LAST WEEKEND OF THE YEAR

This last weekend of the year was billed as the clash of the titans and it did not disapoint. Eight of the top ten dogs were entered at the San Mateo CA venue. Only the Standard Poodle, CH Randenn Tristar Affirmation, and the Scottish Terrier, CH Roundtown Mercedes Of Maryscot had decided to stay home. Unfortunately, the Salinas Kennel Club’s Saturday main event was cancelled when the number one dog in the country, the Pointer, CH Cookieland Seasyde Hollyberry, failed to make it out of Judge Joe Tacker’s Sporting Group, who tapped the country‘s number one Vizla, CH Koppertone's Classical Minuet, as his number one Sporting Dog. Show goers were further disappointed when the top two Toy dogs, the Affenpinscher, CH Tamarin Tug, and the Brussels Griffon, CH Cilleine Masquerade, and the number one Herding dog, the Pembroke Welsh Corgi, CH Coventry’s Vanity Fair, who were entered, all failed to show.

CH Koppertone's Classical Minuet

Nonetheless, there was drama to spare in the preliminary as the number one Hound in the nation, the Harrier, CH Downhome Family Tradition, squared off against the number two Hound, the Scottish Deerhound, CH Jaraluv Ouija. The deerhound, Ouija, advanced to Judge Stephen Hurt’s final seven, hoping to garner a BIS to take over the top Hound spot, but it was not to be. Her kennelmate, the Giant Schnauzer, CH Galilee's Pure Of Spirit, was on a mission to take back the number one dog slot and she took a major step in that direction by taking the top prize. Also on hand to witness the win was the Sealyham Terrier, CH Efbe's Hidalgo At Goodspice.

CH Pupukearidge Ikaika O Sprngvly

However, spectators at Sunday’s San Mateo Kennel Club final failed to get a look at either of the top Hounds, as Judge Robert R. Frost gave the Deerhound a Group Two, gave the Harrier a wave good bye, and advanced the BIS winning Rhodesian Ridgeback, CH Pupukearidge Ikaika O Sprngvly, to Judge Peter Baynes final. However, they did get a chance to tell other doggy folks, that they saw two of the greats of the canine world go toe to toe and, on that day, the Giant Schnauzer prevailed. Once again, the reliable Sealyham Terrier, CH Efbe's Hidalgo At Goodspice was also present.

While, Spirit has regained her number one position, Holly is still within striking distance as we come down the backstretch. Today's results will determine if we have a photo finish or a win by a cold, wet nose.