I bought my first show dog in 1971. The world of dog shows and purebred dog breeders has been turned on its axis several times since then. Since my beginnings in purebred dogs, there has been a revolution in my thinking.
By Penny Leigh, AKC Registration & Development Staff A version of this article originally appeared in Volume 28, No. 3. September, 2015 issue of Perspectives, the AKC Delegates’ Newsletter Bowser entered the Waller household as an adorable family pet and exited on his way to becoming a top-winning champion. His show dog career was the […]
What makes anyone more well-known than others? Why do some people who should be more successful regarding their achievements remain anonymous? Why do those interested turn to one particular breeder rather than others? What makes a breeder well-known and acclaimed internationally and what do others do that makes them unable to take one step further? And what does all this have to do with marketing?
This is not what I had in mind to think about this month, but sometimes you really have to go with your heart! I wrote the most of following soon after the loss of my eleven year-old German Shepherd Dog, “Silver”. I added to it and wanted to share my thoughts with you.
This is a very personal story. I don’t usually write about Sylvia and me, but the subject of this article jumped into my head last night as I was sitting at the monthly meeting of the all-breed club of which I have been a member for 26 years. I have served this club in several positions, as show chair, judges’ hospitality chair, secretary, president, vice president and long-term delegate to the American Kennel Club.
Today, every parent club grapples with their breed’s relative popularity. Positions at either end of the spectrum present substantial threats to overall genetic integrity. Managing this ongoing challenge/nightmare is tricky business but at least we have some signposts to achieve a happy middle ground. The Airedale’s fluctuating fortunes provided many of those insights. Recapping the ordeal for the ATCA 1960 Yearbook, Airedale breeder/former ATCA president Harold Florsheim said, “In 1925 Airedales reached their peak of popularity, but within a mere five years had slipped from their high point to a very low one.” That low rung on the ladder is never pleasant, but nothing hurts more than a sudden plunge from the top.
Anyone managing a multiple-dog household knows the standard Q&A when asked about their canine housemates. Initial shock is inevitably followed by commiseration about the amount of work it entails. That’s true in some respects – more nails to cut, more dishes to wash. Of course, our dogs repay this in countless intangible ways. A recent experience made me realize this fact, and understand that some of these benefits cease to register on our mental radar.
By the time you read these words, another Morris & Essex Kennel Club show will be in the books. This year’s entry topped 4,100 dogs; a significant increase over the 3,000+ dogs entered in 2005. This quinquennial show has become the hottest ticket in dogs over the past 15 years for many reasons.
By Amy Fernandez Last week Youtube was ablaze with the sensational footage of a French Bulldog successfully chasing a trio of curious black bears out of her backyard territory. Fearless, scrappy 20 pound Jules stood her ground and didn’t hesitate for a second as she confronted one and then another, baiting and harassing them until […]
