested
Handler:
Owner: K Peiser & L Rakow
Breeder: A Anderson & C Landsberger
#3-
Dog Reg: TLC Maximiliano Don’t Stop Me Now at Prairie Song [Dog]
Breed: Chihuahua (Smooth Coat)
Handler:
Owner: Dr. R & M Sterner
#4-
Dog Reg: CH Dulcineas Bling It On [Bitch]
Breed: Poodle (Toy)
Handler: Sharon Svoboda
Owner: S Talkington
Breeder: S Talkington & V L Lopes Cavasin

Non-Sporting Judge’s Name: Ms. Gloria Kerr

Total Entry:
#1-
Dog Reg: CH Timari Telain Reise Perfectly Naughty TKN [Bitch]
Breed: Poodle (Miniature)
Handler:
Owner: M Epperson, C Catelain & C Wilson
Breeder: M Epperson & C Catelain
#2-
Dog Reg: GCH Prestige Westviews Storms A-Brewin [Dog]
Breed: Dalmatian
Handler:
Owner: D Bennett, B Johnson & A Henderson
#3-
Dog Reg: Tauro Sakuro [Dog]
Breed: Bichon Frise
Handler: Stephanie Hentschel
Owner: J Plunge
#4-
Dog Reg: GCHB Stoneridge N Hispot Baby Face Nelson [Dog]
Breed: Boston Terrier
Handler:
Owner: A Henderson & J Swofford

Herding Judge’s Name: Ms. Vicki E. Allenbrand

Total Entry:
#1-
Dog Reg: GCH Valkyrie Appetite For Destruction [Dog]
Breed: Swedish Vallhund
Handler:
Owner: S & B Tsioles & T Garwacki
Breeder: V Buchanan & T Garwacki
#2-
Dog Reg: GCHS Kell Guess Who CGC [Dog]
Breed: Shetland Sheepdog
Handler: Becky Johnson
Owner: A Massey, A Thomas & J Powers-Hodson
Breeder: A Massey, A Thomas & J Powers-Hodson
#3-
Dog Reg: Almond Cookie of Moon and Stars [Dog]
Breed: Australian Shepherd
Handler:
Owner: F Zettin
#4-
Dog Reg: GCH Bold North Sporting Fields Stars N Stripes BN RN HSAS TKN [Dog]
Breed: Border Collie
Handler:
Owner: M Cartwright, R Lucas, R Koeger & D Butt

Please note these results are not official and may be subject to change once official results are submitted to AKC.
The Canine Chronicle is not responsible for any errors or inadvertent omissions in the information reported on this site.
All information on www.caninechronicle.com is the sole property of The Canine Chronicle and Endeavor Publications, Inc. Reproduction of contents,either whole or in part is not permitted without consent of the publisher.

Show Name: Santa Maria Kennel Club
Location: Santa Maria, CA
Show Date: Sunday, August 22, 2021
Total Entry: 474
Best In Show Judge: Mr. RC Williams
Show Photographer(s):
Meg Callea • Email: CalleaFoto@aol.com

Dog Reg: GCHS Speechless In Your Face [Dog]
Breed: Chinese Crested
Handler: Jessie Barringer
Owner: Jessie Barringer, Tracy Wiles & Laura Lee Jones

Reserve Dog Reg: GCHP Carmel Sky High Wish Upon A Star [Bitch]
Reserve Breed: Miniature Schnauzer
Reserve Handler: Jorge Olivera
Reserve Owner: M Jacobs, M Lande, S Soos-Kazel, C Ewer & Y Phelps
Breeder: Susan Coulter & Carma Ewer

Sporting Judge’s Name: Mr. Del Richards

Total Entry: 71
#1-
Dog Reg: CH Simpatico Journey Of Thrills [Dog]
Breed: Weimaraner
Handler: Keith Pautz
Owner: Dr. B & J Rosenberg
Breeder: Jennifer Martin
#2-
Dog Reg: CH Hi-Tides Toast Of The Town [Dog]
Breed: Retriever (Golden)
Handler:
Owner: A Pryor & M Jorden
#3-
Dog Reg: CH Beachcliff Lenni-Riddle Milles Tweenus [Dog]
Breed: Retriever (Flat-Coated)
Handler: Janice Hayes
Owner: D Edwards, M Rendich & C Ryberg
Breeder: John Seivwright, Robert O’Neal & Carolyn Inman
#4-
Dog Reg: GCH Moonrysns Doheny Beach JH [Bitch]
Breed: Spaniel (Clumber)
Handler:
Owner: J Wickwire, J Sutherland & R & L Wickwire
Breeder: Jan Sutherland & Joanne Hutchins

Hound Judge’s Name: Mr. Robert Robinson

Total Entry: 53
#1-
Dog Reg: GCHB Sidekicks Life Is A Highway [Dog]
Breed: Grand Basset Griffon Vendeen
Handler: Janice Hayes
Owner: J Brown & B Humphrey
Breeder: Brent Humphrey, Laura Offerdahl & Corey Benedict
#2-
Dog Reg: GCHG Wiretaps Life Is A Highway [Dog]
Breed: Dachshund (Wirehaired)
Handler: Tammy Seidlitz
Owner: P Wirries
Breeder: Janet Rein
#3-
Dog Reg: GCHB Republiks Murder She Wrote [Bitch]
Breed: Norwegian Elkhound
Handler:
Owner: M Kenton
#4-
Dog Reg: GCH Ahram Silverbells Take My Breath Away at Texano [Bitch]
Breed: Ibizan Hound
Handler:
Owner: Orlando & Jose Cano & Michelle Paulin

Working Judge’s Name: Ms. Sandy Wheat

Total Entry: 56
#1-
Dog Reg: CH Icon N Banstock Sunny And 75 [Dog]
Breed: Bullmastiff
Handler:
Owner: D Hertel
Breeder: Teri Winston, Jackie Hofer, Helene Nietsch & Marty Glover
#2-
Dog Reg: Painted Sky Friends With Monster Under My Bed [Dog]
Breed: Great Pyrenees
Handler:
Owner: Kimberly Burns
#3-
Dog Reg: Yamrbs Town On Fire [Dog]
Breed: Great Dane
Handler:
Owner: R Blackburn
#4-
Dog Reg: Sunkaska Dancing Hearts Desire [Bitch]
Breed: Samoyed
Handler:
Owner: Cynthia Fleenor

Terrier Judge’s Name: Mr. Del Richards

Total Entry: 34
#1-
Dog Reg: GCHP Carmel Sky High Wish Upon A Star [Bitch]
Breed: Miniature Schnauzer
Handler: Jorge Olivera
Owner: M Jacobs, M Lande, S Soos-Kazel, C Ewer & Y Phelps
Breeder: Susan Coulter & Carma Ewer
#2-
Dog Reg: GCHG Lndis Heavenly Scottish Delight [Dog]
Breed: Border Terrier
Handler:
Owner: C Muller, K Vonk & P Lara
Breeder: Cindy Muller & Kimberly Vonk
#3-
Dog Reg: Zetamaz Limited Edition By Design [Dog]
Breed: Smooth Fox Terrier
Handler:
Owner: C & W Mendiola
#4-
Dog Reg: Lotus Its All About Me [Bitch]
Breed: Miniature Bull Terrier
Handler:
Owner: Jana Gianelli, Luke & Rowan Baggenstos & Jenny Wornall

Toy Judge’s Name: Mrs. Donnelle Richards

Total Entry: 86
#1-
Dog Reg: GCHS Speechless In Your Face [Dog]
Breed: Chinese Crested
Handler:
Owner: Jessie Barringer, Tracy Wiles & Laura Lee Jones
#2-
Dog Reg: GCH Mariels Tequila Sunrise [Dog]
Breed: Havanese
Handler: Jorge Olivera
Owner: Carolyn Feyka
#3-
Dog Reg: CH Aslan Silvergate Enticing Eros [Dog]
Breed: Pekingese
Handler:
Owner: Lori & Mark Stephen & Nicole Stephen
#4-
Dog Reg: GCHB Castle Peak Field Of Dreams CGC [Dog]
Breed: Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Handler: Janice Hayes
Owner: R Lofholm & P Johnson
Breeder: Patricia Johnson

Non-Sporting Judge’s Name: Ms. Sandy Wheat

Total Entry: 65
#1-
Dog Reg: Newcombs Roman Candle [Dog]
Breed: Bulldog
Handler:
Owner: Clay Southerland & Link Newcomb
#2-
Dog Reg: GCHG Sabes The Skys The Limit [Dog]
Breed: Boston Terrier
Handler: Jorge Olivera
Owner: C Sanchez, M Sanborn & S Saberton
Breeder: Sharon Saberton & Carla Sanchez
#3-
Dog Reg:
Breed:
Handler:
Owner:
#4-
Dog Reg: GCHB Yu Kou N Willo IM Henry Viii I M I M [Dog]
Breed: Chinese Shar-Pei
Handler:
Owner: G Schaefer & J Kolnik
Breeder: Jan Kolnik, Dawn McNamara, Tim Ball & Joy Bradley

Herding Judge’s Name: Ms. Emily Fish

Total Entry: 91
#1-
Dog Reg: GCH Limelites Cha Cha Cha [Bitch]
Breed: Australian Shepherd
Handler: AJ Tavares
Owner: A Tavares, S Ashley-George & M Mullin
Breeder: Adam Tavares III, Matthew Mullin & Susan Ashley-George
#2-
Dog Reg: GCHB Desperados You Had Me From Hello At Dawn Heirs [Dog]
Breed: Australian Cattle Dog
Handler:
Owner: L Youmans
Breeder: Marty Youmanns Griffith, Laurie Youmanns & Joyce Rowland
#3-
Dog Reg: GCHG Scotts Lady Liberty [Bitch]
Breed: Bearded Collie
Handler: Jorge Olivera
Owner: C & T Wathen & J & S Olivera
Breeder: Carol & Thomas Wathen & Jorge & Susan Olivera
#4-
Dog Reg: GCH Aratone Neverland [Dog]
Breed: Shetland Sheepdog
Handler:
Owner: Marie Eguro

Please note these results are not official and may be subject to change once official results are submitted to AKC.
The Canine Chronicle is not responsible for any errors or inadvertent omissions in the information reported on this site.
All information on www.caninechronicle.com is the sole property of The Canine Chronicle and Endeavor Publications, Inc. Reproduction of contents,either whole or in part is not permitted without consent of the publisher.

Photo By Lisa Croft-Elliott

By Cheslie Pickett

I embarked on my first-ever trip to Crufts on Monday evening, arriving in London first thing on Tuesday morning. This show is certainly a “bucket list” item for most dog show folks, so I am thrilled to be making this trip! After practically getting a full night’s rest on the plane on Monday night, we were able to spend Tuesday familiarizing ourselves with the city of London.

We were lucky to be invited by our friend, Cesar Cortes, to tour The Kennel Club’s executive office and headquarters on Tuesday. Cesar is a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel exhibitor, Judge, and Kennel Club member. The office was beautiful, displaying many pieces of gorgeous canine art, complete with a fine art gallery and historical library. Although photographs were not permitted, the building included executive meeting rooms, a dining hall and lounge in addition to the art gallery and library.  We also enjoyed a tasty lunch at the Kennel Club’s formal dining hall. London had received an out of the ordinary amount of snowfall the previous week, resulting in the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel National Specialty to be rescheduled. The show was rescheduled for this Wednesday. Cesar headed back to work, and then home to prepare for the National show, while we headed out to explore the city.

In the past two days, we have had fun being tourists in London. We have shopped at many local boutiques, and also the London staples – Harrods and Selfridges. We also toured Buckingham Palace, The Royal Mews, went to the theatre and even indulged in Afternoon Tea and Fish and Chips!

Tomorrow is the first day of Crufts, which will include the judging of the Working and Pastoral Breeds and Groups. Topping the Working Breed entries are Boxers (233), Bernese Mountain Dogs (223) and Newfoundlands (193). Topping the Pastoral Breed entries are Border Collies (431), Bearded Collies (326), and Shetland Sheepdogs (307). Mr. Dave Killilea will judge the Working Group, while Mrs. Meg Purnell-Carptenter will judge the Pastoral Group.

Interestingly, a few of the Best of Breed winners of the Working Breeds that will be judged tomorrow must pass examination by the Show’s official Veterinary Surgeon before competing in the group. The Kennel Club states that they are “committed to the health and welfare of dogs and to ensuring that healthy dogs are being exhibited and thereby given awards at shows”. All Breeds on the Kennel Club’s Category 3 list must pass examination before showing in the group. These breeds include Bloodhounds, Bulldogs, Dogue de Bordeaux, German Shepherd Dogs, Mastiffs, Neapolitan Mastiffs, Pekingese, Pugs and St Bernards.

Although tomorrow is the first day of Crufts, our first day of attendance will be Friday. Check www.caninechronicle.comfor Breed and Group Results each day. We will do our best to keep you informed with results, photos, and videos after our visit to the show on Friday and Saturday!

Judy McDonald grew up in Queens, N.Y., and her father worked as a fireman. She remembers watching Westminster on her family’s black and, white television. “It always interested me,” she says. “But when I said I wanted a show dog, my mother told me that they were just for the rich.” Now, after two decades of showing her Bloodhounds, McDonald can testify that this is a sport that everyone can enjoy.

McDonald lives outside Dallas in Lucas, Texas and works as an accounting consultant. Mostly, she handles her own dogs, though handler Michael Brantley was showing her 3-year-old male, Rocket Man at Westminster. After the judging, Rocket Man sat on a low grooming table and drew quite a crowd in the benching area.

His crate was decorated with a model rocket, just in case you forgot his name. An introduction to him was immediately followed by face-scrubbing kisses and a warning from McDonald to “watch your earrings! He’ll get them!” A Bloodhound is a seriously large dog—Rocket Man weighs in at 136 pounds—and McDonald has six at home, ranging in age from 11 years to six months.

The decision to add a Bloodhound to your family should not be taken lightly, and McDonald often discourages prospective pet buyers. “This Is not the ‘lie on the front porch’ breed that people think they are,” she says. “They slobber, they are destructive, and they need attention from their family. They are very gregarious and love children, but this can be a negative, as they can easily knock a toddler over.” And, McDonald cautions, if you like to keep things on your coffee table, you can forget that if you have a Bloodhound.

According to McDonald, this is a breed in which owner/handlers can still be competitive. In fact, the “Bloodhound people” drew her to the breed. “I liked being with them,” McDonald explains. “It’s really a nice family.”

Rocket Man, more formally known as GCh Flessner’s International Space Station at Honidge, has his “event entry” certification for tracking. McDonald also likes to do performance events with her dogs—she owned the third Bloodhound in breed history to gain an agility title.

Initially a Rottweiler owner, she bought her first Bloodhound as a friend for her male Rottie, Bruno. She wanted a non-domineering dog who would be a gentle companion and playmate. However, she soon found that the Bloodhound bitch had Bruno obeying her.

As a good breeder should be, McDonald is protective of her breed. “I encourage people who can provide a good home to look at Bloodhound rescue,” she says. “Unfortunately, there are a lot of Bloodhounds in rescue. It’s a wonderful breed, and you can’t beat the hugs!”

In the development of domesticated dogs, we as humans have created a diverse set of animals to fill almost any need.  We have dogs that hunt for a wide variety of game over a wide variety of terrain, dogs that guard us, our stock and our property, dogs that herd our livestock and dogs that fulfill our companion needs in pretty much any situation.  A lot of time, effort and thought has gone into the development of each individual breed to produce an animal to fit the human need.  In times past it was a very important job for these amazing animals to hunt for us, providing food for our tables and to guard our homes, property and stock so that we could survive a harsh world.  However, today we use these great animals less for what they were originally developed for and more as either companions or in some cases show dogs.  The question is, at what cost?

In the conformation show ring you see more and more breeds loosing their quintessential breed type that shouts to all “Here I am! I am (which ever breed)!”  It is upsetting to me as a breeder of many decades to see dogs in the ring that seem to question just exactly what breed they are.  Have we as breeders, given up the very essence that makes our breed – our breed, in order to win the “big ribbon” or to stay high in the over all rankings?  Often you can ask someone how they did on any given day and they say “We just won the breed, nothing in the group”, as if that was a disappointment and unfortunately even for me, it is.  I like so many others, need to stop and remember that I am a breeder first.  A keeper of my breed standard is a job that I have taken on to protect what makes my breed what it is.  My job is not to win and rank my dog.  This is a hard thing to remember sometimes in the heat of the competition.

So, how do you keep that very important fact in the forefront of your mind?  It starts with knowing your own breed standard.  When was the last time you read it?  You can’t expect every judge to know every idiosyncrasy of your breed.  It is up to you as a breeder to put only the best representative of your breed in the ring.  I was at a show recently where the exhibitors outside the ring were actually upset that a judge wanted to read their breed standard before judging their breed.  Would they rather that the judge went in and just judged looking for a generic dog?  A dog that looks and moves as a “dog” and not necessarily the breed they are exhibiting?  Not all dogs should be built the same way nor should they move the same way.  As I said earlier in this article, each breed of dog was developed over a long time to do a specific purpose.  Yet when we judge these dogs we are impressed by huge side-gait and dogs that stop with all four feet facing perfectly forward.  We look for a level topline, lots of neck ….basically an impressive dog.  But what if the breed in question shouldn’t have any or all of those things?  Do you know how your dog should look and move to meet its own breed standard?  Not your opinion or interpretation of your standard or what you remember it being or even what has been winning big.  The actual requirements of the standard.  If you don’t know this, how can you possibly expect a judge who is judging numerous breeds on any given day to know this?

I remember Annie Rogers Clark once saying to me that if you want a dog that can move…go to the pound, most of them can move.  But if you want a good typey representative of your breed…go to a breeder.  These were wise words from a very wise woman.  Yet, most of our dogs have roots in a working animal of some sort – be it hunting, herding or guarding, should they not also be sound and able to move?  For me the answer is an unequivocal yes!

So we are left wanting a typey animal that leaves you in no doubt of what breed it actually is and also wanting a sound dog that moves correctly for it’s breed.  That’s right…not all dogs should move the same.  The AKC standard for the Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen states “Front action is straight and reaching well forward. Going away, the hind legs are parallel and have great drive. Convergence of the front and rear legs towards his center of gravity is proportional to the speed of his movement. Gives the appearance of an active hound, capable of a full day’s hunting.”  The AKC standard for the Border Collie stats “When viewed from the side the trot is not long striding, yet covers the ground with minimum effort, exhibiting facility of movement rather than a hard driving action.”  The AKC standard for the German Shepherd Dog states “At a trot the dog covers still more ground with even longer stride, and moves powerfully but easily, with coordination and balance so that the gait appears to be the steady motion of a well-lubricated machine. The feet travel close to the ground on both forward reach and backward push. In order to achieve ideal movement of this kind, there must be good muscular development and ligamentation. The hindquarters deliver, through the back, a powerful forward thrust which slightly lifts the whole animal and drives the body forward. Reaching far under, and passing the imprint left by the front foot, the hind foot takes hold of the ground; then hock, stifle and upper thigh come into play and sweep back, the stroke of the hind leg finishing with the foot still close to the ground in a smooth follow-through. The overreach of the hindquarter usually necessitates one hind foot passing outside and the other hind foot passing inside the track of the forefeet, and such action is not faulty unless the locomotion is crabwise with the dogs body sideways out of the normal straight line.”

Incorrect movement - showing over reaching with the rear foot along with moving from the elbow and landing on the back of the front foot.

Did you notice that the standard for the German Shepherd Dog is the only one that states that the dog should actually over reach behind with its rear foot passing the front foot on each foot fall? Yet, how often do we see dogs that are not German Shepherds in the ring and in advertisements that clearly show that “wow” side gait that has tremendous reach and drive, with the rear foot passing the foot fall of the front foot?  This for any dog other than the German Shepherd is incorrect movement.  Sure it is flashy…. but it is not correct for the breed.  Gee…. I guess there is type in movement after all isn’t there? A correctly built dog will be able to move without over reaching behind and will at times have all four feet off the ground.  An incorrectly built dog will have a foot on the ground for balance.  Included are photos of dogs that move correctly for their breed and incorrectly for their breed.

Correct movement - showing the front and rear foot use the same spot to land without passing each other. The dog is also reaching forward from the shoulder to land correctly on the front foot.

To continue on soundness – how many times do you see dogs in the ring that reach from the elbow and not the shoulder?  You may ask why does it matter?  If you are looking for a sound dog that can do its job all day, you better believe it matters.  A dog that is moving from the elbow is more likely to tire or break down physically and not be able to work a full day like a dog that is built more soundly.

Dogs that move from the elbow tend to do so because their front assembly is not structurally correct or sound.  Often dogs with a short second arm or steeply angled shoulder assembly will move from the elbow.  At other times a dog will move from the elbow when the length of back to length of rib is off.  A dog with more rear angle than front angle will also move from the elbow.  You will see the bottom of the front feet coming up and facing up so that their foot fall is actually on the back of their foot and not digging in with the front of their foot for traction.  Often a dog that reaches forward from its elbow will also come towards you wide in front perhaps loosely in the elbows and often paddling in front.  These are all signs of a front that is for most breeds incorrect.  Another wise person once told me that if you truly want to see the front action of a dog moving…send it away from you at a trot.  It is amazing how you can tell unsound movement on most breeds (sans bulldog type breeds that are built differently).  You will see elbows flying, feet paddling etc.  Below are some photos that clearly show the difference in moving soundly from the shoulder and unsoundly from the elbow.

Incorrect movement - moving from the elbow consequently lifting the front foot to land on the back of the foot

Correct movement - reaching well forward from the shoulder with no lift of the underside of the foot

Once again, we see where movement does have a lot to do with breed type.  The dogs,as I keep saying, were developed to do a job.  Their development created a breed type.  That breed type is defined in their body structure, head piece, sometimes color and coat but almost always movement.  So the next time you see a dog in the ring and someone next to you says “why did that dog win?  it can’t move…” think about the breed standard.  If it is a Chow-Chow that should  have a stilted side gait, kudos for the judge that rewarded that dog over perhaps another dog that moved “bigger” but less correctly.  If it is a Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen then shame on the judge who forgot for that moment that a PBGV is a dog that should reach well forward and have great drive when moving.  If it was a German Shepherd then truly shame on the judge for rewarding a totally incorrect movement.  But…. wait… could it be that the person standing next to you doesn’t truly understand soundness and correct movement and does not see that the dog in question actually did move correctly?  Perhaps then is the time to educate that person.  We are all ambassadors of our breed.  We are all keepers of our breed standards.  Don’t get annoyed at someone that clearly doesn’t understand about soundness or correct type… educate them!

The completion of a dog’s AKC championship title is a special, marked moment in a dog’s career and often a time to celebrate the end of this journey. For some single dog owners that enjoy competition and events with their dog, this journey can end far too soon. Luckily, there are an assortment of events and activities that are available to active owners looking to enjoy time with their dog; beyond finishing it’s championship. There are even more unique activities reachable to owners, besides the very popular and enjoyable sports of agility, obedience and fly ball.

One of the more obvious ways to continue competing with a new champion is to pursue an AKC Grand Championship title. To obtain a Grand Championship title, a dog must win a total of 25 points, with three majors under three different judges. The same point schedule is used as for Championships.  For continued competition, AKC offers achievement levels of bronze, silver, gold, and platinum.  More information on AKC’s Grand Championship title can be found here. Showing towards an AKC Grand Championship will give your dog and yourself more ring experience and practice.  It also keeps the exhibitor involved in a competitive event, while also requiring the exhibitor to continue a conditioning regimen for the dog that was used to earn the AKC Championship . Also, to fine tune a dog’s showmanship and socialization, exhibitors can continue going to training classes with their new champion.

Another new and unique AKC title available to all breeds is the Coursing Ability Title obtained through passing the Coursing Ability Test three times, where in a dog must pursue a lure with enthusiasm, no interruption, and within a specific time. I personally witnessed this new event at a recent show and was excited by the keen interest that exhibitors were taking in this event.   After showing in conformation, many exhibitors were taking dogs of all breeds over to the lure coursing trial, to see if their dog had any interest whatsoever in the lure by taking the Coursing Ability Test – to some surprise, many of the dogs showed a great enjoyment partaking in this event.

There are several organizations that certify Therapy Dogs, including the AKC. This can be a very fulfilling activity to participate in with your dog. It is extremely rewarding for your dog to provide comfort to those who need it the most – and of course, the dogs enjoy the attention too.  Nursing homes and hospitals are often open to utilizing therapy dogs as aids for their patient’s morale.

These activities are examples of a way to continue a journey with your dog. Although a dog’s championship title is complete, there are many other realms of competition and ways to enjoy your dog. Also, participating in these events after completing a championship can provide time for a dog to mature before furthering a serious specials career.  These are just a few ideas of how to remain active with your dog, however your own personal interests and your dogs temperament may make way for even more activities to partake in with your dog.

By Cheslie Pickett

A typical day of a seasoned dog show exhibitor is centered around many self-serving activities, such as finding the best parking spot for yourself, finding the premier grooming set up for yourself and completing all necessary steps to present you and your dog in the most meticulous nature in the ring. All of these serve as catalysts to assure that you are presenting yourself and your dog to maximum potential. Most dog show days are seemingly very pressed for time, intense, and sometimes hurried. These are all valid reasons that an exhibitor can claim to be very busy. However, can an exhibitor or handler truly ever be too busy to be polite, social, and welcoming to all other exhibitors, especially to a newcomer in the sport?

A first time exhibitor is more than likely overwhelmed by their first time attending a dog show or by making their handling debut in the ring.  A newcomer may not know where to pick up an armband, have first-time jitters, be unsure of what to do in the ring, or just feel alone in the dog show environment.   Unfortunately, many long-time exhibitors fail to realize the impact a friendly greeting or a brief introduction can be to someone attending their first dog show.  Some exhibitors forget that they were once a newcomer and they also longed to have someone to help them as they learned the ropes as a rookie in this sport.  A close friend of mine explicitly recalls the specific individuals who were friendly and the individuals who were less than friendly at his first few dog shows.

There are countless ways to be welcoming and approachable to other exhibitors and newcomers. When you see someone at the breed ring that appears to be a novice, say hello, extend a handshake, introduce yourself and help them with any questions that they may have. Let the newcomer know where you are set up and where they can find you should they need help at the show.  A simple contact may encourage a novice to attend another dog show, as they are more likely to view their peers as friendly.  A compliment can go a long way in making a newcomer feel a part of the dog community.  These are just a sampling of ideas of friendly behaviors that can be applied to newcomers as well as other competitors at dog shows, many of which revolve around utilizing basic manners. All in all, a small gesture of kindness, or a brief introduction can make a huge impact on others, especially those new to the sport.  These acts may take mere seconds and can mean so much to the first time exhibitor new to the sport.

I just arrived home from Finland, a land of interesting contrasts, an endless carpet of forest, with many lakes and beautiful landscapes. This was my second visit to Finland. In the summer, the sun shines until late in the evening. It shines so bright that you can still see the light of the sun at midnight. It is extremely unique! The Finns have a reputation of being quiet and reserved, however, I found they are actually warm, friendly, hospitable and especially honest people. I took this trip to Finland to attend the Scottish Terrier Club of Finland Annual Specialty Show.

Finland is not just a fantastic jewel of nature, but also a country with a long history of design. There is no chance you can leave this country without purchasing an item from Littala or Marimekko.

Before attending the specialty, I was fortunate to attend a day at the port of Helsinki. This is where The Tall’s ship races of Helsinki were held. I was able to see hundreds of sailing boats from all over the world that were waiting for the big games at Helskini’s docks.

On Saturday, the 20th of July, The Scottish Terrier Club of Finland held their annual specialty. Mrs. Alison Kenny, of Millingford Kennel in the United Kingdom,  had the pleasure to judge an entry of 80 Scottish Terriers.

The show opened with a presentation of a special award to a long time Scottish Terrier breeder in Finland. Mrs. Tuula Taipale, of Misting’s Kennel, was recognized for her 100th litter.

Kari Jarvinen and his son donated a complete collection of Scottie pieces previously belonging to the late Raija Jarvinen, Raija Kennel. The club offered the collection to the exhibitors and visitors for very reasonable prices. Many exhibitors and spectators did purchase items from this collection. Personally, I bought a marvelous bracelet, which I am already wearing.

Best of Breed and Best of Opposite Sex Photo By: Christa Ahlbom

The atmosphere at the show was very nice. There was also a friendly demeanor among the exhibitors. As I mentioned before,  the entry of dogs was large and the quality of the dogs was high. It is hard to judge being just a spectator, because obviously it is difficult to judge without having your hands on the dogs,  but there were several Scotties that caught my eye, including a flashy puppy bitch Serein Ranzania, Quaint O’My Jacquot, Sirkiss Sleight Of Hand, Sirkiss Solid As A Rock, Gilmoore’s Domino Effect , Sirkiss She Made Me Wait,  Quaint Piccadilly, and Perhaps Standing Ovation. There were many others that caught my attention as well.

Best of Opposite Sex Photo By: Christa Ahlbom

I was truly taken by a stunning bitch Bartos Ultra Violet ( Zitto vom Landsberg x Bartos Rose Royce ) who went Best of Opposite Sex at the Specialty. I had the opportunity to go over this bitch and it was truly a pleasure. I would not hesitate if given the opportunity to take her home. She is bred by Jouni Perttula and owned by Flippix kennel.

There was also a true lad from the junior class that caught my eye from the moment he went in the ring. His name is Flippix Me And My Shadow.  He was awarded Best Junior, Best in Show Junior and Second Best Male with the CC. It is no surprise who the sire and dam are of this young fellow.  The sire is a dog that we all have most likely followed in previous shows seasons, Filisite Brash Celebration, His dam is Bartos Ultra Violet. He was most likely one of the most admired newcomers at the show. He is owned by Jouni Perttula.

During my stay in Finland, I visited some dear terrier friends and we had the opportunity to spent some very nice moments with long talks about friends and dogs. We ate delicious Finnish food and enjoyed a glass of wine or two. This special trip is summed up by a quote that my dear friend Pam often says  “Good friends, good dogs, good times”!

A great trophy is the icing on the cake after a coveted win – no matter how big or small of a victory it is. However, a random or strange trophy can leave the exhibitor asking “Huh?” at the trophy chairman’s choice for a trophy.  After conferring with breeder owner handlers and professional handlers about their favorite type of trophy, many of the same ideas kept arising. Exhibitors’ initial reactions are quite telling as to what is a popular and well liked trophy and what, unfortunately, is not. To follow are a few of exhibitor’s preferred categories of trophies, as well as some specific ideas to accompany them.

An overwhelming majority of those questioned about the topic of trophies mentioned a preference for receiving cash prizes. Of course, many say that cash is the best gift and obviously one can spend it however they please. Other ideas besides cash with monetary value that are well received with exhibitors are gas gift cards, vendor dollars, a certificate for a free win photo, and a donation in one’s name to a charity. Cash and gift cards are highly portable and easy to travel with, not taking any space in a suitcase or dog show vehicle. These are not the most personal trophies, yet so favored among breeders and handlers that there is no doubt a winner will walk away beaming when they open the envelope with their “trophy”!

A personal preference and a large category that seems to be favored among exhibitors are useable items. The possibilities are endless for trophies that an owner or handler will actually use! Some of the most mentioned items included director’s chairs, towels, leads, dog toys, coolers, and crate mats. For a larger award, items such as grooming tables, crates and tack boxes are favored among exhibitors. Many of these items are perfect for embroidering or detailing to denote a specific win or a kennel club name. Electronics, such as an iPod, or iPad, for larger awards were mentioned among exhibitors.

A category all of it’s own includes unique and creative trophies, which often come to hold a special meaning to the recipient. Many times these items could be something breed specific or location specific. One handler gave me a very creative and special example of a Best in Show trophy that they hold dear, which was given by a club in Nashville, Tennessee – a guitar to be hand painted by an artist of the Best in Show winning dog. Although not particularly unique. silver, or other items that are personalized with the show and win were mentioned by some. These types of trophies are easily displayed.

Items that did not seem popular among exhibitors were the chotskies that are given more often than not for all levels of awards. Also, never mentioned among those questioned were medallions or medals. Obviously, used or re-donated items that have been received with an award can sometimes be quite meaningless. Although, surely winners are appreciative of each trophy to accompany a win, the previous ideas seem to be even more than greatly appreciated among exhibitors.