By Sandy Weaver

Dog shows are competitive by nature, but the people who stay in this sport the longest usually discover something important: The ribbons fade. The friendships don’t.

A group of Japanese researchers published the results of their study in December of 2025. They were aware of studies that showed a correlation between dogs, people, and the desire to connect. Their study was more refined—they wanted to see if dog owners are more likely to have satisfying, long-lasting connections to other people and to their communities.

All they needed to do was go to a few dog shows, right?

This and other research continues to show that dogs help humans create social connection and community. Dog owners are more likely to form meaningful relationships through shared activities and repeated interactions. In other words, the very thing that brings us into the sport—our dogs—also creates opportunities for belonging.

And honestly, dogs themselves give us a pretty good blueprint for how to build relationships.

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208 – June, 2026

By Elaine Lessig

We all have our favorites. Holidays, vacation sites, handbags, power tools, and dog breeds are just a few that come to mind. However, when asked, all of us have a number one food choice. Recognizing that we eat every day, decisions on what, where, and when we consume food are never-ending. The most likely place we eat is in our homes; whether we prepare it, have it delivered, or go out to get it. If we consider all the small eateries, drive-up locations, diners, or five-star restaurants, the options are overwhelming. It sounds simple, but too often, it isn’t.

The next issue that comes up is this: who is eating the food? If you are alone, you make your own decision. The challenge begins when others are involved–whatever the number, whoever they are. We all have to navigate those situations when the circumstances require. As an example, you are traveling with six people to a specialty show. On the evening before the show, you look for a place to have dinner. Four of you want to go to the sports bar. The other two prefer an Italian restaurant. Fortunately, they compromise. Off they go for dinner to what turned out to be a great pizza place near their hotel.

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198 – June, 2026

Are you ready for this week’s #ThrowbackThursday? Who do you recognize in this week’s Throwback Thursday?

Check back on Monday for the correct answer!

Don’t forget! Do you have a fun photo that you would like to share for #ThrowbackThursday? Email Liz at showresults@caninechronicle.com with your photos!

By Michael Canalizo

The basic premise of all dog shows should be that of their origin: the “comparison of breeding stock.” The best place for that to happen is (and should be) the specialty show. Every national breed club hosts a yearly event unique to that breed. Naturally, the size and scope of a breed factors into the level of what the club can bring forth. Some are week-long extravaganzas that offer everything you can imagine: performance events, obedience, agility, rally, Fast CAT, and breed-specific events like hunt tests, lure coursing, cart or weight pulling–you get the idea. The smaller “low-entry” breeds might have to hold a “designated specialty” as part of an all-breed club, and that might limit some of the extra events. All will have conformation classes and maybe a Futurity/Maturity, Sweepstakes, 4–6 Puppy, Brace/Team Classes, Stud Dog, Brood Bitch, Best Puppy, Best Bred-by-Exhibitor, and Juniors. Some will go to the extreme with very, very specific classes for Best Head, Best Movement, etc. All that is just what is offered for dogs to compete with each other. There is also a litany of other things to partake in at a specialty: health clinics, breeder seminars, grooming demos, and judges’ education, just to name a few.

Now, let’s do a deeper dive into why these events need to continue as viable offerings.

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178 – June, 2026

]]> https://caninechronicle.com/current-articles/did-you-know-specialties-are-special/feed/ 0 https://caninechronicle.com/current-articles/around-the-rings-cherry-blossom-cluster/ https://caninechronicle.com/current-articles/around-the-rings-cherry-blossom-cluster/#comments Wed, 17 Jun 2026 12:00:09 +0000 https://caninechronicle.com/?p=360974 Click here to read the complete article
242 – June, 2026

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242 – June, 2026

What does a long-time dog person do on a weekend off?  Drive a couple hours to a dog show, of course!  I took a drive to the Lake County Fairgrounds in Grayslake, IL to visit my friends at the Wheaton Kennel Club.

With the sudden loss of Lynn Meyer, I expected the day to be emotional–and indeed, it was.  Grayslake was one of the shows that Lynn served as AKC Executive Field Representative for the past several years, and to say she was missed would be an understatement.

Lynn’s family has requested that, in lieu of flowers, friends consider making a donation to one of the following charities, whose important work and missions were close to Lynn’s heart:

Take The Lead

https://takethelead.org/

The Tibetan Terrier Health & Welfare Foundation

https://tibetanterriersfoundation.org/

Feed Your Joy

https://www.kalmbachfeeds.com/pages/feed-your-joy?srsltid=AfmBOoqW6TERzS0D615DEROaJ8_S6Lgx25Z0_F0c6JTJL8HLoFQN60pH

We often learn of interesting hobbies and interests outside of our sport that fanciers are passionate about.  Recently, People Magazine did an interview with our own Karen LeFrak!  Who knew that in addition to Poodle fame, Karen is also a very talented, successful music composer!  With 21 albums, 60 million streams and a major orchestral commission tied to America’s 250^th Anniversary, Karen proves that it is never too late to create!  She embarked on her musical career in her seventies and recently turned 79. You can read more about Karen’s successful music career at:  https://people.com/how-karen-lefrak-launched-professional-music-career-in-her-70s-exclusive-11996455

I encourage all Junior Showmanship participants and parents of Juniors to read this month’s article by William Given. This piece gives a great perspective on the focus Juniors should maintain while competing!  The article focuses on having fun while competing.  Frankly, I think all competitors will have a great takeaway from these words of wisdom.  https://caninechronicle.com/current-articles/change-your-focus-to-win-more-in-the-juniors-ring/

Several years back, a few clubs came up with a great idea to do arm band raffles at shows in order to minimize arm bands being left lying around.  The most common raffle was for gas cards (who doesn’t need help with filling the tank?)  At last weekend’s Eagle Rock Kennel Club show in Blackfoot, Idaho, the club had a flat ribbon recycle station set up for exhibitors to deposit their unwanted flat ribbons!  What a great idea to reuse or repurpose ribbons!

The temps in many areas of the country were sweltering this past weekend.  The shows at Bates Nut Farm in Southern California were subjected to above-average temperatures.  Unfortunately, Charlie Olvis and Liz Muthard had a difficult time in the heat; but in true Charlie and Liz fashion, they did not succumb to the heat and kept judging! The club volunteers and AKC Representative did a great job of keeping an eye on them while trying to keep Charlie out of the sun. They continued to make sure the pair stayed hydrated and as cool as possible. Sometimes it takes a village and we know that fanciers rise to the occasion whenever necessary!

The American Kennel Club has announced that nominations for the President’s Sportsmanship Award are now open and will be accepted through Monday, August 17, 2026.

In its second year, the award honors an individual who has demonstrated exceptional commitment to the principles outlined in the AKC Code of Sportsmanship and Civility.  The award is designed to recognize those whose conduct consistently reflects integrity, mentorship, and respect within the dog sports community.  For more information:  https://caninechronicle.com/?p=361176

I am saddened to report that Bill Kohler passed away.  Bill was a lifetime member of the Sahuaro State Kennel Club, and long-time, beloved show photographer.  Our thoughts are with his family and friends at this difficult time.

Happy Anniversary to Jann Butler and Will Bratcher!  Best wishes for many more grand adventures filled will happiness.

Fanciers celebrating birthdays this week include:  Ryan Horvath, Susan Bradshaw MacLyman, Erin Kerfoot, Ray Stevens, Patty Haines, Vicki Seiler-Cushman, Addison Lancaster, and Erica Vogt.  May this trip around the sun be all that you hope for and then some!

Always remember, my friends:

Some days are better,

Some days are worse,

Look for the blessing

Instead of the curse

Be positive

Stay Strong

Get enough rest

You cannot do it all,

But you CAN do your BEST!

Wherever your travels take you, please be safe.  Take time to tell those you care about how you feel.  Remember, my friends, tomorrow is never promised.  Live today to its fullest!  Until next time…

By Caroline Coile

Who is the most important person in your breed? The icon who has judged the National Specialty in every country? The celebrity handler known for piloting winner after winner to record after record? The backer who enables worthy dogs to be seen in the ring? The breeder of the most champions? The well-known owner-handler? The president of the parent club? Judges’ Education coordinator? Research guru? Rescue saint? Every one of these people can lay claim to being vitally important, and perhaps even the most important. But the truth is, you don’t have to be any of these people to have a profound influence on your breed. You just have to care.

True, the acclaimed judge seems to be perched at the top, admired by all. But in the end, who he points to doesn’t influence the breed all that much. Sure, a few more people may breed to a National Specialty winner, and a certain style may, in turn, come into greater favor, but even though her decision may cause elation for some and anger for others, it’s not going to determine the survival of the breed.

Pro handlers often become the most recognized faces of a breed, especially one in which they specialize. New judges often come to them for education, or unconsciously come to think of whatever dog they’re piloting as being an icon of the breed. They may groom in a style that becomes emulated by others. Many professionals are breeders of that breed, and bound by their love of that breed to “first, do no harm.” But others may not be as familiar with breed priorities and may be prompted more by their need to promote their charge than to preserve the breed. But even if they change the style, their deeds won’t determine whether or not a breed prospers.

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168 – June, 2026

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By Heather Stein

There is a certain kind of man who grows up in the thunder of engines and somehow finds his rhythm in silence. Phil Booth is that kind of man.

His story does not begin in a manicured show ring. It begins in the grit and velocity of American motorsport, where timing is measured in fractions, mistakes are unforgiving, and excellence is not a mood but a method.

Phil grew up beside his father, Wally Booth, one of the early forces in Pro Stock drag racing. Wally became known for taking American Motors machinery into a class dominated by Chevrolet, Ford, and Chrysler products, a kind of four-wheeled underdog story built on engineering nerve and competitive stubbornness. He and partner Dick Arons helped put AMC Gremlins and Hornets into serious Pro Stock conversation, and Wally was later named among the 2012 inductees to the International Drag Racing Hall of Fame.

For young Phil, the racetrack was not a weekend outing. It was childhood.

“My father started his racing career shortly after I was born,” he recalls. “So, through my entire childhood and young adult life, drag racing was just part of life.”

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152 – June, 2026