The Garden at Night
There’s Nothing Like the Green Carpet to Bring Out the Best in Everyone!
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by Joan Harrigan and Susan Beegel
Westminster is now firmly established as a dual-venue show. Occasionally, a nostalgic exhibitor asks, “when do you think they’ll go back to the Garden for the breeds?” However, the size of the show and the renovations at Madison Square Garden have determined the answer—“never.” While the Piers have distinct advantages over Madison Square Garden for the daytime breed competition, nothing can compare with the impact of seeing the dogs gait into the enormous Garden group ring. So, it’s back to the refurbished Garden for the evening competition, which begins with the a capella singing of the national anthem by talented youngsters from the cast of Broadway’s “Matilda.” There’s no doubt—it’s Westminster, and there’s “only one.”
Monday Night – The Hound Group
Judge Betty-Anne Stenmark of Woodside, Calif. presides over the first group of the night—the hounds. It’s a large and competitive group, with all breeds represented except the English Foxhound.
In the Hound Group tonight, the Top Two hounds meet again—the 4-year-old 13-15-inch Beagle GCh. Tashtins Looking for Trouble, known as Peyton or Miss P, and Nathan, the 4-year-old Bloodhound, GCh. Flessner’s International S’Cess MT. Nathan won the Westminster Hound Group last year and accumulated 25 Bests In Show in 2014, including the televised National Dog Show in Philadephia. According to Miss P’s handler, Will Alexander, the two dogs have been battling back and forth for over a year to hold the title of Top Hound. They finished 2014 with Nathan in first place with 25 Bests In Show and 87 Group Ones and Miss P right behind, with 19 Bests In Show and 91 Group Ones. Tonight, Judge Betty Anne Stenmark pulls seven dogs for final consideration—in addition to Nathan and Miss P, they include the Afghan, Black and Tan Coonhound, Greyhound, Otterhound, and Whippet. In the end, Stenmark gives Miss P the nod.
“The pace has been relentless,” says Alexander, about the duel with Nathan and his owner-handler Heather Helmer. “Very competitive. But,” he adds, “it’s also been very professional and very friendly. Sportsmanship the way sportsmanship should be.” He attributes Miss P’s success to her fluid gait and stamina. She’s “a talker,” according to Alexander, and one of his goals for Best in Show will be “to keep her toned down.” Miss P was bred by Lori Crandlemire of Enderby, British Columbia. She is owned by Eddie Dziuk, Chief Operating Officer of the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals in Columbia, Mo., Crandlemire, and her daughter, Kaitlyn.
Group Two goes to Nathan, who enthusiastically and intimately greets the press while awaiting his time before the camera. “Well, he’s a scenthound,” quips Helmer. Nathan was bred by Bryan and Chris Flessner of St. Joseph, Ill. and is owned by Susan Carter, Shirley Van Camp, and breeder/handler Heather Helmer of Queenstown, Maryland. “He did wonderfully, absolutely wonderfully—I couldn’t ask anything more from him,” Helmer says, looking at Nathan with great affection. As for what’s next—“well, next weekend, we go to Rockland, New York,” she says. “We’re back on the road!”
Group Three belongs to the Otterhound, GCh. Aberdeen’s Under the Influence, call name DUI (pronounced Dewey). Breeder/owner Jason McIlwaine of Chagrin Falls, Ohio, who shares DUI with family members Andrea and Jack, describes the Otterhound as a “goofy, laidback dog” with “great breed type” and a talent for tracking. DUI’s heart belongs to “anyone with a piece of a food.” A large scenthound with a rough, double coat and webbed feet for swimming, the Otterhound is one of the most endangered dog breeds, rarer than the Giant Panda, according to its parent club. “There are fewer than 800 Otterhounds left worldwide,” says McIlwaine. Despite the rarity of the breed—or perhaps because of it—DUI draws enthusiastic applause from the Garden spectators. He was bred using the 20-year-old frozen semen of Ch. Aberdeen’s Arthur. Handled by Jason, the 5½-year-old Otterhound will be retiring from the show ring after Westminster.
Rounding out the group placements is Nathan’s buddy, Black and Tan Coonhound Moses, handled by Heather Helmer’s husband and handling partner, Zach Helmer. GCh. Bayaway Jersey’s Due Process Of Law was bred by Debra Rezendes of Stone Creek, Ohio and Jinnie-Ann Stora of Evans City, Pa. and is owned by his breeders and George Rezendes. At home, the two show dogs are best friends. Moses was the number one all-breed Black and Tan last year, and maintains that position in 2015, as well as being the number six hound. Zach Helmer admits that Black and Tans can be a tough breed with which to earn a group placement. “Moses comes pretty close to having every characteristic the Black and Tan Coonhound standard calls for,” Helmer says. “Right down to the pencil-point tan markings on his toes. A lot of these attributes are being lost in this breed.” What’s it like to live with a large scenthound who has been bred to hunt? “Well, he’s a hound, and he can be stubborn,” Helmer laughs. “But some days, he’s all fired up. He keeps me on my toes, and that’s what makes him fun to show!”
The Toy Group
Next comes the Toy Group and judge Elliott Weiss of Middletown, Del. Though diminutive in stature, the Toys command a large ring presence. Judge Weiss pulls six for final consideration—the Smooth-Coated Chihuahua, Chinese Crested, Havanese, Pomeranian, Shih Tzu, and Yorkshire Terrier.
Group One goes to the 2-year-old Shih Tzu dog, GCh. Hallmark Jolei Rocket Power. A vision in cream and gold with exquisite black markings, Rocket was the top-ranked Shih Tzu last year, whose accomplishments included an Award of Merit at his National Specialty, winning 16 Bests In Show, and adding the 2014 AKC/Eukanuba National Championship Toy Group to his 78 Group wins. Tonight, handled by breeder/co-owner Luke Ehricht, Rocket has done it again, defeating some top-flight Toys to earn a place in Westminster’s Best in Show ring. Luke’s wife Diane describes a playful little dog who loves squeaky toys and his soft Frisbee. The Ehrichts, from Monclova, Ohio, share ownership of Rocket with media heiress Patricia Hearst-Shaw of Wilton, Conn. In the dog world, Shaw is best-known for breeding French bulldogs; her Frenchie GCh. Diva’s Bastille My Heart (Freda), handled by Jodi Longmire, took Best of Opposite Sex from a field of 41 entries earlier in the day.
Group Two was the Pomeranian, GCh. Hitimes What The Inferno, who demonstrated that he knew how to play to the crowd with his personality. “Danny” was also Group Two at the AKC/Eukanuba National Championship, and is a multiple BIS winner in Thailand, as well as the U.S. Curtiss Smith handled Danny for owners Bonnie Bird of Sewells Point, Fla. and Udomsin Littichaikun of Glostar Kennels in Thailand. He was bred by mother and daughter Joan and Ashley Carcasole of Calgary, Alberta, Canada.
Group Three goes to the Yorkie, 6-year-old GCh. Trio’s Big Shot, known to his friends as Billy. Owned and bred by Kimberly Goldfarb of DelRay Beach, Fla., Billy was the top-ranked Yorkshire Terrier last year and won his National Specialty. Handsome, with a scarlet ribbon in his top-knot echoing handler Kirsten McGregor’s red suit, Billy enjoys eating cookies and hanging out with his best friend, a German Shorthaired Pointer. He will be retiring from the show ring after celebrating tonight’s achievement.
The Group Four goes to the 5-year-old Havanese, GCh. Love’s Havaheart Los Goodfellas, who enters the record books as the second of his breed to be awarded a Group placement at the Garden. “Vinnie” was bred by Rita and Rod Love, and is owned by Karyn Rivera of Southwest Ranches, Fla., who was in the Garden to watch him show. Handler Greg Strong was thrilled with Vinnie’s performance, both in the breed ring and in the group. “I had a conflict,” Strong explains. “Ariel Cukier, my assistant handled him to the breed win, and did a fantastic job.”
The Non-Sporting Group
Shirley Limoges of Ottawa, Ont., Canada presides over the Non-Sporting Group with careful consideration; her expression gives no hint of her final choices until she makes her cut. Eight dogs are pulled for her final line-up—the American Eskimo Dog, Bichon Frise, Bulldog, Dalmatian, Lhasa Apso, Standard Poodle, Schipperke, and Xoloitzcuintli.
It is impossible not to notice one entry—a majestic Chow Chow handled by a smiling Chinese woman in an embroidered black and gold dress that complemented her dog’s coloring. The Chow was Kun Lun Of Anna Kennel, and the woman was his breeder/owner/handler, Ling Yang. An interpreter explained that Yang owns a “brilliant and very famous” kennel in Beijing and is the president of the Chinese Chow Chow Club. Kun Lun was the top dog in China last year, and this trip to Westminster was their award. Kun Lun won his breed from the classes, evidence of the truly international nature of competition at Westminster.
For the second year in a row, Group One goes to the elegant black Standard Poodle Flame, GCh. Dawin Hearts on Fire. Born on Valentine’s Day in 2011, 4-year-old Flame was the Top Non-Sporting Dog in the country for 2014, as well as the Number Three show dog, all breeds. She also won the Poodle Club of America’s National Specialty. Flame has 42 Bests In Show and 121 Group Ones to her credit. A sound, flashy girl with bold movement, Flame is the top-winning daughter of a top-winning mother, Jetta, Ch Dawin Spitfire, who was Top Non-Sporting Dog in 2010. Both Flame and Jetta are bred and owned by Linda Campbell of Toronto, Canada and handled by Sarah Reidl Perchick of Jacksonville, Fla.
Group Two goes to the standard hairless Xolo, Armani, just a few days short of his fifth birthday. GCh. Bayshore Georgio Armani was bred by J. Frank Baylis of Toms Brook, Va., and is owned by Baylis, Stephen Blanco, Jasmine Hanigan, Lynda Hylton, and Traci Johnson. He’s no stranger to the Garden—Armani has won his breed each year that it has been shown at Westminster, beginning in 2012. Handler Gwen DeMilta of Downingtown, Pa. views this victory as bittersweet, since it also marks Armani’s retirement. His beautiful movement and ring presence made the Garden crowd cheer whenever he moved, and DeMilta says that’s not unusual. “People have always loved and supported him, his whole career,” she says with evident emotion.
The 4-year-old Bichon Frise, GCh. Saks Winning Card, captures Group Three. Handler Scott Sommer jokingly spells out the dog’s call name for reporters—B-I-N-G-O. In 2014, Bingo won his National Specialty as well as six all breed Bests In Show and 59 Group Ones to become the Number 1 Bichon. Sommer, who handled the Bichon Frise J.R. (Ch Special Times Just Right) to a Westminster Best in Show in 2001, characterizes Bingo as a very high-energy dog. “He loves to run, go crazy, play with his toys non-stop,” says Sommer. And, like pure white dogs everywhere, “he loves to get dirty.” Bred by Roberta Bleecker and Shirley Hamilton, Bingo is owned by Cecilia Ruggles of Ridgefield, Conn., together with Sarah Ayers and Sandra and Keith Hanson.
A 7-year-old American Eskimo Dog, GCh. Nuuktok’s Atka Inukshuk, is awarded Group Four after an astonishing seventh consecutive breed win at Westminster—the first when he was only 9 months old. Bred and owned by Sharon Robertson of Caledon, Ont., Canada, Inuk is handled by Graeme Burdon. Though no longer being actively campaigned, “we’ll be back next year,” Burdon says. Inuk divides his time between his handler and his owner. “He’s definitely a housedog,” Burdon says with a laugh.
The Herding Group
Monday night at the Garden ends with the Herding Group. Dr. Klaus Anselm of Keswick, Va. needs to keep an eye on the clock to finish by eleven. He pulls eight dogs—The Australian Shepherd, Beauceron, Border Collie, Bouvier des Flandres, Finnish Lapphund, German Shepherd Dog, Old English Sheepdog, and Pembroke Welsh Corgi.
The Old English Sheepdog, 3-year-old GCh. Bugaboo’s Picture Perfect, known as Swagger, captures Group One in Herding. “This was a beautiful group,” says breeder/owner/handler Colton Johnson of Colorado Springs, Colo., “the strongest herding group I’ve ever been in.” Swagger made Westminster history in 2013 when he came from classes to win Reserve Best in Show at just 20 months old and with only three previous shows to his credit. Now, two years later, he is fulfilling that promise as 2014’s Number Two dog, all breeds, with 88 Bests In Show and 147 Group Ones in 2014 alone. “He was literally a pup when he took Reserve,” says Johnson. Since then, Swagger’s “ribs have sprung and his topline has matured.” His presence in the ring today is solid and statuesque, and Johnson says there’s more to come: “Old English Sheepdogs aren’t fully mature until about age six.” At home, Swagger is a family dog for Colton, his wife Heather, and their children. “He herds the kids,” says Johnson, “and sleeps on their beds. I’m constantly pulling Gummi Bears out of his fur.” Swagger is co-owned by Ron and Debbie Burke Scott of Dillsburg, Pa., Colton and Heather Johnson, and Colton’s parents, Douglas and Michaelanne Johnson. The Scotts are on hand to watch Swagger pose for his show picture—“he gives me goosebumps,” says Debbie Scott. “He is the most awesome dog I’ve known, and I truly mean that,” Ron Scott says. “He is the most lovable, easy-to-get–along-with dog—he just loves kids, and I love him!”
Group Two is the 5-year-old Bouvier des Flandres, GCh. Stonepillar’s Steel Blu. He was the number one Bouvier in 2014, and won both the American and Canadian specialties. When asked to describe Blu, owner/handler Elaine Paquette of Maidstone, Ont., says his breed type makes him stand out: he has a short back, coupled with an open, free-flowing gait that produces a beautiful side picture. “That’s very hard to breed for,” she says. Blu was bred by Bruce and Diane Hamm and M.J. Sears, and is owned by Julianna and Daniel Garrison and Paquette. Blu’s a big-moving dog, and the intrepid Paquette is back in the ring after being on crutches from ligament and tendon injuries for five months at the end of last year.
The Group Third winner is a 7½-year-old Australian Shepherd, Bourdain, GCh. Copper Hills No Reservations CGC. Bourdain came to the Group after besting a highly competitive field of 43 Aussies—but he has the pedigree for rising to the top. A blue merle with copper and white trim, Bourdain is the son of Ch. Caitland Isle Take a Chance, who won Best in Show at Crufts in 2006. Like his father Chance before him, Bourdain is handled by Larry Fenner of Elk Grove, Calif. He describes the Aussie as a challenging dog who “just wants to be with you, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.” Fenner exercises the energetic shepherd by bicycling with him. Bred by Kathy Hubbard of Copper Hill Aussies in Connecticut, Bourdain is co-owned by Sharon Rapadas and Nancy Resetar of Royal Oaks, Calif.
A promising German Shepherd bitch is awarded Group Four. GCh. Lockenhaus’ Rumor Has It V Kenlyn was born to win—her grandsire is “Dallas”—Ch Kismet’s Sight For Sore Eyes, the top-producing German Shepherd Dog of all time, #1 Dog All Breeds and Westminster Group winner. Rumor just turned 3 years old in December, and won nine Bests In Show in January 2015 to add to seven BIS wins in 2014. She was bred by Pamela McElheney of Maumee, Ohio and Kent Boyles, who handles her. Rumor is owned by Deborah Stern, McElheney, and Boyles, who couldn’t be happier about her placement. “She’s kind of the new kid on the block so we’re thrilled,” he says. “She’s a very balanced, sound dog.”
Tuesday Night:
Junior Handling Finals,
Three Groups and Best in Show
As is traditional, Tuesday begins with the Junior Showmanship finals. It’s hard to imagine handling the pressure of the Garden’s ring as a teenager—yet it’s equally hard to fault the skills of any of the competitors. In the end, judge Michael Dougherty of Escondido, Calif. points to 16-year-old Lydia Frey of Hume, Va. and GCh. Lamz Let Them Eat Cake C. “Tony” is a 2-year-old Bedlington Terrier—an incredibly difficult breed to groom for the show ring.
After the win, it’s hard to tell who is more excited—Frey, or her mentor, Laurie Zembrzuski of Centerville, Va. Zembzuski bred Tony with Gabrielle Gilbeau, and they own him with Frey. Introduced to Bedlingtons by a friend, Frey met Zembrzuski at a show. Recognizing Frey’s talent, Zembrzuski gave her a second Bedlington, and they co-bred a litter this year. They travel to shows together, and obviously have high regard for each other. Today has been a day of celebrations—Tony’s littermate, GCh. Lamz Strike A Pose CAA, CGC took the breed earlier in the day.
Frey, who has handled dogs since the age of 10, sees a future in the sport, but not at the expense of her education. Her dream is to study business and marketing at Georgetown or Washington & Lee—the scholarship she won tonight will help her reach that goal.
The Sporting Group
The Sporting Group is always competitive, and this year is no exception. Judge Ken Murray of Island Lake, Ill., pulled seven dogs for his final line-up: the Brittany, the Pointer, the Irish Setter, and four spaniels—the Clumber, Black Cocker, English Springer, and the Sussex. The win went to an almost 4-year-old English Springer Spaniel named Liz—GCh. Wynmoor Sweetgrass White Diamonds. To get her Group One, Liz first had to take Best of Breed from an entry of 25 English Springers, in a breed where it is unusual for a bitch to win over the larger, flashier, more heavily-coated males. It’s almost a Cinderella story—with just two Group Ones in 2014, little liver-and-white Liz—who loves her treadmill, balls, and squeaky toys—has romped past dogs with far more wins behind them. But her young handler, Janice Hayes of Palm Springs, Calif., isn’t new to the Garden’s big ring. In 2003, as a 21 year-old assistant to professional handler Clint Livingston, Hayes found herself in the Westminster spotlights for the first time when her mentor had two clients competing for Best In Show and handed her the leash for “Bunny,” Ch. Luxor’s Playmate of the Year, the first Ibizan Hound to win her Group at Westminster. Tonight, Hayes is composed, but extremely happy. Liz was bred by Dr. Alison Smith of Charleston, S.C., Dr. Erin Kerfoot, and Celie Florence from Virginia. She’s owned by Drs. Smith and Kerfoot, along with Billie Kerfoot.
Group Two goes to GCh. Ashdown’s Time To Thrill, handled by Linda Pitts, echoing his placement at the 2014 AKC/Eukanuba National Championships. “Alan” is the son of the famous “Beckham”—GCh. Casablanca’s Thrilling Seduction, the top winning Sporting dog of all time, also handled by Linda and Mike Pitts. Bred by Genea White Jones and Bruce Van Deman, Alan is owned by his breeders, Carolee Douglas, and Jackie Beaudoin. In 2014, he was a Top Twenty Dog, all breeds, as well as the top-winning Cocker among all varieties. He’s only three, and this is his second year traveling with the Pitts. “He’s a great traveler, and a very easy dog to get along with,” Linda Pitts says. His favorite hobby—“sleeping!”
Hobson the Clumber Spaniel, GCh. Clussexx Over the Legal Limit, delights the crowd with his furrowed brow, serious expression, and rolling gait. The top-winning Clumber Spaniel last year, the 3-year-old easily carries Group Three. White with orange markings, Hobson is big-boned, massively muscled, and broad-shouldered, as befits the breed his handler Jorge Olivera calls, “the bulldozer of the spaniel world,” built to open brush for the gentlemen hunters following him. He’s a “fabulous dog,” says Olivera. He “loves people and hunting” and is “all man.” Hobson was bred by Jamie Hubbard of Clussexx Kennels together with Michael and Shirley Lambert, and is owned by Joseph and Carla Sanchez of Upland, Calif.
Handler Jeff Arch and his wife and handling partner, Becky, have placed in the Westminster Sporting Group before, with their Irish Setter bitch, GCh. Jewelset’s Up Up And Away, who took Group Two in 2011 at almost 9 years old. “Windy’s” son, GCh. Northwinds First Reign, took the breed at Westminster two years later. Now, Reign’s daughter “Ginny,” GCh. Stoneypoint’s Time To Reign has a Group Four to add to her family’s achievements. Though stately in the ring with a spectacular burnished red coat, at home Ginny is “just a goofy dog,” says Becky Arch. “She loves to play, and especially loves little dogs. The Italian Greyhounds are her favorites.” No kennel dog, Ginny has an established place to sleep—with her handler, Jeff Arch. The Arches co-own Ginny with her breeders, Jeri Lynn McClure and Dixie Demorest. “We have to give her back soon,” Becky Arch says with obvious regret.
The Working Group
In the Working Group, Judge Theresa Hundt of Sandy Hook, Conn. upped the ante for Best in Show by pointing without hesitation to the Portugese Water Dog, GCh. Claircreek Impression de Matisse. She pulled seven dogs from the line-up of 30: the Bernese Mountain Dog, Doberman Pinscher, Giant Schnauzer, Leonberger, Portuguese Water Dog, Samoyed, and Siberian Husky.
This is the third Group win at Westminster for 3½-year-old Matisse, the Top Dog all breeds for 2014, with 134 Best in Shows to his credit in that year. “It’s been an exhausting couple of days,” said handler Michael Scott, “but Matisse was full of energy. He had a big spring in his step and almost leapt back to the judge. He’s a very smart dog and knows what he’s supposed to do—I just have to hope he doesn’t trip me.” Peggy Helming and Milan Lint, who co-own Matisse with breeder Donna Gottdenker of Arthur, Ontario, are standing by, beaming. “Will you be disappointed if Matisse doesn’t win Best in Show?” asks a reporter. Helming gives a true dog lover’s answer—“Matisse can never disappoint us,” she says firmly. But then a sparkle comes into her eye and she adds, “But we do like to win!” Lint, his arms full of silver trophy and the blue ribbon, says that Matisse will retire from active showing after Westminster. The black Portie lives with his handlers, Michael and Michelle Scott, in Chesapeake City, Md., where he sleeps on the bed and enjoys swimming and getting dirty.
A massive, richly-colored Leonberger, GCh. A. Feiner Eros takes Group Two, with the great approval of the crowd. He has been the Number One Leo the last two years, with six BIS wins in 2014 alone. “Odin” is now 5 years old, and has been with his handler, Cheryl Cannon of Washington D.C. since the age of 17 months. Despite his imposing appearance, Odin is the epitome of the “gentle giant.” “He’s awesome to live with,” Cannon says. “We have six dogs in the house, and he’s as good with the 16-year-old Toy Manchester as he is with the larger dogs.” Odin’s breeder/owner is Lisa Bazlen of Irvington, New York.
Group Three goes to another “Odin”—the Bernese Mountain Dog, GCh. Great Lakes Danish Treasure. Owner/handled by Amanda Cook of Northville, Mich., 4-year-old Odin won his National Specialty in 2012 and today took Best of Breed in a substantial entry of 29 dogs. According to Cook, until today Odin hadn’t been shown in a year. “But he loves to show,” she said, “and he instantly remembered what to do.” Gentle and good-natured as a Bernese Mountain Dog should be, Odin lives with seven children, says Cook, and gets plenty of exercise running around the backyard with them. Odin was bred by Randall Carpenter and Renee Tiano, and is co-owned by Cook with Michael Stafford—all are from Michigan.
The Siberian Husky GCh. Topaz Bad Action, bred by Cheryl French, takes Group Four, and is also retiring after tonight. Handler Lauren House of Nevada City, Calif., has handled “Reese” for owner Liu Xi for two years, and has formed a close bond with the 6-year-old dog. In fact, she says, Reese’s primary entertainment is “chasing her.” House continues, “As anyone who saw him show can see, Reese is quite a character. He plays with everybody and everything—all day long!”
The Terrier Group
Finally, the terriers enter the ring. Dr. John Reeve-Newson, a veterinarian from Toronto, Ont., Canada makes his cut to eight: the Airedale, Dandie Dinmont (who barks for the judge’s attention while Reeve-Newson deliberates), the Lakeland, the Norfolk, the Russell, the Scottish Terrier, the Skye, and the Welsh.
The stakes for Best in Show continue to climb as Dr. Reeve-Newson awards the Terrier Group to the 3½-year-old Skye, GCh. Cragsmoor Good Time Charlie. Co-owned by Victor Malzoni, Jr. and Cragsmoor Kennels, Charlie has a glorious, shimmering cream coat with the preferred black ears and muzzle. An arrow-straight part shows off his perfect topline, and he possesses an energetic stride and happy attitude. In 2014, he was the Top Terrier, with 33 Bests In Show and 113 Group Ones. With just minutes to prepare for the Best In Show competition, Charlie’s handler, Larry Cornelius, swiftly hustles him out after his picture. Earlier, he had time to talk in the benching area, with Charlie lying, completely relaxed and sleepy on the grooming table while Cornelius blow-dried his coat. What makes him such an exceptional show dog? “Skye terriers aren’t known for being cooperative,” says Cornelius, as he lifts one of the languid dog’s paws to inspect his nails, “but Charlie truly is. He also loves crowds and loves the spotlight.” Tonight, rested and ready, having won his Group, and with Best In Show just minutes away, Charlie will be in his element.
Group Two is the top-winning Welsh Terrier bitch of all time, with 43 Bests In Show, Jennie. GCh. Shaireab’s Bayleigh Maid of Honor was bred by Keith Bailey and Sharon Abmeyer, and is owned by Tony Lee and Xiangyu Xie and co-owned by her breeders. Handler Luiz Abreu has had her since she was 6 months old, and she’s now retiring at age 4. “She’s just an exceptional dog, and she really gave her heart out there tonight,” Abreu says. “She’s a great show dog, and she also loves to play—sometimes too much!” When asked about her favorite toy, an observer quips, “Luiz!”
Group Three goes to the 2-year-old Norfolk Terrier called Winston—Ch. Yarrow Venerie Winning Ticket. Shown in the ring by Peter Green, Winston is the grandson of the legendary Coco, Eng./Am. Ch. Cracknor Cause Celebre, handled to Best in Show at Crufts by Green in 2005. Bred by Pam Beale and Beth Sweigart and owned by Yarrow Venerie Kennel, Winston hails from Lancaster, Pa. where he enjoys eating shoo-fly pie and climbing trees. Today the sturdy little red dog, who brims with charisma, has taken Best of Breed from his handsome black-and-tan father, Rider, GCh. Yarrow Venerie Ticket to Ride. This is only Winston’s third show as a special—he’s just getting started and is definitely a dog to watch.
The Dandie Dinmont bitch who demanded attention in the line-up is awarded Group Four. GCh. King’s Mtn. Angelina Ballerina was bred by Sandra Wolfskill, Donna Francis, Sandra Pretari, and Betty-Anne Stenmark, and is owned by Dr. Patrice Stephens and Donna Chambers-Rau. Handler Carlos Puig chuckles when asked about “Angel’s” bark for the judge’s attention, explaining that “she always does that! Her owner taught her to do it, but didn’t teach her to stop.” She can also shake hands, high five, spin, and dance. Angelina Ballerina is less formally known as “Angel” or “Angelina if she is naughty, which is often,” according to Puig. She turned 8 years-old in November, but “she never got the memo,” and she’s back in the ring after two litters of puppies. “This is a rare breed, and one of the hardest to groom,” Puig notes. “I think that scares some people off.” A true terrier, at home Angel has caught rats, mice, squirrels, and even birds.
Best In Show Competition
Speculating about which dog will go Best in Show is always fun. As has become a tradition, the announcer encourages the audience to cheer on their favorites, and many don’t need any urging. The group winners enter the ring under circling spotlights; the handlers quickly set them up for the judge’s first impression. The Hon. David C. Merriam of Bonsall, Calif. is judging—last year’s judge was Betty Regina Leninger, and the assignment generally alternates between women and men. Handicappers are at a bit of a disadvantage this year—Merriam is a BIS judge who has never before accepted a Best in Show judging assignment.
It’s always a beautiful line-up. The group judges have described their winners as so close to their standards as to be virtual blueprints. As David Frei would later point out, the seven group winners had more than 500 Bests In Show among them. As Merriam notes, all are “tributes to their breeders, owners, and handlers, and the great history and tradition of the Westminster Kennel Club.” Merriam adjusts his glasses and takes his time before announcing his choices.
Reserve Best In Show goes to the Skye Terrier—GCh. Cragsmoor Good Time Charlie—co-owned by Victor Malzoni, Jr. of Brazil and his breeders Eugene Zaphiris and Matthew Stander of Oyster Bay, N.Y. Charlie arrived at Westminster as a top contender, having taken Best in Show at AKC/Eukanuba in December against several of the dogs in the ring tonight—Matisse, Swagger, and Rocket. A born showman, Charlie charmed the crowd, a wonderful ambassador for his little-known breed. The Skye lives in Ocala, Fla. with his handler, Larry Cornelius. When he’s at home, “Charlie loves to be king of the kennel and is in charge of stranger danger.” On the road, Charlie is accompanied wherever he goes by his beloved stuffed alligator. “I’ve been fortunate in my life to show some really good dogs,” says Cornelius, “but I’m luckiest of all to be able to show Charlie.”
Best In Show goes to… the Beagle, Miss P, and the crowd gasps, and then erupts. They’ve not forgotten Uno, the first of his breed to win in Westminster’s long history. And now only seven years later, another Beagle has taken top honors.
It’s a great night for Miss P’s three owners. Eddie Dziuk was one of Uno’s owners, and indeed, Miss P is the great-niece of Ch K-Run’s Park Me In First. Breeder Lori Crandlemire and her daughter, 19-year-old Kaitlyn, seem thunderstruck by the victory. Handler Will Alexander of Toronto uses one word to describe his own reaction—“overwhelmed.” They had planned Westminster to be Miss P’s final show before taking her back home to their “small, hobby kennel” in the Okanagan Valley of British Columbia. While Miss P surveys the assembled press with characteristic calm, Alexander is asked to assess her performance. “She didn’t make any mistakes, and she never let me down. She was wonderful out there,” he says, looking at her with affection. She’s been with him for three years, but her first successes came with Kaitlyn, who put her first points, group win, and a Best Puppy in Show on the bitch then known as “Peyton.”
Right now, Miss P is hungry and ready for a late dinner. Her calm, almost stoic demeanor has given way to a series of barks—clearly, she’s indicating that it’s time to move on. She’ll need her nourishment and beauty sleep—tomorrow, she’ll hit the press tour, which now extends over two days and will include a walk-on role in the Broadway musical “Kinky Boots.”
Miss P, Alexander, the Crandlemires, and Eddie Dziuk are what this sport is all about: a great bitch, a breeder/owner who has devoted more than 20 years to careful breeding (and has transmitted her love of the breed into the next generation), an owner whose name is synonymous with the Beagle, and a dedicated and talented handler. Sometimes dreams do come true. For this group, that happened tonight.
Short URL: https://caninechronicle.com/?p=74455
Posted by ralbee
on Apr 13 2015. Filed under Current Articles, Editorial, Featured.
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