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.
Cognitive decline syndrome in dogs and cats was the hot topic discussed during Morris Animal Foundation’s latest webinar. During the virtual event, pet cognition experts provided tips and tricks for pet parents on what they can watch for and do to keep their furry friends mentally fit as they age. Veterinarians Dr. Starr Cameron and […]
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.
We received the very sad news that Mr. Geir Flyckt-Pedersen of Pepper Pike, Ohio passed away on May 15. Geir was a longtime fancier, international judge, and successful breeder of many breeds but best known for his Louline Wire Fox Terriers. Geir was an icon among the fancy; a kind, funny, incredibly intelligent gentleman. Born […]
The American Kennel Club® (AKC®) is pleased to announce the judging panels for the 2023 National Owner-Handled Series (NOHS) Finals and the AKC Royal Canin National All-Breed Puppy and Junior Stakes to be held at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Florida in conjunction with the AKC National Championship Presented by Royal Canin. The […]
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.
The American Kennel Club (AKC®), a not-for-profit organization, the world’s largest purebred dog registry and leading advocate for dogs, is pleased to announce the winners of the AKC Agility League’s third season. The AKC Agility League recently concluded its third season and named the winners of both the team and individual dog divisions. The season […]
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.
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 […]
