by Joan Harrigan One of the most interesting aspects of Westminster isn’t even its dogs, but rather the people who attend it. Conversations begin at ringside, on line for lunch, or in the benching area. While spectators are united by a passion for purebred dogs, each individual has his or her own story. Because Westminster […]
By Joan Harrigan Dr. Cindy Marriott of Plymouth, Mich. had never owned a dog. Not as a child, not when she was raising her family. However, after retirement from her work teaching psychology in college and divorce, Dr. Marriott wanted “something to do.” She found it—in the form of a very large dog named Dag. […]
Attending Westminster is often feels like entering a battle zone. No amount of preparation can offset the inevitable mental and physical challenges prepackaged with the experience. Therefore, an uplifting, encouraging anecdote might provide a timely perk for everyone entering the fray on this frigid Monday.
I bought my first show dog in 1971. He became a Champion and attained his CD. He sired two litters. Ttttthat’s all folks! Many years later, I remember when my breeding partner and I started to x-ray our breeding stock for Hip Dysplasia. Our finished bitch was x-rayed by the local vet. “It’s fine”, he told us. “No need to send it in. It’s just a waste of money.“ About two years later, I was devastated when our promising young male pick of the litter was diagnosed with hip dysplasia. My partner, however, was in denial. She was sure that this was not genetic. Both his parents had been x-rayed. After all, he did fall off the grooming table that time when he was a pup. The fall must have caused this problem. I was not so easily dissuaded and insisted that we x-ray his littermates. More than one pup turned out to be dysplastic. I bought a copy of Fred Lanting’s first book on Canine Hip Dysplasia and insisted on a second opinion on the dam’s x-rays. Yup, she was dysplastic, too. I had learned a lesson in the value of testing AND the importance of good information. What I did not know and could never have foreseen was how dramatically the world of responsible dog breeding was to change.
By Amy Fernandez In recent years, newly recognized breeds have become an annual addition at Westminster. The traditional glacial pace of AKC’s recognition process has become a distant memory, as have the stops and stalls that long characterized its FSS program. Like many things, it took longer than expected but an efficient process finally kicked […]
The Hound Group can be confusing. The FCI, for example, classifies sighthounds and scenthounds separately – sight hounds in Group 10 and scent hounds in Group 6. In North America and Great Britain, the Italian Greyhound is classified in the Toy Group; the FCI classifies this breed as a sighthound (Group 10). When discussing hounds in Europe, I refer to the FCI standards and groups.
When Boston Terrier Bruno, more formally known as GCh Danicrest Bullet’s Brunello’s Rare Essence took an AOM on Monday, he was cheered on by his best buddy, 5-year old Boxer “Chickenman.” “He’s here to support his Boston,” breeder/owner/handler Dr. Jacqueline Royce of Sarasota, Fla. laughs. Chickenman, so named for his great love of rotisserie chicken, has a couple of titles of his own—he’s GCh Bullet Vancroft’s You Must Remember This CA. She’s thrilled with Bruno’s award, pointing out that there were 31 Bostons entered. “It’s pretty competitive, but it’s still possible for an owner/handler to be successful.”
By Amy Fernandez Since 1933 Westminster’s Junior Showmanship Finals have focused the spotlight on countless exceptional individuals. Along with material rewards, that win is frequently cited as the launching point of a successful career. In reality, qualifying for Westminster’s JS finals represents a significant achievement in itself. Over the years, the eligibility requirements have gradually […]
Over the last few weeks there have been several articles I’ve read that speak to the need for change in the administration of dogs (AKC) the legislation of dogs (PETA & HSUS) and the law enforcement with respect to dogs (welfare & rescue). In each article, the writer had a very clear point of view. That opinion either resonated with you or it did not. They did not resonate with the groups the articles were meant to criticize. Animal rights and wrongs fall on both sides of any argument. The mere fact that we take sides and champion our beliefs sometimes makes resolving difficult issues illusive.
By Amy Fernandez Westminster isn’t complete without a new show at the Secord Gallery. We’ve not only come to expect it, this annual ritual has turned us into rather savvy art connoisseurs. Needless to say, it’s also ramped up our expectations. You won’t be disappointed this time. The inaugural show at the gallery’s new location […]
