2009'S LAST SHOW REPORT

This is our last show report of 2009, so we are pretty pleased that the year would end with a BIS win by one of our DOGS2WATCH, the Alaskan Malamute, CH Catanya’s Latin Lover.

CH Catanya’s Latin Lover

Joining Steve Hubbell for the last final seven of the year at yesterday’s Oakland Kennel Club in San Mateo CA were the Wirehaired Pointing Griffon, CH Flatbrook Royal Point Attitude JH , the Rhodesian Ridgeback, CH Pupukearidge Ikaika O Sprngvly , the Kerry Blue Terrier, CH Perrisblu Paris, Papillion, CH Arkeno’s Ears To You, the Bichon Frise, CH PaRay Rime Time, and the Cardigan Welsh Corgi, CH Baewyn Telltail Smooth Operator.

The Malamute, Ricky, turned on the after burners this month, adding three BIS to his 2009 resume to bring his year end total to eight, good enough to put him in the Top Ten Working Dogs. Now that’s a Happy New Year!

THE SECOND TIME AROUND

The third day of our San Mateo CA foursome belonged to the Santa Cruz Kennel Club and Betty-Anne Stenmark.

CH Catanya’s Latin Lover
(Photo by Carol Beuchat)

The seven finalists were the Wirehaired Pointing Griffon, CH Flatbrook Royal Point Attitude JH, the Harrier, CH Hartshire Walkabout, Sunday’s BIS winner, the Alaskan Malamute, CH Catanya’s Latin Lover, yesterday’s Best, the Smooth Fox Terrier, CH Slyfox Sneaks A Peek, the Silky Terrier, CH Safire Rock It To The Stars, the French Bulldog, CH Highwood's Big Shot, and the Shetland Sheepdog, CH PaRay Cirque Du Soleil.

The Malamute, Ricky, seems intent on finishing the year with a bang, picking up his second Best In Show of the set. The cluster, and the year, ends tomorrow with the Oakland Kennel Club show. Read about it here before ringing in the New Year!

THE PENULTIMATE SHOW OF 2009

A while back a reader called us on our colloquial use of the word penultimate, frequently used incorrectly to mean a near perfect example. It actually means next to last. Yesterday’s Kennel Club of Salinas show in San Mateo, CA was the next to last show of the year.

CH Slyfox Sneaks A Peek
(Photo Courtesy of American Kennel Club)

Norman Patton’s final seven were the Sussex Spaniel, CH Seamist On A Windward Pack RN, the Petit Bassett Griffon Vendeen, CH Soletrader Donald Duck, the Tibetan Mastiff, CH Seng Khri Bartok Of Dawa, the Smooth Fox Terrier, CH Slyfox Sneaks A Peek, the Pug, CH Winsome's Trouble At Coral Bay, the Bichon Frise, CH PaRay's Rime Time, and the Pembroke Welsh Corgi, CH Pinemeade More Memories.

And the penultimate BIS winner of 2009 was our DOG2WATCH, the Smooth Fox, Adam. Adam started his 2009 career late and has collected several memorable wins in the past few months, including a Terrier Group Two behind the BIS winner of the 2009 AKC/Eukanuba National Championship.

update 12/29/09 10:50 AM CST: A reader reminds me that there are two more shows in San Mateo, one today, and one tomorrow. So I guess that makes yesterday's show the penultimate penutlimate. (Grin)

END OF YEAR RANKINGS

As we tally the last few points of the year we find that our rankings have a few surprises. First we welcome the nation’s number one Non-Sporting Dog to both the traditional top ten and our own top ten lists. The Bulldog, CH Kepley’s Showbiz Razzle Dazzle, knows how to make an entrance, grabbing the tenth spot on our traditional list and the ninth spot on the Dog Show Poop list.

CH Kepley’s Showbiz Razzle Dazzle

However, the really intriguing question is who is the Number Five Dog All Breeds? Our numbers have the Toy Poodle, CH Smash Jp Moon Walk, and the Smooth Fox Terrier, CH J’Cobe Kemosabe Vigilante Justice, only 18 points apart. We are usually supremely confident in our numbers. In this case, we still have not been able to put our hands on the actual number of dogs competing at the AKC/Eukanuba National Championship. You may recall that the Toy Poodle, Walker, was the Toy Group representative in the final seven.

We have not been able to find anyone at Onofrio or at the AKC willing to give up the numbers. If any of you out there have the number of Toy Dogs actually competing, please send them to us. We would very much like the rankings appearing on these pages on January 1, 2010, to be up to our standards of accuracy. And you thought there was no drama this year?

Update 12/28/09 7:22 PM CST Our thanks to Kath Patrick of Bellatak Havanese for providing the numbers. Our readers are the best!

CHRISTMAS CANINES

CH Catanya’s Latin Lover
(Photo Courtesy of the American Kennel Club)

You know you are a serious exhibitor if you are at a dog show two days after Christmas. Today’s show, the first of four this week in San Mateo CA, was hosted by the San Mateo Kennel Club and featured Arley D Hussin in the final ring. Two weeks ago, the Alaskan Malamute, CH Catanya’s Latin Lover, was picking up a Group Three at the prestigious AKC/Eukanuba National Championship. Today he was picking up his sixth career all breed BIS. Bravo to breeder/owner P J Kendrick, co-owners Armando Martinez & Alisa Syar, and handler Mike Stone.

Ricky’s fellow finalists were the Wirehaired Pointing Griffon, CH Flatbrook Royal Point Attitude JH, the Petit Bassett Griffon Vendeen, CH Soletrader Donald Duck, the Smooth Fox Terrier, CH Slyfox Sneaks A Peek, the Silky Terrier, CH Safire Rock It To The Stars, the French Bulldog, CH Highwood's Big Shot, and the Shetland Sheepdog, CH Paray Cirque Du Soleil.

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

We have lots of Christmas traditions here in the Wheeler household. One is allowing the dogs to participate in opening presents on Christmas morning.

A Favorite Vintage Christmas Ad

It is the only time all year that our four canine children are allowed in the living room. The older three have a cautious reverence for the occasion, sitting and watching intently as the humans open presents. However, our youngest, our 18 month old Cairn, DeeDee, in typical Terrier fashion, grabs each discarded ribbon and streaks about the room until the next impromptu chew toy appears.

Showing characteristic Scottie seriousness of purpose, our five year old Bernie will begin to fidget nervously, should we take too much time between presents. Our four year old Toy Poodle, Fannie, has a smug, self satisfied look, certain that her position tucked into Brenda’s robe is the best seat in the house. Meanwhile, the old guy, our 15 year old Toy Poodle, Scooter, takes up a secure position out of the way of the others, just content to be included one more time.

The climax of the morning comes when the dogs open their presents. This year the stuffed animals that each have their own voices are the big hits. The plush wolf that howls is the clear favorite as Dee Dee steals it every time Bernie turns his back. Before the morning is over, Fannie will have carted all of her stuffed servants to some secret hiding place where they will remain until she tires of them.

Oh, the humans liked their presents too, but it will be this year’s Christmas memories that will be the real keepsakes for us. We hope you have collected some cherished memories as well. Merry Christmas to you all!

LAST SHOWS OF 2009

Our last show weekend of 2009 begins a little later than normal. You can spend Saturday returning that awful Christmas sweater that your cousin Lucy gave you and still make the opener Sunday in San Mateo CA. The San Mateo Kennel Club will kick of a four day stop at the San Mateo Expo Center just south of the San Francisco airport. The Kennel Club Of Salinas, the Santa Cruz Kennel Club, and the Oakland Kennel Club will host the follow ups.

The San Mateo Bridge, less glamorous than
her sisters, the Bay Bridge & Golden Gate

Last year’s “Cluster By The Bay” was the site of the final show down between the country’s top ranked dogs and decided the national title. There will be no such drama this year, but there will be plenty of beautiful dogs to see. San Mateo County is notorious as the home of the country’s first (1991) mandatory spay & neuter law. It is also the best example of why these laws do not work. Since 1991 euthanizations have increased 126 percent and dog licensing has decreased 35 percent. So, please, if you live in the Bay Area visit one of the four shows and show your support for our breeders and the AKC pure bred dog.

BULLDOG BIS

Our lone report today is from the Chicago neighboring Rosemont IL and day two of the Skokie Valley Kennel Club.

CH Kepley’s Showbiz Razzle Dazzle

Judith Daniels' final included the Irish Setter, CH Vineyard’s Bad Boy, the Whippet, CH Starline Chanel, the Doberman Pinscher, CH Baystar’s Get Smart, the Smooth Fox Terrier, CH J’Cobe Kemosabe Vigilante Justice, the Pekingese, CH Franshaw Hear Me Roar, the Bulldog, CH Kepley’s Showbiz Razzle Dazzle, and the Sheltland Sheepdog, CH Cirque Du Soleil.

BIS went to the nation’s number one Non-Sporting Dog, The Bulldog, Uli. It’s Uli’s 24th career BIS, her 20th this year, and may be good enough to put her in the number ten spot all breeds. Check back with us later in the week for an update.

THE ONLY GAME IN TOWN OR THE US

Through the miracle of modern chemistry, we have recovered sufficiently from our cold to bring you some Chicago results. Rosemont IL is the only game in town this weekend and it has drawn some top notch dogs, despite the winter storms raging.

CH J’Cobe Kemosabe Vigilante Justice

At yesterday’s Chicago Goldcoast Kennel Club show Jon Cole’s final consisted of the Irish Setter, CH Vineyard’s Bad Boy, the Whippet, CH Starline Chanel, the Rottweiler, CH Cammcastle’s Friar Tuck, the Smooth Fox Terrier, CH J’Cobe Kemosabe Vigilante Justice, the Pekingese, CH Franshaw Hear Me Roar, the Bulldog, CH Kepley’s Showbiz Razzle Dazzle, and the German Shepherd Dog, CH Shoal Creek’s Sangria V Barick.

His BIS was the Smooth Fox, Dodger. Dodger and handler Amy Booth are trying to move back into the top five and this win may have accomplished that.

CH Starline Chanel

Saturday, Dodger, the Whippet, Chanel, and the Bulldog, Uli, were back in the Charles Olvis’ final seven at the Skokie Valley Kennel Club show with the Wirehaired Pointing Griffon, CH Flatbrook Royal Point Attitude, the Akita, CH Crown Royal's Start'N A Revolution, the Paipillion, CH Queen Bless Jp World Idol, and the Shetland Sheepdog, CH PaRay Cirque Du Soleil.

BIS went to the Whippet, Chanel. Chanel, who’s been in a dead heat for the number one Whippet in the US, has now strung three BIS together to win going away the title going away. Our congratulations to breeders/owners Lori & Carey Lawrence, co-breeder Dianne Bowen, and handler Lori Wilson.

DOGGY CHRISTMAS LIST

There is still time to get your dog a special Christmas present. Here are a few suggestions.

The Jingle Bells collar is crafted from emerald and siam blue Aurora Borialis Swarovski crystals, surrounded by rhinestone-encrusted balls, and sterling silver hand-made bells with a sterling silver heart toggle clasp. Available in a variety of sizes from The Upscale Pup for $96.95.


The Carlyle Heated Spa Bed is a radiant heat-enhanced fine furniture bed designed specifically for pets. It uses a non-contact radiant heat, completely safe for your dog. It is advertised to produce “far infrared” radiant heat tuned to the “Wellness Wavelength™”. You can get in from Bitch New York for a mere $995.


The Ultimate Pampered Dog Gift Basket includes doggie croissants, celestial smiles chew toy, doggie doughnuts, knotted rope bone, bouncy squeak toy, beef jerky, sample pack of dog treats, natural rawhide twists, bouncy chew toys, Berber fleece bear, bacon treats, and a natural dog shampoo & conditioner. Available at Amazon.Com for $99.95.


Finally, THE dog carrier, from Gucci, of course, beats the dog poop out of Paris Hilton’s line, $2580.

AKC 2009 BREEDER OF THE YEAR

Dr Claudia Orlandi
AKC Breeder Of The Year

From where we sit one of the most important awards given by the American Kennel is the annual AKC Breeder Of The Year. This year’s Breeder Of The Year is Dr Claudia Orlandi of Topsfield Basset Hounds. Dr Orlandi was chosen from seven finalists that included Leslie Russell of Avon Farm Irish Setters, Judith G Cooper of Tip’N Chip Great Pyrenees, Maripi Wooldridge of Terrydale Airedale Terriers, David Fitzpatrick of Pequest Pekingese, Jean & Robert Hetherington of Hetherbull Bulldogs, and Michelle Edling of Sky Acres Belgian Tervuren.

Dr Orlandi started her public dog career in the sixties with a Saint Bernard. It was 25 years later in 1987 that she purchased her first Basset Hound, whom she named Emma. It soon became apparent that Emma loved to hunt, prompting the formation of an AKC Basset Hound pack in Vermont. In the 1990s Dr Orlandi dubbed her kennel “Topsfield” and decided to focus on a bringing a hound that could hunt to the show ring. Dr Orlandi has bred over 100 champions, including many record holding Bassets within the breed and all breed arena. Topsfield Bassets have won multiple awards and have been dominated Westminster and the national rankings since 2000.

A teaching professional, Dr Orlandi has made incredibly significant contributions to education on purebred dogs, most uniquely Basset Hound University (www.bhca-bhu.org). She is the author of The ABC’s of Dog Breeding: What Every Breeder Should know and Discover The Basset Hound (www.abcsofdogbreeding.com). An in demand lecturer, she does an ABC's of Dog Breeding seminar and a workshop called Practical Canine Anatomy for Judges and Breeders. She also judges Basset Hounds, Dachshunds, Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen's and Junior Showmanship.

Our congratulations to Dr Orlandi and all the finalists.

GOING, GOING, GONE

For most of us the dog show season is over. If however, you live near Chicago IL or San Francisco CA you will get a few more chances this year to see the nation’s top dogs.

Starting this Friday we get three chances in Rosemont IL courtesy of the Chicago Goldcoast Kennel Club & the Skokie Valley Kennel Club to get one last dog show fix or we can wait until after Christmas and head out to San Mateo CA for the four day end of year run starting Sunday, December 27th and running through the 30th hosted by the San Mateo Kennel Club, the Kennel Club Of Salinas, the Santa Cruz Kennel Club, and the Oakland Kennel Club.

Excepting the tenth all breed spot, we don’t expect changes in our national rankings but there are several breed contests up in the air. As always you will get the all the results here first.

2009 WORLD CHALLENGE

Axel del Monte Alago &
Handler Britte Ahrens

One of the unique features of the AKC/Eukanuba National Championship is the World Challenge. It is comforting that in a world where nations can rarely agree on anything that we all can agree on who is man’s best friend. The international crowd arrived for the evening’s final with all the panache of the red carpet at Cannes, dazzling people in tuxedos and evening gowns all accessorized with Eukanuba pink touches.

CH Shiraz California Dreaming &

Handler Nicklas Erikson

The 41 qualifiers were whittled down to twelve semi-finalists, three each from four competitive sections. The final competition was judged by Frank Sabella, a man who was a consummate showman and handler before he became a judge. He selected the Multi BIS & Multi CH Bracco Italiano, Axel del Monte Alago, bred by Anna Maria Matteuzzi, owned by Bitte Ahrens Primavera & Salvatore Tripoli and handled by Bitte. The Runner Up (second place) was the Saluki, CH Shiraz California Dreaming, bred by Michael & Elan Edwards & Valerie Nunes-Atkinson, owned by Nicklas & Ingunn Erikson, and handled by Nicklas. The First Runner Up (third place) was the Wire Fox Terrier, CH Sanherpinc Arepa, bred by Santiago Pinto and owned by Victor Malzoni JR.

CH Sanherpinc Arepa

All three dogs thrilled the crowd with their showmanship. We often see show dogs that are mechanical in their performance, but not these three. All were extremely animated and ready to do the job they were bred for. The Wire Fox had that electricity the breed is know for, eyes darting everywhere looking for the vermin. The Saluki, swept the arena well out ahead of his handler, easily covering the ground, a match for any gazelle. The Bracco Italiano, moved with an athlete’s stride, showing the strength and stamina of a dog that could hunt all day. Each one was met with enthusiastic and appreciative applause.

It was a thoroughly entertaining, exhilarating education we recommend to all.

(All Photos Courtesy of American Kennel Club)

TONYA & VEGAS DOUBLE DOWN

Now that we have caught you up on all the wins around the country, we can indulge in a little more sharing of this weekend’s AKC/Eukanuba National Championship. Sunday evening’s main attraction may have been the crowning of our National Champion, the Scottish Terrier, CH Roundtown Mercedes Of Maryscot, but there were other events that we were glad we got to see.

CH Rush Hill's River Road Payoff &
Breeder/owner/handler Tonya Strubel
(Photo Courtesy American Kennel Club)

First, the Bred By Exhibitor Best In Show. Our professional handlers are a dedicated, talented lot, but for all out enthusiasm it’s hard to beat the Bred By class. Now that’s not to imply that these exhibitors are any less talented handlers. In fact, some of them are professionals.

With over 50 years as an AKC judge, Helen Lee James brought an incredible breadth of experience to the ring. Her finalists were the Golden Retriever, CH Rush Hill's River Road Payoff, the Basset Hound, CH Splash’s The Professor, the Boxer, CH R And G’s Mystical Dancer, the American Staffordshire Terrier, CH Castle Rock’s Sbigstaff Mad About You, the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, CH Full Of Malarkey Miles Of Aisles, the Standard Poodle, CH Unique Jewel Of The Crown, and the German Shepherd Dog, CH Kaleef's Katarina V Kenlyn.

Hitting the jackpot was Tonya Struble with her Golden, Vegas. It was a double down weekend for Tonya and Vegas. Not only did they win the Bred By BIS, they also won the breed over the number four dog all breeds and a Group Two in overall competition. Congratulations to Tonya, her co-breeders Mike & Suzzane Rapier, and co-owners Mark Strubelk & Kelsey Dunn.

Next, the World Challenge.

WHO WILL BE IN THE TOP TEN?

CH Dun Myrica Speaker Of Eagle

The Starved Rock Kennel Club had the unusual format of a Friday/Saturday weekend with Arlene Davis making the BIS call. Once again one of our top dogs pulled off a very strategic sweep taking both top prizes. It was the number twelve dog all breeds, the number two Hound, & number one Irish Wolfhound, CH Dun Myrica Speaker Of Eagle, taking home the big trophies.

On Friday Arlene Davis saw Tip, the English Springer Spaniel, CH Gentry’s Mesmerize, the Newfoundland, CH Skipper’s Eminence King Of Helluland, the Airedale Terrier, CH Stone Ridge Tobylinn, the Pekingese, CH Franshaw Hear Me Roar, the Bichon Frise, CH Bellcreek’s I Love Lucy, and the Briard, CH déjà vu Blond Ambition.

Saturday Luc Boileau also considered the same Newfie, Airedale, Bichon, the Brittany, CH Star Flight Jumpin Jack Flash NA NAJ, the Yorkshire Terrier, CH Lane’s Mini Cooper, and the Border Collie, CH Borfder Lane Jp Talisman Forever

You do remember that we told you that there is a possibility of a new number ten dog all breeds once the points are confirmed? We’ll have more on that later in the week.

#1 WORKING DOG IS #1 IN CLEVELAND

CH Allure B lazing Star Alisaton

The big point count this weekend was in Cleveland OH where there were almost 10,000 dogs entered over four days. We have brought you the results of the first three days. The country’s number one Working Dog who also is the number two dog all breeds, the Doberman Pinscher, CH Allure Blazing Star Alisaton, captured the BIS the last day of the big party.

Watching the most intense couple in dogdom, the Doberman, CJ, and her handler Carissa DeMilta Shimpeno, were BIS judge Charles P.(Skip) Herendeen III and the Irish Setter, CH Vineyard’s Bad Boy, the English Foxhound, CH Foxhrode Thndafrmdwnunda, the Sealyham Terrier, CH Efbe’s Merci Pour Le Poivre, the Shih Tzu, CH Xeralane’s Face The Music, the Standard Poodle, CH Hillwood Dassin De-Lovely, and the Old English Sheepdog, CH Aryakas Hermes.

We are still waiting for that dream final with all seven of the Group leaders in one ring, maybe in New York in February?

IN BETHLEHEM PA

One of the locations we have not mention is Bethlehem PA where exhibitors braved the cold temperatures to attend the Lehigh Valley & Delaware Water Gap Kennel Clubs’ weekend shows.

CH Shenandoah Smoke And Mirrors

Saturday the Lehigh Valley KC gave us almost 1800 dogs. Houston Clark’s final included the Labrador Retriever, CH Casbar's Hart To Hart, the Afghan Hound, CH Shenandoah Smoke And Mirrors, the Bernese Mountain Dog, CH Blumoon Tanzenite V Blackrock, the Smooth Fox Terrier, CH Foxlorr Double Dare, the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, CH Mondrian V H Lamslag RE, the Schipperke, CH De Lamer Point Break, and the Belgian Tervuren, CH Chimeric Desperado CD RN HT TDI. It was BIS number four this year for the country’s number two Afghan. Congratulations to breeders D & J Willeford & L Guerrero & H Nave, owners Wendy Slowe & L M Guerrero, and handler Norm Fargo.

CH Casbar’s Hart To Hart

Sunday, Delaware Water Gap gave us another big entry and Peggy Beisel McIlwaine with the aforementioned Lab, Afghan, Bernese, & Schipperke, the Norfolk Terrier, CH Venerie's Regatta Dr. Who, the Affenpinscher, CH Velvet Dandy's Dipsy, and the Border Collie, CH Kensington's Artful Dodger. Her choice was the nation’s number one Lab, RJ. RJ is also the third best Sporting Dog and the 13th highest scoring dog in all breed conformation.

We have more. Check back with us soon.

ANOTHER DOG2WATCH BIS

CH Dalriada's Mystic

There were also plenty of points and top dogs at the unlikely venue of Jackson MS where the Brandon Kennel Club Of Mississippi and the Mississippi State Kennel Club gave us four shows this weekend. We told you about the first three days. Here’s the Sunday report we owe you.

Sunday was day two for the Mississippi State Kennel Club and they asked Brian Meyer to tell them who was Best In Show. His options were the English Setter, the CH Whisky Ridge’s Dalwhinnie, the Saluki, CH Srinagar Fatima Asawari JC, the Boxer, CH Bravo In Sunset Stealing Time, the Wire Fox Terrier, CH Dalriada's Mystic, the Yorkshire Terrier, CH Stringer's Somethings Gotta Give, the Bulldog, CH Avalon Go Big Red Sooner, and the German Shepherd Dog, CH Shoal Creek's Sangria V Barick.

His Best was our newest DOG2WATCH, the Wire Fox, Boo. Boo has accumulated five BIS this year, four coming since the end of November. Looks like handler Scott Sommer has a barn burner on his hands.

ANOTHER NUMBER ONE IN VIRGINIA

There were more BIS by a group leader this weekend. The number one Non-Sporting Dog in America, the Bulldog, CH Kepley’s Showbiz Razzle Dazzle, was in Virginia Beach VA for the Tidewater Kennel Club Of Virginia‘s two shows. Going her Hound and Herding Group leaders opne better, Uli grabbed both BIS wins.

CH Kepley’s Showbiz Razzle Dazzle

Saturday Carl Gomes also considered the Flat-Coated Retriever, CH Petersfield Famous Amos, the Wirehaired Dachshund, CH Gleneagle's Who's Famous Now, the Rottweiler, CH Pungo Ridges A Born Hustler RN, the Smooth Fox Terrier, CH Avalon Eclipse, the Havanese, CH Premieres Luck Be Lady, and the Border Collie, CH Sporting Field's B Noble.

Sunday Dorothy Taylor saw the same Flat Coat and Smooth Fox along with the Basset Hound, CH Barnyard Legends Of The Fall, the Rottweiler, Gamegards Take The Lead, the Shih Tzu, Ming Dynasty's Chloe, and the Shetland Sheepdog, CH Shadow Hill's Star Chaser.

We can’t be sure at this point, but Uli may not only be the number one Bulldog, and the number one Non-Sporting Dog, she may be the number ten dog all breeds. We will have to wait for the final counts on that one.

LOT'S OF NUMBER ONES IN FLORIDA

We spent 16 hours traveling yesterday, most of it on California freeways and on tarmacs, and weren’t able to get you our usual Monday morning reports. So, before we give you more on this weekend’s AKC/Eukanuba National Championship event, let’s go to the other shows this weekend.

CH Raintree Erinwood Dixie Magic Dragon

We did tell you that the number one Hound in the US, the Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen, CH Rokeena Carte Blanche, was not in L:ong Beach, but in Orlando FL, taking the top prize at Friday’s Space Coast Kennel Club Of Palm Bay show. Mildred Bryant also considered the German Wirehaired Pointer, CH Star K's Mile Hi Valentine, the Great Dane, CH Raintree Erinwood Dixie Magic Dragon, the Norwich Terrier, CH Maystar's Coast To Coast, the Pug, CH Norkus' Risky Business, the Chow Chow, CH Kelin's There Can Be Only One, and the Shetland Sheepdog, CH Sunburst One Cool Dude.

CH Cordmaker Field Of Dreams

Saturday in Orlando the Central Florida Kennel Club and Rita Holloway took over. The PBGV, CeeJay, made it back to Saturday’s final as did the Dane and Norwich. Ms Holloway also saw the Labrador Retriever, CH Salty Dog Of Tampa Bay, the Maltese, CH Chrisman's Kiss This, the Standard Poodle, CH Gulfbreeze 'Absolutely Knot', and the Puli, CH Cordmaker Field Of Dreams. Her Best was the nation’s number one Herding Dog, the Puli, Conrad.

CH Cragsmoor Buddy Goodman

Sunday’s Brevard Kennel Club BIS fell to William Usherwood. His super seven were the two previous BIS winners, the PBGV and the Puli, the abovementioned Dane & Chow, the Black Cocker Spaniel, CH Bracon's Leapin Lily Pads, the Skye Terrier, CH Cragsmoor Buddy Goodman, and the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, CH Hickoryridge Tartan Pride. Taking home the big win was the country’s number one Skye Terrier.

Congratulation’s to breeders/owners Eugene Z Zaphiris & Matthew H Stander, and handler Larry Cornelius.

QUEEN OF THE NIGHT & YEAR

It was not unexpected, but it was not predetermined or without challenge. The 2009 AKC/Eucanuba National Championship went to the undistuped number one dog in America, the Scottish Terrier, CH Rountwon Mercedes Of Maryscot.

CH Roundtwon Mercedes Of Maryscot

Giving Sadie and handler Gabriel Rangel fierce competition were the Irish Setter, CH Shadagee Caught Red Handed, the Grey Hound, CH Grandcru Clos Erasmus, the Boxer, CH Duba Dae’s Who’s Your Daddy, the Toy Poodle, CH Smash Jp Moon Walk, the Standard Poodle, CH Dawin Spitfire, and the Rough Collie, CH Sylvan Simply Irrestible. Judge Robert J Moore was given a Herculean task to decide the Best In Show. We’ve been lucky enough to see all of these dogs prior to last night’s ultimate event. We have never seen any of them look better. We witnessed no missteps, no dropped ears or tails. It was a formidable display of magnificent dogs, superbly presented.

Four of the finalists had a days rest prior to the event, having competed for their Group wins the night before, the Irish Setter, Emily, the Grey Hound, Era, Toy Poodle, Walker, and the Standard Poodle, Jetta. However the remaining three had to battle through Groups with excellent specimens from almost every registered breed represented.

CH Sylvan Simply Irrestible

The Herding breeds were the first in the Long Beach Convention Center Arena. Dr Lee Anthony Reasin chose the Rough Collie, Sax, a clear crowd favorite and placed the Shetland Sheepdog, CH PaRay Cirque Du Soleil, the Polish Lowland Sheepdog, CH Sasquehanna Malinnik Ponadto, and our DOG2WATCH, the puppy Briard prodigy, Eastbay déjà vu Enjoy The Ride, second, third, & fourth, respectively. Sax is testament to team work, with more co-owners than space allowed in the catalog. Sax was bred by Cindi Bossart, Connie Dubois (who also are owners) & James Efron. Additional owners are Nancy Comparato, Debbie Green, Jennifer Mosing, Dr. Stacy Smith and Leah Warner. Sax was flawlessly handled by Brian Livingston.

The Terrier Group was judged by Jane Forsyth, who’s own professional handling career was surely inspiring, and maybe a little intimidating, to last night’s exhibitors. In addition to Sadie, her second, third, & fourth place were the Smooth Fox Terrier, CH Sly Fox Sneaks A Peek, the Airedale Terrier, CH Sterling’s Cool Hand Luke, and the Norwich Terrier, CH Skyscots Poker Chip.

CH Duba Dae’s Who’s Your Daddy

While the evening’s festivities and special events (more on those in another post) were skillfully orchestrated, it must have seemed like an excruciatingly long wait for the Working Group competitors. Nonetheless, Group judge Keke Kahn was as fresh and commanding as ever and capped the Best In Show preliminaries with the Boxer, Bosco, followed by the imposing Tibetan Mastiff, CH Seng Khri Bartok Of Dawa, the Akita, CH Mojo’s Rock’N Your World, and the Newfoundland, CH Oceano’s Reflection On Sundust. Bosco has been on a tear lately, racking up Groups & BIS working up to last noight’s performance. Bosco was bred by Lynn Jansson, is owned lynn, Charles Vose, & Wendy Bettis, who wowed both the crowd with walking Bosco into a picture perfect stack.

Without a doubt, the evening belonged to dogdom’s queen, the Scottie, Sadie. Few have dominated the scene like she and handler Gabriel Rangel. Together they have defeated nearly 120,000 dogs this year and have accumulated more than 50,000 points more than any other dog. Sadie was bred by Mary O’Neal & Anstamm Kennels and is owned by Amelia Musser. Our congratulations to Team Sadie and our thanks for giving us a year to remember.

This was our first AKC/EUKANUBA National Championship. Last year we stayed home and followed all the fun on line, with updates from readers throughout the weekend. While that allowed us some flexibilities in technology, not present on site, there is simply no substitue for being there. We give our heartfelt thank yous to all the AKC and Eukanuba staff that did everything they could possibly do to make our job easier. A special thnks to Eukanuba Representive, Emily Thomas, for going the extra mile. We’ll see you all next year.

(All photos Courtesy of the American Kennel Club)

RACKING UP THE POINTS IN CLEVELAND

CH Vineyard’s Bad Boy

By now you may have figured out that many of our top twenty dogs are not in Long Beach, but out and about trying to get the last few points to move up in the breed, group, or all breed standings. There were 2800 dogs entered in Saturday’s Richland County Kennel Club in Cleveland OH. However, it was not a top twenty dog that was James Covey’s BIS. It was the country’s number one Irish Setter, CH Vineyard’s Bad Boy, repeating his Thursday win.

Also on hand sharing the points were group winners the Doberman Pinscher, CH Allure Blazing Star Alisaton, the Smooth Fox Terrier, CH J’Cober Kemosabe Vigilante Justice, the Italian Greyhound, CH Honore’s Lily-Belle, the Dalmatian, CH Brte D’s Sergeant Major, and a Shetland Sheepdog from the classes, Willwin Amaryllis.

Our Long Beach competitors will leave after tonight, but the Cleveland crowd has another day to gather those points.

MISSISSIPPI IS BURNING

There is doggy life outside of Long Beach CA. We hear that the crowd in Jackson MS is great and the competition is hot. Yesterday’s host was the Mississippi State Kennel Club and BIS judge was Janet Nahikian.

CH Steinway’s Paris Is Burning

Her final seven were the Black Cocker Spaniel, CH EXL’s Leather N Lace, the Whippet, CH Starline Chanel, Doberman Pinscher, CH Steinway’s Paris Is Burning, the Wire Fox Terrier, CH Dalriada’s Mystic, the Yorkshire Terrier, CH Stringer’s Somethings Gotta Give, the Bulldog, CH Avalon Go Big Red Sooner, and the German Shepherd Dog, CH Shoal Creek’s Sangria V Barick.

Her BIS was the two year old Doberman, Blaze. We are pretty certain it is his first all breed BIS. We know it‘s his first this year. Congratulations to breeder/owner Melissa Loflin-Park, co-breeder Mona Fasth, and handler Michael Shepherd.

AKC/EUKANUBA DAY ONE

Day one of the AKC/Eukanuba National Championship ended with as much glamor, pageantry, and suspense as one gets in the dog world.

CH Grandcru Clos Erasmus

In between our regular groups, winners of the Award of Canine Excellence (ACE) were presented and the 60 Eukanuba World Challenge candidates we reduced to nine. The first of our regular groups to be judged was the Hound Group with Robert Stein making the call. His four placements went to the Greyhound, CH Grandcru Clos Erasmus (1), the Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen, CH Afterglow Ebenezer (2), the 15” Beagle, CH Torquay Midnight Confession (3), and the Black & Tan Coonhound, CH Silver Ridge Showtyme At Windbourne (4).

CH Smash Jp Moon Walk

Next up was the Toy Group and R William Taylor. Grabbing the four placements were the Toy Poodle, CH Smash Jp Moon Walk (1), the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, CH Pinecrest rock The Boat, (2), the Smooth Coat Chihuahua, CH Lugan Holiday Rocco (3), the Pomeranian, CH Velocity’s Shake Ur Bon Bon (4).

CH Shadagee Caught Red Handed

The third Group of the night, the Sporting Group was judged by Robert Hartinger and his four were the Irish Setter, CH Shadagee Caught Red Handed (1), the English Springer Spaniel, CH Tara’s Master of “D” Game (2), the Golden Retriver, CH Rush Hill’s River Road Payoff (3), and the Black Cocker Spaniel, CH Lomapoint 18k You Da Man (4).

CH Dawin Spitfire

The final Group of the evening, the Non-Sporting Group saw Michele Billings recognize the Standard Poodle, CH Dawin Spitfire (1), the Chinese Shar-Pei, CH Chaoyang Chick Magnet At Asia (2), the French Bulldog, CH Robobull Fabelhjaft Im On Fire (3), and the Lhasa Apso, CH Mai Thai Ta Sen Halleluiah Chorus (4).

You can get the night’s complete results on the AKC site. You can also follow the event on the AKC’s Facebook page (search American Kennel Club) and on Twitter.

(All Photos Courtesy of The American Kennel Club)

THE BEST OF BOTH WORLDS

A few of our top twenty decided to by pass Long Beach and try to scoop up some of the 10,000 points available this weekend in Cleveland OH. So far it hasn’t happened. Thursday, it was the Irish Setter, CH Vineyard’s Bad Boy, snatching the BIS from higher ranked dogs.

CH Daimler’s Caviar Dreams

Yesterday at the Median Kennel Club show, it was the Keeshond, CH Daimler’s Caviar Dreams, catching the eye of Richard Bauer. Watching the points go to the Kees, were Thursday’s BIS winner, Bad Boy, the Pharoah Hound, CH Iara Ne-Kabu Abu Simbel Ankh, the Samoyed, CH White Eaqgle’s Celestial Sky, the Sealyham Terrier, CH Efbe’s Merci Pour Le Poivre, the Papillion, CH Arkeno’s Ears To You, and the Bouvier des Flandres, CH Brimar’s Always Mandrake HT.

Parker, the number one Kees, all systems, and breeder/owner/handler Terry Benz took the redeye out to Long Beach and are here competing today. Talk about having your cake and eating it too. Congratulations to Terry and co-owner/breeder Diane Benz.

NUMBER 1 HOUND IS IN FLORIDA

CH Rokeena Carte Blanche

Our next report comes from Orlando FL where the country’s number one Hound, the Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen, CH Rokeena Carte Blanche, picked up a BIS at the Space Coast Kennel Club Of Palm Bay. We were at the PBGV ring this morning and missed seeing CeeJay and handler Jane Myers. They obviously are enjoying the Florida sunshine.

NEW DOG2WATCH

While the reason we do this because we love dog shows, we do grudgingly admit that we hate traveling. Most of all we hate being disconnected from out doggy friends while traveling. After a disappointing evening in a hotel with no wifi, we are in the AKC press room at the Long Beach Convention Center and we can tell you all about yesterday’s results around the US.

CH Dalriada’s Mystic

Our friends down in Jackson MS are enjoying southern hospitality and some excellent dogs. Yesterday was day two of the Brandon Kennel Club Of Mississsippi with Norman Patton and the Weimaraner, CH Harline Win’Weim It’s My 2nd Martini, the Whippet, CH Starline Chanel, the Boxer, CH Bravo N Sunset Stealing Time, the Wire Fox Terrier, CH Dalriada’s Mystic, the Yorkshire Terrier, Stringer’s Somethings Gotta Give, the Bichon Frise, CH Saks Hamelot Little Drummer Boy, and the German Shepherd Dog, CH Shoal Creek’s Sangria V Barick.

His BIS was the Wire Fox, Boo. Boo & handler Scott Sommeer have caught fire with three BIS in the last two weeks. We are going to call this one a DOG2WATCH.

LOS ENCINOS DAY TWO

After braving airport security and rainy California freeways we arrived at the Long Beach Convention Cent4er in time to catc all the groups. And even though the Los Encinos Kennel Club’s Friday show benefited from the international entry drawn by this weekend’s AKC/Eukanuba National Championship, most of tonight’s finalists were Western US residents.

CH Roundtown Mercedes Of Maryscot

Karen Wilson’s finalists were the English Springer Spaniel, CH Wil-Orion’s Twenty Twenty, the Basset Hound, CH Splash /The Professor, the Alaskan Malaamute, the Scottish Terrier, Ch Roundtown Mercedes Of Maryscot, the Toy Poodle, CH Smash Jp Moon Walk, the Chinese Shar-Pei, CH Melvard‘s Doll Of Destiny ,and the Bouvier des Flandres, CH Avalon Frontier Sleepnlady Webber..

Her Best was our reigning queen, the number one dog in America, the Scottie, Sadie. That concludes the seven prelims to this weekends show of show. Our thanks to all the kind folks we met today for taking time out from their busy schedules to talk with us. After some food and r4est, we will back with you bright and early.

WORLD WIDE GREAT DOGS

It’s day two at the Long Beach (CA) Convention Center and it’s day one for the Los Encinos Kennel Club.

CH Roundtown Mercedes Of Maryscot

It was Wayne Burton, all the way from Australia, who got to see seven of America’s finest dogs tonight. They were the Golden Retriever, CH Toasty’s Treasure Island, the 15 “ Beagle, CH Just Wright The Full Monty, the Akita, CH Mojo’s Rock’N Your World, the Scottish Terrier, CH Roundtown Mercedes Of Maryscot, yesterday’s BIS winner, the Toy Poodle, CH Smash Jp Moon Walk, the Standard Poodle, CH Dawin Spitfire, and the Bearded Collie, CH Tolkien Raintree Mister Baggins.

Great dogs are great dogs the world round and the US’ number one dog, the Scottie, Sadie, impressed the Australian enough to take home another Best In Show. That’s three for Sadie since the countdown began. And tomorrow we will be bringing all the action to you real time from ring side.

GOOD DAY FOR A BAD BOY

It’s `17 degrees Fahrenheit & snowing in Cleveland. Yet the Lorain County Kennel Club and judge Richard Beauchamp attracted nearly 2000 dogs, on a Thursday yet. Whatever it was outside, inside it was a good day for the Irish Setter, CH Vineyard’s Bad Boy, as he captured the top prize. Bad Boy was already the number one Irish Setter (all breeds). He’s now the number five Sporting Dog.

CH Vineyard’s Bad Boy

Joining Bad Boy in the final were the Greyhound, CH Gaia Elfin Dance, the Doberman Pinscher, CH Allure Blzing Star Alisaton, the Smooth Fox Terrier, CH J’Cobe Kemosabe Vigilante Justice, the Pug, CH Ivanwold Diva At Riversong, the Chinese Shar-Pei, CH Vaje’s Miss Jayne Hathaway, and the Australian Shepherd, CH Briarbrooks Copyright.

There are nearly 8,000 more points to be had yet this weekend in Cleveland. Makes braving the snow worthwhile.

WHIPPET LEAP FROG

Just down the road from us in Jackson MS they have a nice little four show cluster starting today. Today it was day one with the lovely people from the Brandon Kennel Club Of Mississippi.

CH Starline Chanel
(photo by Carol Beuchat)

Joining Robert Slay in the final ring were the English Springer Spaniel, CH Capulet’s Innovation, the Whippet, CH Starline Chanel, the Boxer, CH Bravo N Sunset Stealing Time, the Border Terrier, CH Devon Lady Simper Fi, the Pug, Bleuridge’s EJA, the Bichon Frise, CH Saks Hamelot Little Drummer Boy, and the German Shepherd Dog, CH Shoal Creek’s Sangria V Barick.

BIS went to the Whippet, Chanel. This win puts Chanel back in as the country’s number one Whippet. Now number two, CH Sportingfields Bahama Sands, will be in Long Beach for the next three days trying to get that spot back. Chanel will be in Jackson for three more shows. Leave it to the Whippets to give us one of the most exciting races this year.

BEVERLY HILLS GLAMOR

We’ve heard that the weather has delayed some of our competitors coming into Long Beach, but there was plenty of excitement for all at yesterday’s Beverly Hills Kennel Club opener at the Long Beach (CA) Convention Center, the first of three preliminary events prior to this weekend’ AKC/Eukanuba extravaganza.

CH Smash Jp Moon Walk
(Photo by Miguel Betancourt)

Sue-Ellyn Rempel’s final had all the requisite glamor required for zip code 90210. They were the country’s number one Sporting Dog, the Golden Retriever, CH Toasty’s Treasure Island, the nation’s number one Whippet, CH Sporting Fields Bahama Sands, the US’ number one Akita, CH Mojo‘s Rock’N Your World, the number one dog all breeds, the Scottish Terrier, CH Roundtown Mercedes Of Maryscot, the number one Toy Dog, the Toy Poodle, CH Smash Jp Moon Walk, the number one Chinese Shar-Pei, CH Chaoryang Chick Magnet At Asia, and the number one Bearded Collie, CH Tolkien Raintree Mister Baggins.

It was the country’s number eight dog all breeds, the Toy Poodle, Walker, walking off with the top prize. This final included three of our top ten, and one more from the top 25 (the Beardie, Roy). Not all of our top 25 are in Long Beach yet. This thing is just going to get better.

EL PASO FINAL, FINALLY

We finally have the results from Sunday’s Onate Trail Dog Fanciers Association’s show in El Paso TX.

CH Elan’s Command Decision Reimroc

Nancy Simmons lucky seven were the Welsh Springer Spaniel, CH Stateman’s Winner Circle, the Wirehaired Dachshund, CH Gleneagle’s Who’s famous now, the Great Dane, CH Elan’s Command Decision Reimroc, the Lakeland Terrier, CH Blackwatch On The Rocks, the Brussels Griffon, CH Clud Nine Happy Hour, the Standard Poodle, CH Kaylen’s On A Lick And A Promise, and the German Shepherd Dog, CH Hicliff Hannah V Kenlyn.

It was the big dog’s big day, as the country's number one Great Dane, Gable, took the top prize. Although Gable has won multiple BISS this year, this is his first BIS of 2009. Congratulations to breeders/owners Jessica & John Gerszewski and Romie & Sheila Cormier and co-owner Naomi Yakota. John piloted Gable to the win.

CLEVELAND ROCKS!

Long Beach CA is not the only spot in the US this coming weekend where you can catch America’s top dogs.

Rock & Roll Museum, Cleveland OH

In fact, that icon of underdogs everywhere, Cleveland OH, will host one of the largest gathering of dogs this year. The Lorain County, Medina, Richland County, and Western Reserve Kennel will host four shows with just shy of 10,000 dogs entered, making Cleveland one of the biggest prizes this whole year. As all Drew Care fans know, Cleveland rocks!

Mississippi State Capitol, Jackson

Another town offering a Thursday through Sunday string of shows is Jackson MS. We were there last year and there were several top dogs showing. To sweeten the deal the Brandon Kennel Club Of Mississippi and the Mississippi State Kennel Club, your hosts, are the very epitome of the southern hospitality.

Orlando FL Most Popular Destination

There is a three show long weekend available in Orlando FL presented by the Space Coast Kennel Club Of Palm Bay , Central Florida Kennel Club, & Brevard Kennel Club. With record blizzards predicted for much of the US, a Disney World/dog show vacation is very tempting.

Finally, if you just have two days and you have to stay close to home try the two day offerings brought to you by the Lehigh Valley & Delaware Water Gap Kennel Clubs in Bethelehem PA, the Tidewater Kennel Club Of Virginia in Virginia Beach VA, or the Starved Rock Kennel Club in Wheaton IL.

We will tell you this, we know at least two of the top ten dogs will skip Long Beach and be at one of the above shows. So even if you can’t make Long Beach, you can still enjoy the company of the most beautiful animals on the planet.

FOUR DOWN, THREE TO GO

Debbie Campbell closed the four day set in Costa Mesa CA yesterday for the Malibu Kennel Club.

CH Toasty’s Treasure Island

The finalists Sunday were the Golden Retriever, CH Toasty’s Treasure Island, the Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen, CH Afterglow Ebeneezer, the Boxer, CH Duba Dae’s Who’s Your Daddy, Friday’s BIS winner, the Scottish Terrier, CH Roundtown Mercedes Of Maryscot, the Brussels Griffon, CH Cashin’s Walk The Line, Thursday/Saturday BIS winner, the Standard Poodle, CH Dawin Spitfire, and the Bouvier des Flandres, CH Avalon Frontier Sleepnlady Webber.

It was the Scottie, Sadie, answering the Poodle, Jetta, with another BIS. That’s two for Jetta and two for Sadie. The crowd packed up the RVs for the short drive up the coast to the Long Beach Convention Center where the Beverly Hills & Encinos Kennel Clubs will have three warm up events Wednesday through Friday. Expect several new faces at those shows as more of the dogs arrive for this weekend’s AKC/Eukanuba National Championship.