SHAKING IT IN FLORIDA

We may have volcanoes in Alaska and floods in North Dakota, but in Palmetto FL, the skies are blue and the dogs are making the most of it. Judge Michelle Billings had the helm today at the St Petersburg Dog Fanciers show and a superlative bunch to review.

CH Velocity’s Shake Ur Bon Bon

Asking for the big rosette were the Labrador Retriever, CH Robnie’s Chantilly At Lighthouse, the Irish Wolfhound, CH Highgate’s Andrew Of The Ridge, the Doberman Pinscher, CH Sun Style’s Sensation, the Smooth Fox Terrier, CH Kemsabe Broxden High Button Shoes, the Pomeranian, CH Velocity’s Shake Ur Bon Bon, the Bichon Frise, CH Bodacious In Enemy Territory, and he Rough Collie, CH Sylvan’s Command Performance.

Today was a good day for Bon, the Pom, who took home his fourth BIS of the year, moving him a couple of positions closer to that coveted all breed top ten. Anybody else notice that we currently have five Toy Dogs in the top 15?

ALASKA SHOWS CANCELLED

It takes a major intervention by Mother Nature to cancel a dog show, but the old girl has managed that it spectacular fashion up in Sarah Palin country. Last night and early this morning Mt Redoubt, some 100 miles SW of Anchorage, erupted about a dozen times, sending ash 50,000 feet into the atmosphere. The show committees for the Tanana Valley and Anchorage Kennel Clubs decided that it was probably a good idea to postpone this weekends shows. We know they are disappointed, but we do have this video to share with you all.

SHAKESPEARE IN SYRACUSE

CH Smash Jp Moon Walk

Show results continue to dribble in from basketball focused Syracuse NY where judge Mike Macbeth (that’s Miss Mike Macbeth, and, no, it’s not true that she told the Dalmatian, “Out, damn Spot”) chose the spotlessly white Toy Poodle, CH Smash Jp Moon Walk. That’s number eight for Walker and handler Kaz Hosaka. Now that the Griff, Lincoln, has recused himself from the national race, Walker is making a move on the top Toy spot, and is now just a few hundred points behind the Pug, CH Tupelo Shoboat Tu China Tu.

DOBIE WINS OPENER IN SYRACUSE

We’ll, we’ve been waiting this morning for complete results from Syracuse NY, but apparently March Madness has distracted them from filing timely show reports. So we will give you what we have.

CH Allure Blazing Star Alisaton &

handler, Carissa DeMilta Shimpeno

Judge Marjorie Tuff had a tough bunch to chose from yesterday at the Finger Lakes Kennel Club. Among the seven finalists were the Doberman Pinscher, CH Allure Blazing Star Alisaton, the Sealyham Terrier, CH Efbe’s Merci Pour Le Poivre, and the Toy Poodle, CH Smash Jp Moon Walk. Thursday was a Dobie day as “CJ” and second generation handler Carissa DeMilta Shimpeno added another BIS to their resume.

GOT A FULL TANK OF GAS?

For the first time since we began keeping regional rankings, we have a weekend coming up that has at least one show in each of our seven regions. However, if you get car sick, you’re in for a long weekend.

In Region 1, the Northeast Region, we have our only multi day cluster of the weekend in the town of Syracuse NY. The Finger Lakes Kennel Club kicks it off on Thursday, followed by shows hosted by the North Country, Central New York, and Onondaga Kennel Clubs.

In Region 2, the Southeast Region, has shows in two locations. The Newnan Kennel Club and the Douglasville Kennel Club of Georgia join forces to host shows in Newnan GA, 38 miles south of Atlanta. The Saint Petersburg Kennel Club goes it alone for two days in Palmetto FL. In Region 3, the Great Lakes Region, the Western Pennsylvania Kennel Association hosts a double header in Pittsburgh.

Region 4, the North Central Region, has shows in two locales. The Scottsbluff Kennel Club goes boldly where dog fanciers rarely go, to Mitchell NE, 200 miles north of Denver, just over the Wyoming state line, for two days of shows. Not quite as remote, but nearly, is the hamlet of De Witt IA, 164 miles due west of Chicago, where the Clinton Iowa Kennel Club offers two shows.

In Region 5, the South Central Region, it’s a 200 mile drive from Dallas south to the town of Navasota TX for the Brazos Valley Kennel Club’s two shows. However, it just a half hour drive from Tulsa to Claremore OK where the aptly named Claremore Kennel Club of Oklahoma has two shows.

In Region 6, the Northwest Region, the shows are 2,600 miles apart. It will be local dogs at the Tanana Valley Kennel Club and Alaska Kennel Club shows in Anchorage, while there will be Californians and Washingtonians aplenty in Albany OR for the Chintimini Kennel Club’s two shows.

Wrapping it up in Region 7, the Southwest Region, the I-5 crowd will head to Bakersfield CA for the Kern County Kennel Club’s shows. So fill up the tank and head on out for a road trip to an AKC dog show.

LINCOLN SAYS GOOD BYE

Sharon Sakson over at Pet Life Examiner has written a beautiful tribute to the Brussels Griffon, CH Cilleine Masquerade, known to all his fans as his Lincoln. Sharon writes that Lincoln‘s owners, Mamie & Evelyn Gregory and Harlow & Anne Jahelka chose the American Brussels Griffon Association National Specialty on 12 March as the venue to announce that Lincoln would be retired from the show ring.

CH Cilleine Masquerade & handler Paul Catterson

Lincoln picked up his third straight National Specialty title as well as two Group One wins at the giant Lousiville KC shows. As always, Lincoln was handled by Paul Catterson. Anyone who had the pleasure of seeing Paul and Lincoln together these past two years, saw one of the best pairings of handler and dog in the fancy. Spectators and judges were instantly charmed by the manner in which the two commanded the ring, each clearly enjoying the company of the other.

Lincoln

Lincoln, who was bred by Denise Barney, as a smooth coat Griffon, showed that lack of a rough coat need not be a disadvantage when you have a great dog underneath the coat. In addition to the three National Specialty titles, Lincoln collected 70 all breed BIS, including two last year in Louisville, the biggest dog show weekend of 2008. More recently, Lincoln and Paul represented the Toy Groups at the 2008 AKC/Eukanuba National and the 2009 Westminster Kennel Club show.

Our thanks to Lincoln, his breeder, owners, and handler for a major contribution to our collective dog show memory.

YES ALSO ON A HUNT FOR 100

We told you about Spirit’s race to the 100 BIS mark up in Northern California. Many of the Southern California dogs were in Tucson AZ this weekend.

On Saturday, Judge Chuck Winslow had a stellar crowd with the Flat Coat Retriever, CH Alibi N’Royal’s Black Stone, the 15” Beagle, CH Jaberwocki’s Canterbury Tail, the Samoyed, CH Cold Mtn Tug At My Heart, the Airedale, CH Huntwood’s Wildest Performance, the Affenpinscher, CH Tamarin Tug, the Standard Poodle, CH Penndragon Masaniello, and the Briard, CH Celebratia Vintageeightyfour. It was the big white Poodle, Micah, taking home his second BIS of the year.

CH Penndragon Masaniello

On Sunday, the judge was Dr James Sillers and his final seven included Saturday finalists the Airedale, the Affenpinscher, and the Standard Poodle, along with the Golden Retriever, CH Anecy’s Admiral of the 15th Fleet, the Ibizan Hound, CH Harehill’s Love On The Run, the Doberman Pinscher, CH Marienburg’s Inaqui Sukiyaki, and the Rough Collie, CH Gentry’s Braveheart. The three year old Dobie bitch, Sushi, picked up her first BIS this year. Congratulations to breeders/owners Roy Kusumoto, ary Rogers &Jo-Ann Kusumoto, and handler Moe Miyagawa.

CH Marienburg’s Inaqui Sukiyaki

More west coast fanciers were in Bremerton WA where the Peninsula Dog Fanciers Club was hosting a double header. On Saturday the judge was Harry Smith Jr and the finalist were the Weimaraner, CH Smokycity Silhouette Dbl UR Pleasure, the 15” Beagle, CH Cabaret Come Catch The Dream, the Doberman Pinscher, CH Cambria's The Captain, the Bedlington Terrier, CH Boardwalk’s Bling Bling, the Japanese Chin, CH Victory Next Of Chin, the Standard Poodle, CH Randenn Tristar Affirmation, and the Australian Shepherd, CH Mill Creek’s Medal Of Honor.

CH Smokycity Silhouette Dbl UR Pleasure

The day belonged to the Weimaraner, Wrigley, a three year old bitch bred by Cindy Cassidy & Bruce Cassidy., Sarasota, FL 342408503. Breeder: Cindy Cassidy, T Wilson, J Martin & A Cullen-Tormey, co-owned by Cindy and Bruce Cassidy, and handled by Keith Pautz. Congratulations to them all on their first BIS of the year.

Sunday, Only the Standard Poodle and Australian Shepherd returned to see Judge Robert D.Sharp. The remaining finalists were the Welsh Springer Spaniel, CH Royailes Hasta B A Cut Above, the Black & Tan Coonhound, CH Silver Ridge Showtyme At Windbourne, the Samoyed, CH Echo's Perfectly Clear, the Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier, CH Doubloon's Ultimate Player, and the Affenpinscher, CH Pramada's Naughty Natalie.

CH Randenn Tristar Affirmation

The second time around was golden for the Standard Poodle, Yes, who is on her own hunt for 100 career BIS, as she picked up number 97. Who would have thought we would see three dogs hit 100 this year?

WEEKEND ROUNDUP TWO

We had expected the top dogs to show up at the larger clusters, but they surprised us by scattering about the US.

CH Linn-Lee’s For The Good Times

On Friday, in Edison NJ at the New Brunswick Kennel Club, BIS judge Donald Sturz went over the Labrador Retriever, CH Casbar's Hart To Hart, the Rhodesian Ridgeback, CH Of Afrikka Spring Valley Dorian Gray JC, the Great Pyrenees, CH Pyrless Brother Love, the Irish Terrier, CH Fleet Street Fenway Fan, the Pekingese, CH Linn-Lee’s For The Good Times, the Lhasa Apso, CH My Thai Ta Sen Hallelujah Chorus, and the Pembroke Welsh Corgi, Fairysteed Abra-Cadabra.

His Best In Show was a first for the two year old Peke, bred and owned by Erna G Holcombe & Charlotte Carter. Congratulations to them both!

CH Smash Jp Moon Walk

Saturday, Judge Lester Mapes had a mostly new crowd excepting the Lab and the Irish Terrier. He also had the Harrier, CH Downhome Family Tradition, the Rottweiler, CH Echo Ridge’s American Justice V Von Wilhelm’s, the Toy Poodle CH Smash Jp Moon Walk, the Bulldog, CH Cherokee Legend Rock, and the Bearded Collie, Ha’Penny Ella Ain’t Misbehavin. BIS went to the country’s number three Toy Dog and number one Toy Poodle, Walker, who collected his seventh BIS of the year.

Down in Raleigh NC, they were wrapping up a four day weekend with the Fayetteville Kennel Club show. Judge Edgard Bajona looked over the German Shorthaired Pointer, CH Fieldfines Back In Action, the Irish Wolfhound, CH Dun Myrica Speaker Of Eagle, the Doberman Pinscher, CH Allure Blazing Star Alisaton, the Sealyham Terrier, CH Efbe's Merci Pour Le Polvre, the Smooth Chihuahua, CH Arwen Star Kissed Delight, the Boston Terrier, CH Shine's Cupid Dolly, and the Puli, CH Cordmaker Field Of Dreams.

CH Cordmaker Field Of Dreams

The Puli, Conrad, ran away with his seventh BIS this year, tightening his grip on the number one Herding Dog position. We'll have more in a moment.

WEEKEND ROUNDUP ONE

This past weekend saw last year’s number one near 100 BIS and this year’s number one extend her lead over the field. But there were lot’s of other dogs out there to report on.

CH Rushmar’s Charmer

First, we told you that, the Scottish Terrier, CH Roundtown Mercedes At Maryscot, took back to back BIS at the Fort Worth (TX) KC show. To expand, On Saturday Judge Houston Clark also had the Irish Setter, CH Vineyard’s Bad Boy, the Petit Basset Griffons Vendeen, CH Afterglow Ebeneezer, the Boxer, CH Bravo N Sunset Stealing Time, the Papillion, CH Queen Bless Jp World Idol, the Lhaso Apso, CH Rushmar’s Charmer, and the Cardigan Welsh Corgi, Twin Roc Santa Paws.

In addition to Sadie, on Sunday Judge Stephen Hurt considered the same Boxer, Papillion, Lhasa, and Corgi, as well as Golden Retriever, CH Toasty’s Treasure Island, and the Bloodhound, CH Heather’s A Little Night Music.

We also told you that the Whippet, CH Starline’s Chanel, picked up a BIS on Saturday at the Maury Cunty KC show in Ftanklin TN. Joining Chanel in Judge W. Everett Dean Jr’s ring were the Black Cocker Spaniel, CH Touchstones O Solo Mio, the Siberian Husky, CH Dejavu's Special Blend O'Lasan, the Irish Terrier, CH Breezys X-tra Top Priority, the Pug, CH Tupelo Shoboat Tu China Tu, the Lhasa Apso, CH Northwind Nothing But Trouble, and the Old English Sheepdog, CH Lambluvs Daydream Believer.

CH Castile’s Endless Love

On Sunday, Chanel, the Black Cocker, the Irish Terrier, the Lhasa, and the OES, all came back to see BIS Judge Beverly Bonnadonna-Vics. Joining them were the Boxer, CH Deserts She’s Everything, and the Pomeranian, CH Castile’s Endless Love. The Pom took home the big rosette, her first. Congratulations to breeder/owner Geno Sisnero, co-owner Corey Gatewood, and handler Ellen Perry.

We'll be right back with more weekend roundup.

NUMBER 99 FOR SPIRIT

CH Galilee's Pure Of Spirit

The Giant Schnauzer, CH Galilee's Pure Of Spirit, stands on the precipice of a major milestone, 100 all breed Best In Shows, a mark achieved by only the most elite of AKC dogs. Today, Spirit and handler Taffe McFadden gathered BIS 99 at the Oakland County Kennel Club show in Vallejo CA.

Judge Lois Wolff White picked Spirit out a group that included the German Wirehaired Pointer, CH Star K’s Mile Hi Valentine, the Rhodesian Ridgeback, CH Pupukearidge Ikaika O Sprngvly, the Smooth Fox Terrier, CH Warfox Double Exposure, the Pekingese, CH Pequest Grand Slam, the Keeshond, CH Windrift's Dance To The Music , and the Shetland Sheepdog, CH Paray Cirque De Soleil.

Team Spirit are all poised to celebrate the next BIS. We ourselves have a bottle of bubbly chilling. And you know that we will be among the first to tell you when you can pop the cork.

SADIE'S LEAD GETS BIGGER

CH Roundtown Mercedes At Maryscot

We’ve just learned that the Scottish Terrier, CH Roundtown Mercedes At Maryscot, has wrapped up her weekend in Fort Worth TX with a pair of Best In Shows. Sadie and handler Gabriel Rangel picked up BIS number 13 and 14 for the year and a giant lead on the rest of the top ten. However, in the world of AKC dog shows, nothing is certain. We are looking forward to the race ahead.