by Amy Fernandez Westminster welcomed seven new breeds this year. Ironically, more than half of them are setting up shop in the Herding Group which was created in 1983 to resolve the Working Group gridlock. These new additions to that original lineup of 15 breeds bring the group’s total up to 31. The hardy, rustic […]
By Amy Fernandez What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger, which may be the best way to sum up a novice’s reaction to Westminster. First time exhibitors fall into two categories. Quite a few vow never to return. Others marvel at their ability to survive the ordeal and return armed and ready the next year. […]
In a true demonstration of Teutonic toughness Dachshunds were out in full force for Sunday’s Knickerbocker specialty despite the frigid three degree morning cold.
I have had, on occasion, judging colleagues speak to me of their excitement about a judging assignment where they had the opportunity to get their hands on a dog of a given breed that was closer to the standard of perfection than any they have ever judged. I have also had fellow breeders express the sense of joy they experienced in breeding a dog that comes far closer to meeting the standard than any they have bred before. Without the existence of breed standards neither of the experiences mentioned above could have significance.
By Joan Harrigan “Spring” curled pensively on a chair at Pier 92, surveying the curious onlookers. The 7-year-old Mudi is more accustomed to activity—flyball is her game, and she loves to run. Formally known as Kiralytanyai Tavasz (“Tavasz” means “spring” in Hungarian), Spring and her owner, Amanda Haldeman of Hampden, Mass. have come to “Meet […]
Westminster’s traditional two-day show has morphed into “Westminster Week”—a chance for the dog show world and public alike to gather in celebration of the dog. Last year, the AKC’s popular “Meet the Breeds” event moved its venue and date to coincide with the Westminster’s agility competition on the Saturday of Westminster Weekend.
by Joan Harrigan The Clumber Spaniel booth occupied prime real estate at the AKC Meet the Breeds event Saturday. A cluster of Clumbers spilled into the isle from the very first booth spectators encountered as they entered Pier 92—likely more Clumbers in one place than most had ever seen. Tom McMillian of Montville, N.J. was […]
By Amy Fernandez Saturday’s Havanese specialty at the Hotel Pennsylvania drew 33 entries. Winners Dog and Best of Winners among nine class dogs was Narwyn MeadowView Mischief Maker from the 12-18 class. Reserve Winners Dogs came from 6-9 Puppy and went to Viva’s Catch Me If U Can. From an entry of six class bitches, […]
At the heart of our sport are the all-breed kennel clubs and the local specialty (breed) clubs. And, there are the parent specialty clubs and a growing number of group clubs. There are also obedience training clubs and clubs for tracking, agility, lure coursing, herding, earthdogs, coonhounds, field trials and hunt tests. And, let us not forget the juniors’ clubs and the 4-H dog clubs. I found myself wondering, “just how many dog clubs are there here in the United States?”
By Amy Fernandez Group clubs were pretty rare back in the day when the Progressive Dog Club appeared on the scene. Not anymore. Over the past couple of decades AKC has rubber-stamped clubs all over the country that confine their competition to a single group. Terrier, Hound, Herding, Sporting, Non-Sporting, Working, and plenty more Toy […]
