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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.
May 15th, 2023 | Posted in Current Articles,Featured | Read More »

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.
May 14th, 2023 | Posted in Current Articles,Featured | Read More »

The AKC Canine Health Foundation (CHF), a non-profit organization dedicated to advancing the health of all dogs and their owners, welcomes Stephanie Montgomery, DVM, PhD, DACVP as Chief Executive Officer (CEO) starting in June. Dr. Montgomery earned her PhD in Microbiology & Immunology from the University of North Carolina School of Medicine. She stayed in North Carolina to earn her [...]
May 13th, 2023 | Posted in Current Articles,Featured | Read More »

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.
May 13th, 2023 | Posted in Current Articles,Featured | Read More »

Luke Waters with his Wire Fox Terrier won Best Junior Handler with Kira under judge Mrs. Vicki Seiler-Cushman at the 147th Annual Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show presented by Purina Pro Plan held at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center on Tuesday, May 9. Waters, handling his 3.5 year-old female, officially known as [...]
May 12th, 2023 | Posted in Current Articles,Featured | Read More »

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?
May 12th, 2023 | Posted in Current Articles,Featured | Read More »

How well do you know your AKC rules?
May 11th, 2023 | Posted in Current Articles | Read More »

Families and dog lovers from all over Chicagoland can enjoy great family-friendly entertainment (at an accessible value) and the thrill of world-class canine competition at the upcoming Great American Dog Show. The Show will be held August 25-27, at The McCormick Place Convention Center. Spectators can watch premier show dogs and competitors from the 200 American Kennel Club (AKC) recognized breeds compete for top prizes throughout the weekend. “The International Kennel Club of Chicago is thrilled to be bringing Dog Shows back in a big way to theWindy City in 2023, said Scott Pfeil, Principal and IKC President. “Dogs have always been integral to the fabric of our city, and we encourage Chicagoland dog lovers and their families to join us in [...]
May 10th, 2023 | Posted in Current Articles,Featured | Read More »

The Petit Basset Griffon Vendéen “Buddy” won Best in Show at the 147th Annual Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show presented by Purina Pro Plan under judge Ms. Elizabeth “Beth” Sweigart at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center on Tuesday, May 9. Buddy, a 6-year-old male of Palm Springs, California, officially known as CH [...]
May 10th, 2023 | Posted in Breaking News,Current Articles,Featured | Read More »

Finally, spring has returned to the North to renew and refresh our lives. The first warm days help us melt from the chill, darkness, and rain of the season just ended. Whether the groundhog sees or does not see its shadow on February 2nd, by the time we reach mid-April, we know the season has truly arrived. Suddenly, one by one, or one and all, the girls come into season. They remind us that as the flowers bloom, so do they. Outdoor dog shows proliferate. The bigger rings and green grass always make the dogs look better. No more are there heavy coats, gloves, and hats to pack. Colorful sundresses and golf shirts dominate the show grounds. Ahh, yes, it’s spring at last.
May 10th, 2023 | Posted in Current Articles,Featured | Read More »