The Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show presented by Purina Pro Plan, America’s second-longest continuously held sporting event, will be held May 8-9, 2023, at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in Flushing Meadows–Corona Park in Queens, New York City. This historic event is the centerpiece of Westminster Week. The 2023 canine celebration also marks the [...]
By Wayne Cavanaugh Take two fingers, starting at the top of your shoulder, and trace the bone that runs horizontally from the top of your shoulder blade (scapula) to the bone (sternum) that sits vertically in the center of your rib cage. That horizontal connecting bone is your clavicle, less for- merly known as the [...]
by Lisa Dubé Forman Originally published: February 2013 photo by Lisa Croft-Elliott In my brief five years of judging, I cannot count how many times I have communicated to exhibitors that I am not judging a statue. I offer this as relaxing encouragement to them while they attempt to correct their dog’s stance as it [...]
From www.petmd.com No matter how much they beg, your dog should not get treats out of the Halloween candy bowl. Generally, it isn’t a good idea to share any candy with your pet for several reasons. Some types of candy (such as dark chocolate and those containing xylitol) can make your dog very ill and can [...]
By Peter Baynes Photos by John Ashbey Originally published: February 2011 Many say that the fun has gone out of dog shows, maybe this is because many judges are afraid to talk to exhibitors. Judge and handler bashing has become an Internet pastime, even with fellow judges participating in the discussions about, and criticizing, other [...]
By Dr. Gareth Morgan-Jones Originally published: February 2010 As a follow-up to my last essay, published in the 2010 Annual, in which I discussed how we use and apply standards it might be appropriate to again return to the subject of judging and how those of us who are involved in this activity view our [...]
“Why do we breed and show dogs?
It is certainly not to get rich.”
When you look around the dog show arena how many people in your breed are friends? How many people outside your breed do you know? Will you be able to count on all or most of these fellow competitors in an emergency? The camaraderie that comes with this sport knows no bounds. If I am on an airplane and hear someone talking about their show or performance dog I turn around and say hello. We are kindred spirits. I probably don’t know them. They may have a different breed of dog. However, there is this unspoken connection which enables you to engage in a conversation. We both speak a language and take part in a sport few people understand.
By Gay Dunlap Originally published: January 2012 I have been a breeder of purebred dogs for longer than many of you have been alive. I am not alone for, in fact, many share incredible longevity within the fancy. I lay claim to forty-two years and there are others who have been at the game even [...]
One of the most significant pearls of wisdom I was fortunate to receive over the years was in these words: A sound dog will age more gracefully, be less likely to break down from stress or injury, experience less fatigue and greater efficiency in work, and stay healthier and more attractive throughout its life. The originator of this most eloquent of reasons to breed carefully and thoughtfully has my deepest respects.
This time-honored tradition celebrating excellence in writing about dogs is back! The Olympics of the dog-writing world has resumed after a two-year hiatus. The Contest Chair, Barbara Magera, said, “We are pleased to hold the 2022 competition. The contest celebrates writers and artists who educate people, champion causes, advocate for dogs, make us laugh, and [...]
