Saturday, January 10, 2009

IT WAS A DARK AND RAINY NIGHT

It’s still raining in Puyallup WA, but since when did a little rain ever deter a determined AKC exhibitor? Attendance was back up at the Sammamish Kennel Club and some of the same faces returned to Judge Zell von Pohlman’s BIS ring. The Afghan Hound, CH Polo’s The Aviator, the Affenpinscher, CH Pramada's Naughty Natalie, the Standard Poodle, CH Randenn Tristar Affirmation, and the same mystery Boxer from yesterday’s final were joined by the Irish Setter, CH Ashton Peaceful Feeling, the Miniature Bull Terrier, CH Camino's Lucy Lu, and theAustralian Shepherd CH Whidbey's Monlight Frost.

And yes, it was the Standard Poodle, Yes, making it two in a row, proving that whatever, the weather, Poodles don’t have bad hair days.

RESULTS, RESULTS, & MORE RESULTS

After complaining about slow results this week, we now have multiple shows reporting out. We will split these results up so everyone get their due. First to catch up on Friday’s shows in Florida, and Virginia. We already told you that the Lakeland, Ranger, and the Pointer, Holly, won those shows. Here are the group winners.

CH Cside Simply Irrestible RC

Additional Group winners from the Clearwater Kennel Club show were the Wirehaired Pointing Griffon, CH Flatbrook Royal Point Attitude JH, the Basset Hound, CH Gladiator Its So Floppy, the Akita, CH Cside Simply Irrestible RC, the Pomeranian, CH Velocity’s Shake Ur Bon Bon, the Schipperke, CH De Lamer Point Break, and the German Shepherd Dog, CH Woddsides Pacino.

CH Hi-Tech's Southern Belle

Also making the final at the Greater Fredericksburg Kennel Club event were the Harrier, CH Downhome Family Tradition, the Boxer, CH Hi-Tech's Southern Belle, the Airedale, CH Stirling Cool Hand Luke, the Pekingese, CH Pequest Match Point, the Tibetan Spaniel, CH Wassong’s Djebel Of Lollipop, and the Border Collie, Borderframe Signature.

CH Stirling Cool Hand Luke

At today’s second coming of the Greater Fredericksburg Kennel Club, the Pointer, CH Cookieland Seasyde Hollyberry, kept batting a 1000, winning her sixth BIS in a row. Once again on hand in Judge Stephen Hubbell’s BIS ring were the Harrier, Coda, the Airedale, Lucas, as well as the Bernese Mountain Dog, CH Adesa The Heat Is On, the Toy Poodle, CH Smash JP Moon Walk, the Miniature Poodle, CH Surrey Sweet Spice, and the German Shepherd Dog, CH Pinehill-Highland Nathan’s Run.

We’ve already told you about the historic win at today’s Inverness Florida Kennel Club show in Brooksville FL by the Red & White . Much less surprising was the Best in Show winner, the Sealyham Terrier, CH Efbe’s Hidalgo at Goodspice. Charmin had been struggling with a Smooth Fox Terrier wunderkind, but put the youngster in his place and picked up his first BIS of the year from Judge Jon Cole.

CH Blovett’s Ready For Riley.

Joining the Red & White and Charmin in the final were the Afghan Hound, Genesis Silverado, the Doberman Pinscher, CH Allure Blazing Star Alisaton, the Pomeranian, CH Velocity’s Shake Ur Bon Bon, the Chinese Shar-Pei, CH Willo’s Caught Ya Lookin, and the Bouvier des Flandres, CH Blovett’s Ready For Riley.

And now we're off to find out what's happening out at the Sammamish Kennel Club in Washington State.

SEEING DOUBLE

Just two days ago we had a Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen go BIS at the Manatee Kennel Club show in sunny Brooksville FL. Today we had another PBGV go BIS in snowy Fitchburg MA. Judge Dorothy Taylor gave CH Monkham's Famous Grouse the nod in the second day final of the Greater Lowell Kennel Club.

CH Monkham's Famous Grouse

Also in the final were a Newfoundland from the Bred By Exhibitor class that won both the BBE and the regular Working Group, Homeport Gunwale, the Weimaraner, CH Liberty’s Dancin In The Moonlight, 2008’s top White Bull Terrier, CH Action Chaos and Charisma, the Toy Fox Terrier, CH Valcopy Hannah Montana, the Bulldog, CH Kepley’s Showbiz Razzle Dazzle, and the Pembroke Welsh Corgi, CH Heronsway The Magic Flute.

Our Congratulations to “Fabio”, breeders Linda & Jenna Skerritt, owner/handler Juli Lacey-Black, and co-owners Donna Bruce & Jill Neuschaefer, & L. Sker on their first BIS of 2009.

HISTORIC WIN

Shireoak Caniscaeli Windsong

We have a report that the Irish Red and White Setter, Shireoak Caniscaeli Windsong, won the Sporting Group at today‘s Inverness Florida Kennel Club show in Brooksville FL. The Irish Red & White is new to AKC Championship competition this year and this is the first group win for the breed. Congratulations to “Eamon’s” breeder Kim Spelmer, owners Gail & Leslie Harrison & Douglas Johnson, and handler Jane Myers, for this historic win.

RANKINGS SHUFFLE

We have enough of the weekend results in to scramble both the traditional and Dog Show Poop Top Ten. As we have reported here the Pointer, CH Cookieland Seasyde Hollyberry, has strung five back to back BIS together so far this year and as a result has moved up to the third slot on the traditional slate. Also moving up today was the Lakeland Terrier, CH Hi-Kel Terrydale Soldier of Fortune. to the fourth spot on the traditional list and to the number five position on our top ten. We still have three days of shows to tally and may have more changes before the weekend is out. And you will only get realtime rankings here.

IT'S A LAKELAND IN CLEARLAKE

CH Hi-Kel Terrydale Soldier Of Fortune

While we wait for complete results from yesterday’s shows in Florida, Virginia, and Washington, we do have this from a reader. The 2008 number three Terrier, the Lakeland Terrier, CH Hi-Kel Terrydale Soldier Of Fortune, has won the Clearwater Kennel Club show in Brooksville FL. “Ranger” finished 2008 as the twelfth highest scoring dog with 24 BIS and 76 Group wins.

She started the year with a Group One and a BIS last weekend in St. Paul MN, but was shocked in the group yesterday at the Manatee Kennel Club show when Judge Margretta Patterson-Kauffman failed to place her in the top four, once again proving that nothing is predictable at an AKC dog show.

MORE TACOMA KC WINNERS

We have some more detail from yesterday's almost rained out Tacoma Kennel Club Show. The Hound Group winner was the Canadian Afghan Hound, CH Polo's The Aviator, the Terrier Group Winner was the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier, CH Doubloon's Ultimate Player, and the Herding Group winner was the Bouvier des Flandres, CH Voodoo Slam Dunks Susant's. If anyone knows who the Boxer and Wirehaired Pointing Griffon are that won their groups, please let us know.

We have heard that although it's still raining in Puyallup, the danger of flooding has passed and there are far fewer absentees at today's Sammamish Kennel Club show. Check back here this evening for results.

DOG FANCIERS 10,809: PETA 451

The LA Times Unleashed blog reports that more than 300 of you left comments in favor of airing the Westminster Dog Show and as of 10:00 AM CST, their on line Poll recorded 10,809 votes in support of the show vice 451 for cancelling the show.

They also report that the BBC, who has canceled the broadcast of the venerable Crufts Dog Show, wants no endorsement from PETA, calling the organization, "...a bunch of crackpots." Well, what does that say about their siding with PETA on Crufts. Momma says, "Birds of a Feather."

Thanks to all of you for giving the LA Times a civics lesson.

Friday, January 9, 2009

SHOWERS AFFECT SHOWERS

We have some results in from Friday’s Tacoma Kennel Club in Puyallup WA show, compliments of Terri Erickson of Paragon Siberians. Terri tells us that yesterdays torrential rains kept a substantial number of exhibitors away, but some hard core showers braved the showers, including the Standard Poodle, CH Randenn Tristar Affirmation, who picked up her first BIS of the year.

CH Randenn Tristar Affirmation

The water may have been high, but the Affenpinscher, CH Pramada's Naughty Natalie, managed to keep her head above it long enough to capture the Toy Group. We hope to have more results from Terri tomorrow.

WE HAVE VIDEO

The Northeast’s first show of the year is in the books and so is the first BIS by a Toy Dog this year. Judge Norman Patton had the final seven today at the Greater Lowell Kennel Club show in Fitchburg MA and the Pug, Ch Tupelo Shoboat Tu China Tu, last year’s number eleven dog, continued his winning ways by taking the top award.

CH Reidwood Red Alert

Also on hand were the English Setter, CH Reidwood Red Alert, the Whippet Snowcap’s Sierra Rose, the Boxer, CH Echo’s Magic Man At Maxl, the Wire Fox Terrier, CH Tamedale’s Orinoco, the Boston Terrier, CH Kennedy's Wild Lincoln Navigater, and the Bearded Collie, CH Tolkien Raintree Mister Baggins.

CH Kennedy's Wild Lincoln Navigater

Boo was bred by Karen Thompson and is handled by Doug Huffman, who co-owns Boo with Jamie Danburg, Pat & Ray Kolesar, and Michele Molnar. We congratulate them all and thank them for giving us an excuse to air the year’s first vanity video below.

TOP SPORTING DOG OF ALL TIME

Ever notice how goods things just keep getting better? The Pointer, CH Cookieland Seasyde Hollyberry, has just won another BIS, the latest coming at today’s Greater Fredericksburg Kennel Club, making it five for five this year.

And while we were not paying attention Holly has just become the winningest Sporting Dog of all time, with 109 BIS, surpassing the record of the Black Cocker Spaniel, CH La-Shay’s Bart Simpson, who had a lifetime 106 BIS.

POLITE COMPANY

We’ve always liked the traditions of the AKC show ring…men in jackets and ties, the little touches of etiquette. There’s a comfort in the old fashion civility of our fancy that is mostly missing in the trash talking environments of other weekend pursuits. Therefore, it is with caution that we entered the blogosphere, a place notorious for its coarseness of manner and, by definition, disrespect of tradition.

PRACTICE GOOD MANNERS

Yesterday we got a comment on our DOGS2WATCH post, attacking one of the dogs featured. By blogosphere standards, the comment was only mildly offensive. However, by our standards it was particularly offensive. It wasn’t that the writer disagreed with us. We expect and welcome that. It wasn’t that it was critical of a top winning dog. Lot’s of people debate which dog is better than the other. It was that it was anonymous.

We want this blog to be a forum for the exchange of information and opinion, but we won’t host a forum for mean spirited gossip mongering. We want to apologize to any of the readers or parties who feel maligned by our publishing of the comment. We did it so we could make it clear that all comments are welcome, as long as the debate is respectful. After all, we are not trying to compete with Keith Olbermann or Sean Hannity.

POODLE PAIR

For some reason, show results from Virginia are just harder to come by, but here are the results from yesterday’s Northern Neck Kennel Club of Virginia show in Fredericksburg VA. As we reported last night, Judge Everett Dean gave the Pointer, CH Cookieland Seasyde Hollyberry, her fourth BIS this month.

CH Surrey Sweet Spice

She was joined in the final ring by the Harrier, CH Downhome Family Tradition, the Bernese Mountain Dog, CH Adesa The Heat Is On, the Airedale, CH Stirling Cool Hand Luke, the Toy Poodle, CH Smash JP Moon Walk, the Miniature Poodle, CH Surrey Sweet Spice, and the Old English Sheepdog, CH Lightnings Tequilla Sunrise.

The Minature Poodle, “Jamie”, was bred by Kaz Hosaka, who handles the Toy Poodle, “Walker”. Congratulations to Kaz and owners Ron Scott and Debbie Burke for both their group winners. Talk about one stop shopping.

NO HOLLY AT WESTMINSTER


We had a comment from a fan of the Pointer, CH Cookieland Seasyde Hollyberry, mentioning her as a favorite at next month's Westminster. We have been told that Holly will recuse herself from the show because one of her co-owners, Sean McCarthy, is on the show committee. We are all disappointed that she will miss AKC's most prestigious show. On the other hand, she already has the Eukanuba crown and now another dog will get to a chance in the spotlight.

Thursday, January 8, 2009

HOLLY GOES FOUR FOR FOUR

Is that like "Fee Fi Fo Fum, I smell a number one ranking"?

We’ve heard that the Pointer, CH Cookieland Seasyde Hollyberry, has won yet another BIS today at the North Neck Kennel Club of Virginia today. That’s four in a row. Check back here later for more results.

FLORIDA RESULTS

We’ve got complete results in from Brooksville FL and we have some surprises. First, we have the Siberian Husky, Wyldefyer Skies The Limit, coming in as a class dog, and walking away with a Group One at the Manatee Kennel Club show . Now that’s how I like to pick up a major. Our congratulations to breeders Stephanie Renaker-Jansen & Patricia Simpson, owner Cindy Yocum., and handler is Nicole King.

Wyldefyer Skies The Limit

Just this afternoon we deemed the Smooth Fox Terrier, CH J'cobe Kemosabe Vigilante Justice, and the German Shepherd Dog, CH Woodside Pacino, as DOGS2WATCH and they thanked us by going Group One again today. Dodge. The Smooth Fox, once again won the Group at the expense of last year’s number one Terrier, the Sealyham, CH Efbe’s Hidalgo At Goodspice. Now Amy, get us a decent photo of Dodger. Looks like he intends to stay on our top ten list.

CH Bret D Sergeant Major

Joining these three in Judge John Medeiros’ BIS ring was the Golden Retriever, CH Easthill Broxden Pop Star, the Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen, CH Rokeena Carte Blanche, the Affenpinscher, CH Tamarin Towntalk Nyteflyte, and the Dalmatian, CH Bret D Sergeant Major. (Three of the seven finalists were in the charge of handlers Amy & Phil Booth. Can you say “Bonus Money”?) As promising as all these newcomers were the veteran PBGV walked away with the Best In Show trophy.

CH Rokeena Carte Blanche

CeeJay, an Australian import, is the 2008 PBGVCA National Specialty Winner and a multiple BIS winner in Australia and the USA. He had been slated to return to Australia after Westminster 2009, but his breeder/owner, Robin Wallis of Gisborne, Australia, tells us they are considering keeping him here a little longer. Maybe a couple of more BIS will convince them to stay in the US a little longer.

DOGS2WATCH

Reporting on yesterday’s Virginia show we were reminded that last year we saw several dogs that entered the 2008 campaign too late to make it into the national rankings. Some of these were recent imports and some of these were young dogs who are just beginning their show careers. So, in case you missed them the following are DOGS2WATCH:


First among this group is the German Shepherd Dog, CH Woodside Pacino. Owner handled by Mr. GSD, James Moses, “Tony” was bred by Sandy Anderson & Linda Wheeler and owned by Moses, Roger Reichler & Janet Lange. The three year old dog entered last year’s campaign late, but still managed to finish at number 20, with 16 BIS and 88 Group wins.


Next we have the Toy Poodle, CH Smash JP Moon Walk, from the trio that gave us the 2007 Dog of the Year, CH Smash JP Win A Victory. Breeder Yukiko Omura, owner Ron Scott, and handler Kaz Hosaka have another great one here, finishing an abbreviated 2008 season with seven BIS and 17 Group Firsts. “Walker” is co-owned by Debbie Burk.


The next three dogs are all Terriers. While it is true we are Terrier enthusiasts and we have owned and shown a few, we present this list with a modicum of bias, Each of the following dogs caught our eye by upsetting some highly regarded dogs.


A Swedish import, CH Velvety Angel Eyes, surprised many back in October by going BIS while beating the country’s number one Terrier, the Sealyham, CH CH Efbe's Hidalgo At Goodspice. This pretty liver colored bitch, bred by Lise Lotte Nilsson and is owned by Nilsson, Joan Weiskopf & Anki Bengtson, finished 2008 with two BIS and seven top group prizes.


Charmin also go no respect last weekend in Florida from the young upstart Smooth Fox Terrier, CH J'cobe Kemosabe Vigilante Justice, who beat him three out of four meetings. “Dodger”, bred by William Dalling & Stacy Turner, owned by Dalling, Phil & Amy Booth and Howard & Sandy Hoffen, and owner handled by Amy, is just 21 months old, but has two BIS, and six Group Firsts in the last twelve months.


Also last weekend we saw a Welsh Terrier, CH Sanherpinc Paisa, take back to back Group Firsts at the giant Palm Spring Kennel Club events. Paisa first caught our eye back on 6 December when she beat the number seven dog in the country, the Scottish Terrier, CH Roundtown Mercedes Of Maryscot, on her way to a Group One at the Malibu Kennel Club show. Paisa was bred by Santiango Pinto, is owned by Bruce Schwartz & Larisa Hotchin, and handled by Terrier expert Wood Wornall.


Lost in the drama around the last show of 2008, was the Toy Group Winner at the Oakland Kennel Club show in San Mateo CA. Deena Simon piloted the Pomeranian, Starlight’s Smile From Siam, from the classes all the way to the final seven to face the 2008 Top Dog, the Giant Schnauzer, CH Galilee's Pure Of Spirit. A belated congratulations to Deena and breeder/owner Suradej Ekviriyakit.

We hope we see more of these dogs in 2009. We think we will.

MORE FROM VIRGINIA

We now have complete results on yesterday’s show in Fredericksburg VA hosted by the Northern Neck Kennel Club of Virginia. As reported yesterday, Best in Show went to the Pointer, CH Cookieland Seasyde Hollyberry. Also on hand in Judge Christina Hubbell’s final seven were the Harrier, CH Downhome Family Tradition, the Bernese Mountain Dog, CH Adesa The Heat Is On, the Airedale, CH Stirling Cool Hand Luke, the Pekingese, CH Pequest Match Point, the Minature Poodle, CH Surrey Sweet Spice, and the Border Collie, CH Borderframe Signature. Also competing in Fredericksburg are Dogs2Watch, the Toy Poodle, CH Smash JP Moon Walk, and the Bedlington Terrier, CH Velvety Angel Eyes, both of whom took Group Two trophies home yesterday. Check back here later for results from today's shows in Virginia and Florida.

REGION TWO TOP TEN

The first of our regional rankings is up on the left hand side bar beneath our traditional top ten. The scores are base on last weekends shows and do not reflect yesterday’s Virginia show. We will recalculate the list after this weekend’s show results are in. Once front runners start to emerge, we will reorder the list on a real time basis. If your dog is on the list, please look at the photograph and let us know if you have another photo you want to substitute. Also, if we don’t have a call name indicated, please let us know what the dog’s call name is. We are compiling these regional rankings to provide more recognition for fanciers and their dogs, so help us out. And tell your friends your dog is on the Dog Show Poop Top Ten!

Wednesday, January 7, 2009

JUST IN FROM VIRGINIA

CH Downhome Family Tradition

We have partial result in from Fredericksburg VA. The Pointer, CH Cookieland Seasyde Hollyberry, has made it three it a row winning BIS the first day of the Northern Neck Kennel Club Of Virginia show. Also on hand in Judge Christina Hubbell’s final seven was the Harrier, CH Downhome Family Tradition. We hope to have more results soon.

EARLY WEEKEND

It’s only Wednesday and the dog show weekend has already begun. This weekend we have shows in seven locations. Today begins the “ Celebrate Virginia” cluster in Fredericksburg VA, with five all breed shows hosted by the Northern Neck Kennel Club Of Virginia, the Greater Fredericksburg Kennel Club, and the Chesapeake Kennel Club Of Maryland. Entries in the regular classes are 606, 677, 865, 1127, and 1061.

There is another five day cluster, The Florida Classic I, beginning tomorrow in Brooksville FL, sponsored by the Manatee, Clearwater, Inverness Florida, Tampa Bay, and Pasco Florida Kennel Clubs. Entries are larger with 1531, 1729, 2139, 2134, and 1535 dogs entered. Friday we have a four day no silly name cluster in Fitchburg MA, courtesy of the Greater Lowell and Merrimack Kennel Clubs. Entries of 721, 1256, 1231, and 505 have been logged.

Also starting Friday are three day clusters starting in upstate New York, and Washington State. The Kennel Club of Buffalo and the Ashtabula Kennel Club are presenting the Nickel City Cluster in Hamburg NY and are expecting entries around 700 on Friday and 900 on Saturday and Sunday. Out in Puyallup WA the entries will be much larger, around 1600 on Friday and in the 2000 range on the weekend.

Rounding out the weekend are traditional weekend offerings in Wisconsin and Mississippi. The Winnegamie Dog Club and the Oshkosh Kennel Club will field entries of around 900 in Oshkosh WI and the Golden Triangle Kennel Club Of Mississippi will have a friendly get together In Starkville MS with entries of 466 and 460.

We hope to have results from Virginia later tonight. Among the favorites entered are the Pointer, CH Cookieland Seasyde Hollyberry, the Harrier, CH Downhome Family Tradition, and the Toy Poodle, CH Smash JP Moonwalker. Will one or more of these dogs end up on our top ten?

TWO TOP TEN TALLIES

We have the counts in from the weekend and we have our first traditional top ten list for you on the left side bar. This list is based on the more generally accepted scoring method of number of dogs defeated. As you can see the first three placings are the same on both lists.

However, we depart from the traditional scoring methods on the fourth position. Our list, puts the Pointer, CH CH Cookieland Seasyde Hollyberry in the number four spot by virtue of her two back to back BIS in Pendleton SC this weekend. However, the traditional list has the English Setter, CH Chebaco Blame It On Trabeiz, in as number four on the strength of one BIS and one Group One at the larger St. Paul MN shows. The sixth spot on both lists goes to the Lakeland Terrier, CH Hi-Kel Terrydale Soldier of Fortune based on a Group One and BIS at the 1500 plus dog events in St, Paul.

At the number seven position is where we really distinguish ourselves. We have the Smooth Fox Terrier in at number seven based on a BIS, two Group One wins, and a Group Two at the Deland FL shows. By contrast, the traditional list number seven dog, the Samoyed, CH White Eagle's Celestial Sky finished the weekend with one BIS, one Group Two, and one Group Four. We have the Puli, CH Cordmaker Field Of Dreams, in at number eight with a BIS, and three group placements in Florida, while the traditional number eight goes to the Bouvier des Flandres, CH Quiche's Demetrius, for a BIS and two group wins at the slightly larger Ohio shows. However, the traditional list has their positions reversed.

The traditional number ten, the Alaskan Malamute, CH Nanuke's Still The One, comes into the top ten based on a single BIS win on Sunday, although she failed to place in the Group on Friday and was defeated in the breed on Saturday. Our list has the Sammie at number ten, three spots lower than the traditional list.

While we expect our top dogs to make both lists, we suspect that we will see more variation on the lists in future weeks. And you can only see it here.

Tuesday, January 6, 2009

PETA TO USA NETWORK "DON'T AIR WESTMINSTER"

Just this morning I was talking with AKC about the broadcast of the Eukanuba National Championship. Now I get this heads up from Robin over at The Endangered Owner. PETA is lobbying USA network to follow the BBC lead and dump the Westminster Broadcast.

After I ran around the house, shrieking like a mad man, swearing a blue streak, and foaming at the mouth, I asked myself what is the most effective way to deal with this. And then I thought of you all. Please, please go to the LA Times and read what people are saying. You will be stunned to see how many people think that this a good idea. The more dog people that add their comments to the LA Times site, the better. We must let everyone who reads this dribble know that the PETA supporters are the minority.

After you have explained to the LA Times readers how PETA simply wants to do away with pets in general, especially the purebred dog, go to the USA website and tell them how much you would miss the Westminster broadcast because you and everyone you know has watched it year after year after year. Then go back and hug your dog and reassure him/her that you will do everything you can to make sure the bad PETA people never take them away.

And you thought this only happened in Europe. Wake up, people!

EUKANUBA HOUSE KEEPING

We had a couple of unresolved questions from our coverage of last month's Eukanuba National Championship. Relative to the national rankings was the rumor that the show was not included in the point count. We've confirmed with the AKC that the show DOES count in tabulating the national standings. Another rumor is that prior year winner is prohibited from entering. While there is no formal prohibition, it has been customary for the prior year winner to take a role in promotions and recuse themselves from competition.

CH Cookieland Seasyde Hollyberry
2008 Winner Eukanuba National Championship
(Photo Courtesy of AKC)

To celebrate the 125th anniversary of the AKC, the 2009 show will depart from the invitational format and offer classes at the breed level, with championship points awarded. You can see the judging panel here. The AKC is also encouraging National Breed Clubs to support specialty entries. You can see a list here of parent clubs that have already committed. Has your breed club signed up? Why not?

We're hoping to be blogging live at the 2009 show. Come join the fun! Now can we get a live TV broadcast?

Monday, January 5, 2009

FIRST TOP TEN RANKINGS OF 2009

Because we are dedicated to giving you the most timely rankings available anywhere in the dog world, we present the inaugural 2009 Dog Show Poop Top Ten on the side bar on the right of this page. If you didn’t see our posts on how our rankings are computed you can read about it here. We will be publishing a traditional top ten as well, but are at the mercy of others for those numbers. However, we expect to have that for you in a few days.

You will notice that we have no image for the Samoyed, CH White Eagle's Celestial Sky, which is kind of unusual for dog that has been this active. If any of you know the breeders/owners/handlers, please tell them to send us a photo. We have readers from all over the globe that want to see who this dog is!

Because we haven’t had a sufficient number of shows in all of our regions to have a meaningful top ten, we are delaying the premiere of the regional rankings. We hope to bring those to you in a couple of weeks. Hopefully, these rankings will result in more dogs receiving recognition because every AKC show has some beautiful animals to see.

PUPPY POWER

Back on Saturday morning, we told you about a spectacular 21 month old Smooth Fox Terrier, Ch J'cobe Kemosabe Vigilante Justice, who has been going head to head in Florida with last year’s top Terrier, CH Efbe's Hidalgo at Goodspice. Now that we have in today’s results from the Jacksonville Dog Fanciers Association we return to this precocious youngster.

Ch J'cobe Kemosabe Vigilante Justice

“Dodger”, showing no respect for his elders, has sparred four times this weekend with one of the best Terriers ever and taken the Group three times. Today he emphasized his 2009 intentions by going Best In Show under Judge Shona Prebble. The final seven included the Rough Collie, CH Sylvan Argent Simply Irresistible, who had gone BIS twice this weekend already.

Dodger is bred by William Dalling & Stacy Turner, and is owned by Dalling, Phil & Amy Booth and H. & S. Hoffen, and owner handled by Amy. Congratulations to the Dodger team. We will be watching this one.

ST PAUL RESULTS

Proving there are things to do in Minnesota other than count senate votes or ice fish, we have this weekend’s show report from the Land O’Lakes Kennel Club in St. Paul MN. With nearly 2000 entries, these shows draw some of the country’s top dogs despite the cold weather. On Saturday Judge Keke Kahn tapped the English Setter, CH Chebaco Blame It On Trabeiz, the 2008 Eukanuba Bred By Exhibitor BIS, as her top dog. In an interesting sideshow, Hound Group Judge Carol Spritzer included all three varieties of Dachshunds in her placements. The Smooth Dachshund, CH Pawprint Add-Sim’s Kristal Ms, took first; the Wirehaired Dachshund, Chrosethorn Unique Answer, took second; and the Longhaired Dachshund, CH Homar’s Solo Aviator SL, took fourth. You can visit Judge Spritzer’s website at www.doxie.com.

CH Chebaco Blame It On Trabeiz

On day two, Judge Judith Goodin, gave the nod to the Lakeland Terrier, CH Hi-Kel Terrydale Soldier of Fortune. The 2008 number three Terrier was bred by Maripi Wooldridge, D. Hull & K. McIndoe, is owned by Carol & Beth Dowd, Cecelia Ruggle & Terrydale Kennels. Once again Dachshunds had a field day with CH Pawprint Add-Sim’s Kristal Ms taking her second Hound Group of the weekend and the Longhaired Dachshund, CH Insight’s On The Verge, third. The judge? That would be Dr. Ronald Spritzer.

CH Hi-Kel Terrydale Soldier of Fortune

We still have one more show this weekend, today’s Jacksonville Dog Fanciers' Association in Deland FL. Check back here for those results and our first top ten of 2009!

MORE WEEKEND RESULTS

There were shows outside California in the US this weekend. As we reported last night, the Golden Retriever, CH Toasty's Treasure Island, won both BIS held in Glen Rose TX by the Nolan River Kennel Club. Also deep in the heart of Texas was the Brussels Griffon, CH Cilleine Masquerade, who won the Toy Group on Sunday.

CH Nanuke's Still The One

We’ve already reported on Friday’s and Saturday’s shows in Talmadge OH and now we have Sunday’s complete results from day two of the Rubber City Kennel Club show. It’s cold in Talmadge and it perfectly suited the Alaskan Malamute, CH Nanuke's Still The One, as she ran away with the Best In Show. Also presenting themselves to Judge Kim Ramey-LeBlanc for consideration were the Golden Retriever, CH Confetti Spin Cycle, the Afghan Hound, CH Karakush Dot Com Dot A U, the Colored Bull Terrier, CH Paradox Muse-lc To My Ears, the Miniature Pinscher, CH Altanero Barnstormer, the Standard Poodle, CH Hillwood Dassin De-Lovely, and the German Shepherd Dog, CH Woodside Pacino.

We are still awaiting results from the Land O’Lakes Kennel Club events. We know it’s winter in the Twin Cities, but dogs don’t hibernate. Fire up the snow blower and get those reports turned in!

PALM SPRINGS WRAP UP

We had an exciting first weekend this new year with a few familiar faces and a few new ones. We will start with the show that is likely to be the biggest this year, the Palm Springs Kennel Club in Indio CA, which had entries of 3376 and 3246 on Saturday and Sunday. As we reported here earlier, the Giant Schnuazer, CH Galilee's Pure Of Spirit, has grabbed the early lead in the national rankings with back to back BIS there. However, there were other 2008 holdovers in Indio this weekend.

CH Starline’s Chanel

Also getting back to back Group One honors was the Pembroke Welsh Corgi, CH Coventry’s Vanity Fair, who went BIS there last year. The Affenpinscher, CH Tamarin Tug was also competing, taking a Group First on Saturday, but failing to make it out of the breed on Sunday. The Scottish Terrier, CH Roundtown Mercedes Of Maryscot, made an appearance with a Group Two on Sunday.

CH Birnam Wood’s Hoot Gibson

If you’ve been keeping track, consecutive group wins were posted by the Giant Schnauzer, the Welsh Terrier, and the Pembroke Welsh Corgi. Additionally, the Whippet, CH Starline’s Chanel, and the Golden Retriever, CH Birnam Wood’s Hoot Gibson, both scored two Group Bests. Other Group winners were the Dalmation, CH Xanadu’s Angel Sabrina, and the aforementioned Affenpinscher on Saturday and the Papillion, Arkeno’s Ear’s To You, and the Bichon Frise, CH Paray’s Rime Time on Sunday.

Sunday, January 4, 2009

MORE DOUBLE DUTY

CH Toasty's Treasure Island

We have another double duty dog to report, the 2008 top Golden Retriever, CH Toasty's Treasure Island, has put together back to back BIS Saturday and Sunday at the Nolan River Kennel Club shows in Glen Rose TX. Congratulations to “Treasure” and breeders/owners Pamela & Jerome Oxenberg.

GOOD NEWS, BAD NEWS

The good news is more and more people are reading and enjoying this blog. The bad news is that as the newcomers read our older posts, our corrections are becoming less and less timely.

One reader points out that we erroneously reported on 8 December that the Welsh Springer Spaniel, CH Royailes Hasta B A Cut Above, was the BIS winner at the 7 December Greater Clark County Kennel Club in Ridgefield WA. The actual winner was the Afghan Hound, CH Polo’s The Aviator. Our apologies to “Ace” and breeder/owner/handler Lorianne Amadeo.

CH Polo’s The Aviator

Not many of you have read our inaugural post, but we will reiterate that our first AKC show was here in Memphis some 40 years ago. The winner of that show was a spectacular Afghan Hound handled by the very striking Michelle Billings. We're not sure who impressed us more, dog or handler, but we do know we’ve been addicted to dog shows ever since. Anyway, thanks to the reader who brought our error to our attention and gave us a chance to find this photo of Ace and remember our first dog show.

TWOFER SALE

Wait, we just finished football season, I’m just gearing up for basketball, and suddenly, we have a truck load of double headers. First, I get a note that the Pointer, CH Cookieland Seasyde Hollyberry, has won her second BIS in Pendleton SC. Then I get an e-mail that the Welsh Terrier, CH Sanherpinc Paisa, has won her second Palm Springs Kennel Club Terrier Group this weekend. Minutes later we hear that Diane Steel has piloted the Rough Collie, CH Sylvan Argent Simply Irresistible, to another BIS in Deland Fl, this one today at the Jacksonville Dog Fanciers' Association show. Finally, we get a message that the Giant Schnauzer, CH Galilee's Pure Of Spirit, has gone two for two and won both of the Palm Springs shows, likely the two largest shows in the US this year. Well, I guess we know who three of our top ten dogs will be when we total all this weekend’s points.

FAMILY REUNION

CH Pramada's Naughty Natalie

Terri Erickson is home whelping puppies, but she still managed to get this to us. The Affenpinscher, CH Tamarin Tug, was defeated in the breed today at the second show of the Palm Spring Kennel Club. The culprit was CH Pramada's Naughty Natalie, who had finished Best of Opposite Sex to Taser at last year’s Westminster. She is a joint venture of Taser’s breeder, Jackie Stacy and Pamela & David Peat, owned by Dean Gehnert & Lucy Bitz, and handled by Shea Skinner. Now that’s keeping it in the family.

CH Sylvan Argent Simply Irresistible

An anonymous reader has alerted us to two more BIS winners. The Pointer, CH Cookieland Seasyde Hollyberry, has made it two in a row at the Clemson Kennel Club, winning another Best in Pendleton SC today. Also getting a BIS, at yesterday's Greater Daytona Dog Fanciers Association event in Deland FL, was the Rough Collie, CH Sylvan Argent Simply Irresistible. “Sax” is bred by Dr Cindi Bossart, James Efron & Connie Dubois and is owned by Dr. Cindi Bossart, Connie DuBois, Nancy Comparato, Debbie Green, Dr. Stacy Smith and Leah Warner. We know handler Diane Steele has Sax on weekends. Wonder who gets her holidays and summer vacation? Well, Hillary says it takes a village and we congratulate them all.

PARTIAL PALM SPRINGS RESULTS

CH Sanherpinc Paisa

We have this in from Larisa. Our 2008 number one dog, the Giant Schnauzer, CH Galilee's Pure Of Spirit, won yesterday’s giant Palm Springs Kennel Club show. Larisa also reports that the Welsh Terrier, CH Sanherpinc Paisa, won the Terrier Group. You may recall that back on 11 December 2008, we designated Paisa a dog to watch in 2009. She is bred by Santiango Pinto, owned by Bruce Schwartz and Larisa Hotchin, and handled by Wood Wornall. Congratulations to Paisa's team on a very auspicious start to the 2009 campaign. Our thanks to Larisa for the report.

SOMETHING OLD, SOMETHING NEW

There are plenty of new faces this weekend, but do not think that our old friends are all ready to retire just yet. The Pointer, Ch. Cookieland Seasyde Hollyberry, has returned to her east coast haunts with a BIS from Judge Dr. Alvin Krause at the Clemson Kennel Club event in Pendleton SC. Holly was joined by the Basenji, CH Klassics Ms Mata Hauri, the Akita, Cside Simply Irrestible, the West Highland White Terrier, Cunning Hams Ms. Whitley, the Pug, CH Atlantis Denim N Diamonds, the Standard Poodle, CH Anastasia Da Maya, and the Briard, CH Senderos Absolutely Irresistible. Both the Basenji and the Standard Poodle finished in the top ten of their individual groups in 2008.

CH Klassics Ms Mata Hauri

Up in Talmadge OH, there are plenty of 2008 holdovers vying to improve their finish this year. Last year’s number 11 dog, the Pug, CH Tupelo Shoboat Tu China Tu made it to Judge Carl Liepmann final seven at the Rubber City Kennel Club show. The 2008 number 13 and number 20 dogs, the Doberman Pinscher, CH Cambria's Victoria Secret, and the German Shepherd Dog, CH Woodside Pacino, took home Group Two awards from their respective groups.

However, The Samoyed, CH White Eagle's Celestial Sky, was the one taking home the heavy silverware. The smiling Sammie, bred by Dr Terry Litton & Mary & Jim Augustus, is co-owned by the breeders with S. Klar & C. Montgomery, and handled by Mary Norton-Augustus. The Samoyed and Pug, were joined by Friday’s winner, the Bouvier des Flandres, CH Quiche's Demetrius, the Standard Poodle, CH Hillwood Dassin De Lovely, the Irish Terrier, CH Breezy's X Tra Top Priorty, the Afghan Hound, CH Karakush Dot Com Dot A U, and the Fla- Coated Retriever, CH Peterfield Famous Amos.

CH Karakush Dot Com Dot A U

We are still awaiting results from yesterday’s huge Palm Springs Kennel Club. We have heard that 2008 top ten finishers, the Affenpinscher, CH Tamarin Tug, and the Scottish Terrier, CH Roundtown Mercedes Of Maryscot, are among those hoping to get a jump on the 2009 national rankings. Check back here for updates through out the day.