GETTING TO KNOW YOU AGAIN

One of the advantages of having shows in 14 different locations on the same day, we get acquainted with some new names and faces. Best In Show judge Donna Buxton was introduced to some old friends and some new faces at the Saginaw Valley kennel Club show today in Birch Run MI.

CH White Eagle’s Celestial Sky

Showing up in the final seven were the Chespeake Bay Retriever, CH Irish’s Master Jake, the Afghan Hound, CH Karakush Dot Com Dot AU, the Samoyed, CH White Eagle’s Celestial Sky, the Australian Terrier, CH Benayr Nessun Dorma, the Smooth Coat Chihuahua, CH Dartan On The Rocks, the Standard Poodle, CH Hillwood Dassin De-Lovely, and the Bouvier Des Flandres, CH BB’s Cheyene Sassy Girl.

It was a name familiar to us taking home the big rosette today, the Sammie, Celeste. We took notice of her when she started the year taking two BIS in January, but we haven’t heard much from her lately. We hope that we seem more of her in the future.

PUGS & HOCKEY?

CH Tupelo ShoBoat Tu China Tu

They don’t watch much hockey in Texas, but that didn’t stop the Pug, CH Tupelo ShoBoat Tu China Tu, from picking up the hat trick, three back to back BISs in one weekend. This little brick house intends to make Top Toy Dog all his own. Congratulations to Team Boo and sincere Get Well Wishes to Boo co-owner Ray Kolesar.

NORTH CAROLINA RESULTS

The Mid-Atlantic shows are always competitive. Any veteran exhibitor will tell you that weekend after weekend you see terrific dogs at these shows. Just ask judge Mrs. Edeltraud Laurin who had the duty on day one of the Piedmont Kennel Club shows this weekend in Charlotte NC.

CH Allure Blazing Star Alisaton

She head the German Wirehaired Pointer, CH Ripsnorter’s Mt View Lookout, the Longhaired Dachshund, CH Leoralee’s What Love IS RL, the Doberman Pinscher, CH Allure Blazing Star Alisaton, the Scottish Terrier, CH Blueberry’s Surely You Jest, the Pomeranian, CH Velocity’s Shake Ur Bon Bon, the Bulldog, Ch Kepley’s Showbiz Razzle Dazzle, and the Shetland Sheepdog, CH Shadow Hill’s Star Chaser.

Dobermans are always in contention for the top ten. This year we have another great one. CJ grabbed her sixth BIS this year. She currently is the number two working dog and the number five dog over all. However, she seems intent on moving up even further.

FLORIDA FUN

Florida dog shows just seem festive. Maybe it’s because it takes one so damn long to get there. We suspect it’s just because folks at Florida shows just are determined to have fun.

CH Shoal Creek’s Sangria V Barick

However, the competition is totally serious. Just ask judge Patti Widick Neale who had the BIS call at today’s Greater Orange Park Dog Club on day one in Elkton FL. She had to chose from the Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever, CH Jetstream's Sit Up And Take Notice (we don’t get many of these), the Afghan Hound, CH Genesis Silverado, the Doberman Pinscher, CH Phillmar Monster Piece, the Bedlington Terrier, CH Velvety Angel Eyes, the Pug, CH Norkus Risky Business, the Lhasa Apso, CH My Thai Ta Sen Halleluiah Chorus, and the German Shepherd Dog, CH Shoal Creek’s Sangria V Barick.

Today, the serious fun went to the GSD, Rhea, playing canine ingénue. Not yet three years old, this girl has been beating some of the best and has collected four BIS this year. Did we mention we think the Herding Group is chockablock with talent this year?

NORWICH IN WICHITA

CH Skyscot’s Poke Chip

We have this in from Valley Center KS where judge Michelle Billings chose the Norwich Terrier, CH Skyscot’s Poke Chip, as her Best In Show at the Wichita Kennel Club. You may remember him from Westminster where he surprised many by taking a Terrier Group Three over a much more experienced crowd. Surprisingly, today was his first all breed BIS. Congratulations to breeder Leslie Becker, owner Caroline Doddwell, and handler Brenda Lee Combs.

BACK TO BACK BOO

We have some partial results for you from Midland TX. We may make fun of the name, Cotton Pickin’ Oilfield dog show cluster, but we have nothing but admiration for the dogs they have attracted. We hear that judge Bob Moore had some of the nation’s best in his final today.

CH Tupelo Shoboat Tu China Tu

The Golden Retriever, CH Toasty’s Treasure Island, the Portugese Water Dog, CH OdyseasCard Shark, the Lakeland Terrier, CH Hi-Kel Terrydale Soldier Of Fortune, the Pug, CH Tupelo Shoboat Tu China Tu, and the Old English Sheepdog, CH Bugaboo’s Georgie Girl. We hope to have the names of the Hound and Non Sporting Group winners for you later.

We remarked that the Toy Dog race was getting hot. The Pug, Boo, decided that he had better make the most of this long weekend and added another BIS to the one he won yesterday. Boo is currently leading all Toy Dogs still being campaigned. However, there are still three other Toy Dogs in hot pursuit of that spot. We recommend you get out to an AKC dog show and see one of them.

DEJA VU IN MERCED

No, this is not a duplicate post. Yes, it was Merced CA and the Sierra-tuolumne Kennel Club hosting. But it was day two, Friday, and Sandra Goose Allen was the Best In Show judge.

CH Roundtown Mercedes At Maryscot

Yes, her finalists included the Wirehaired Poiting Griffon, CH Flatbrook Royal Point Attitude JH, the Basset Hound, CH BlossomRhill’s Mamma Mia, the Scottish Terrier, CH Roundtown Mercedes At Maryscot, and the Bouviers Des Flandres, CH Avalon Frontier Sleepnlady Webber. But she also had the Alaskan Malamute, CH Catayana’s Latin Lover, the Brussels Griffon, CH Cashin’s Walk The Line, and the Keeshond, CH Windrift's Dance To The Music.

Yes, the BIS winner was CH Roundtown Mercedes At Maryscot, but it was Best In Show number 17 this year. Yesterday was number 16. Although Sadie is 20,000 points ahead of her competition this year, last year’s top dog finished the year with almost 120,000 points. There are still lots of final sevens to go. But Sadie is certainly tearing it up for now.

KICKIN' IT IN W TEXAS

We have our first results from the Cotton Pickin’ Oilpatch Cluster (just the sound of that wants to make you clean your boots) and the West Texas Kennel Club.

Judge Judy Webb had the helm yesterday and the Black Cocker Spaniel, CH CH K J’S Othello, the Longhaired Dachshund, CH Sunteckel’s Samuel II, the Tibetan Mastiff, CH Drakyi Gold Standard, the Lakeland Hi-Kel Terrydale Soldier Of Fortune, the Pug, CH Tupelo ShoBoat Tu China Tu, the Chinese Shar-Pei, CH Chaoyang Chick Magnet At Asia, and the Belgian Tervuren, CH Snaroyale’s Devil’s Delight.

The Pug, Boo, decided that it was a good time to make his bid for the number one Toy Dog, starting the weekend with a his 30th career BIS, his ninth this year. You do remember that we told you there are five Toy Dogs in the top 15?

SADIE IN MERCED

We do have one timely report for you, from Merced CA where judge Raymond Bay had the pleasure of choosing Best In Show on day one for the Sierra-tuolumne Kennel Club.

CH Roundtown Mercedes At Maryscot

He chose from the Wirehaired Poiting Griffon, CH Flatbrook Royal Point Attitude JH, the Basset Hound, CH BlossomRhill’s Mamma Mia, the Boxer, CH R And G’s Sonorans Simply Irresistable, the Scottish Terrier, CH Roundtown Mercedes At Maryscot, the Papillion, CH Arkeno’s Ears To You, the Bichon Frise, CH Myblis Petite Coquette, and the Bouviers Des Flandres, CH Avalon Frontier Sleepnlady Webber.

The Scottie, Sadie, epitomizes front runner and she has garnered yet another Best In Show, number 16 this year. It’s worth the drive to Merced to see this one.

OVERLOOKED PITTSBURGH RESULTS

We warned you that our recent visit to the oral surgeon would result in some errors and we have found one of omission. We failed to give you the Sunday results from Pittsburgh Pa, where the Western Pennsylvania Kennel Association had James Reynolds making the BIS call.

CH Hillwood Dassin De-Lovely

His finalists were the English Springer Spaniel, CH Tiffany Esspecial Imagery, the 13” Beagle, CH Roirdan’s meant To Be, the Doberman Pinscher, CH Alex De Akido San, the Airedale Terrier, CH Stirling Cool Hand Luke, the Blenheim & Prince Charles English Toy Spaniels, CH CH Royalist Ready To Reign, the Standard Poodle, CH Hillwood Dassin De-Lovely, and the Old English Sheepdog, CH Lightnings Tequila Sunrise.

It was just two weeks ago that the Poodle picked up her first 2009 BIS. We figured she liked it because she took home another on Sunday. We know that it was old hat for breeder/owner/handler Dr. Joseph D. Vergnetti, the most successful Poodle breeder in history, but we bet he was a little pleased.

LOTS OF SHOWS

We have shows aplenty this week, in all seven regions, and 14 different locales. First for those weather weary sun seekers there are four day clusters in Puerto Rico and California starting tomorrow. We’ve never done the island dog show thing, but we’ve heard that it will make you forget how many zeroes are in the budget deficit. It all comes courtesy of the Caribe and Ponce Kennel Clubs in Bayamon PR Thursday through Sunday.

Puerto Rico

We have done the California dog show thing, many, many times, and it was always fun and sometimes downright delightful. This weekend it’s the Gold Rush Cluster in Merced where the prizes will more likely be silver and the dogs Golden Retrievers. It’s the Sierra-tuolumne and Yosemite Kennel Clubs hosting.

Yosemite

Because they offer us four shows in one place we will forgive the them for naming it the Cotton Pickin’ Oilpatch Cluster (You see, Texans, are real proud of their oil and cotton…never mind), but we hope the Concho and West Texas Kennel Clubs rethink that name for their Thursday to Sunday offering in Midland TX.

The Salina, Wichita, and Hutchinson Kennel Clubs are offering just three shows, but a much more charming name as the Sunflower Cluster kicks off Friday in Valley Center KS. Meanwhile, the Birmingham and Tuscaloosa Kennel Clubs opted out of silly cluster names altogether and are just extending an invitation for all to visit them Friday through Sunday in Columbiana AL.

Kansas Sunflowers

For those working five day weeks (lucky, you are) there are traditional weekend fare everywhere you turn. In Region One, there’s the Troy and Great Barrington KCs in West Springfield MA. In Region Two take your pick from the Piedmont KC in Charlotte NC or the Greater Orange Park Dog Club in Elkton FL. Region Three folks can visit the Saginaw Valley KC in Birch Run MI. Region Four has both the Kennel Club of Yorkville in De Kalb IL and the Indian Head KC in Eau Claire WI. There’s another Region Five show in Texas, in Crosby, courtesy of the San Jacinto KC. Region Six’s Timberland Valley Dog Fanciers holds their show in Centralia WA. Finally, Region Seven exhibitors can visit the Kachina Kennel Club show in Glendale AZ.

Chevy Suburban

So visit an AKC dog show this weekend. It may be one of your last chances to see a Chevy Suburban.

CLINTON IOWA CHECKS IN

We’ve just returned from the oral surgeon after a double extraction. We offer this information not in a search for sympathy, but as an explanation for drug induced errors that are sure to follow.

CH Cedar C Barnstorm’s L&D Edition

We now have your results from the Clinton Iowa Kennel Club’s double header. Lining up Saturday in Dewitt IA to see BIS judge Loraine Boutwell were the Gordon Setter, CH Firethorn & Sandpiper Easy On The Eyes, the Irish Wolfhound, CH Druick Rock Shellane Skylark JC, the Bullmastiff, CH Royal Allr’s Of Steelsaheart, the Norfolk Terrier, CH Max-Well’s Viper, the Pug, CH Tupelo Shoboat Tu China Tu, the Tibetan Terrier, CH Cedar C Barnstorm’s L&D Edition, and the Rough Collie, CH Highcroft Bourne Ultimatum.

It was the first BIS this year for the three year old Tibetan Terrier, who finished 2008 at the top of his breed with eight BIS to his credit. Congratulations to breeder/owner Donna Ogden, co-owners, Patricia Bernardo & Mary Lou Laffler, and handler Lynn R Meyer.

CH Max-Well’s Viper

On Sunday he, the Norfolk, and the Pug all tried again with judge Jane Roppolo. She also had the German Wirehaired Point, CH Ripsnorter Mt View Lookout, the Rhodesian Ridgeback, CH Adili’s American Idol, the Samoyed, CH Polar Mist, X-Tasy, and the Pembroke Welsh Corgi, CH Tim Tam Avante Garde.

The scrappy little Norfolk turned three on Monday and what better way to celebrate a birthday than to win a Best In Show? He is the latest collaboration of handler Susan Kipp & breeder Barbara Miller. Barbara was the 2007 AKC Breeder of the Year and has produced over 100 champion Norfolks including ten BIS winners. Congratulations to Susan and Barbara.

BACK TO BACK PULI

We do have one late report in, from Sunday’s Claremore Kennel Club of Oklahoma, where judge Donald Booxbaum was making the call.

CH Cordmaker Field of Dreams

He assembled the Black Cocker Spaniel CH Exl's Leather-N Lace, the Afghan Hound, CH Symphony's Peacemaker JC, the Rottweiler, CH Nighthawk's Born For Highwood, the Skye Terrier, CH Solana Avant Garde, the Pomeranian, CH Pufpride Somewhere In Time, the French Bulldog, CH Raindrops Justus Lifes A Game, and Saturday’s BIS winner, the Puli, CH Cordmaker Field of Dreams.

Conrad, the Puli, became the weekend’s second back to back BIS winner, taking home BIS number nine. He is safely in the number three all breed spot for now. However, next weekend’s shows could change all that. We will have new rankings tomorrow.

THANK YOU SYRACUSE

The masses in Syracuse NY may be licking their wounds over their loss to Oklahoma, but we are licking our chops over the terrific weekend of show dogs just completed. Judge Michael Heflin closed out the weekend calling the Best In Show at the Onondaga Kennel Association show.

CH Efbe’s Merci Pour Le Poivre

Lining up for his consideration were the Labrador Retriever, CH Casbar's Hart To Hart, the 15" Beagle, CH Torquay's Midnight Confession, the Doberman Pinscher, CH Allure Blazing Star Alisaton, the Sealyham Terrier, CH Efbe’s Merci Pour Le Poivre, the Toy Poodle, CH Smash JP Moon Walk, the Standard Poodle, Afterglow Sugar Daddy, and the Bouvier des Flandres, CH Quiche's Demetrius.

It was just a matter of time before the Sealyham Terrier, Merci, picked up a BIS here in the US. He was Canada’s top dog before joining his more famous brother, CH Efbe’s Hidalgo At Goodspice, here in the US last year to stand in for the family at the 2008 AKC/Eukanuba National Championship. Since taking the Terrier Group there he has been mostly on the sidelines while Charmin finished out his show career. However, since Charmin retired earlier this month, Merci has been consistently making final sevens. Congratulations to breeder Frances Bergeron and owner/handler Margery Good and co-owner San dra Middlebrooks.

BOOKENDS

We have one more set of results for you, from Newnan GA, where the Douglasville Kennel Club had Mrs Robert Smith judging Best In Show.

CH Bayleigh Shaireabs Super Hero

She had the Chesapeake Bay Retriever, CH Ches-shores Hurricane Hattie, the Whippet, CH Tattershall Ticket To Fly, the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog, CH Red Ferns Beau Derby, Saturday’s BIS winner, the Welsh Terrier, CH Bayleigh Shaireabs Super Hero, the Pug, CH Norkus' Risky Business, the Standard Poodle, Diablo Da Maya, and the Australian Shepherd, CH Mysharas Dream Girl.

The Welsh Terrier, Spyder, decided that BIS was so much fun that he would do it again, picking up the second bookend for the mantle. Well done!

Four clubs have yet to check in. We will be back with those results as soon as they are available.

WEST COAST RESULTS

Out in sunny California, there was plenty of glamour in the remote town of Bakersfield where the better known names in the dog world assembled for BIS judge Charles Trotter.

CH Tamarin Tug

On hand were the Weimeraner, CH Smokycity Silhouette Dbl Ur Pleasure, the 15” Beagle, CH Just-Wright The Full Monty, the Saint Bernard, CH Alta Vista’s Billion Kilowat CD, the Scottish Terrier, CH Roundtown Mercedes At Maryscot, the Affenpinscher, CH Tamarin Tug, the Bichon Frise , CH Mybliss Petite Coquette, and the Cardigan Welsh Corgi, CH Lady Tuckaway of Camelot.

The Affenpinscher, Taser shocked the crowd by upsetting the country’s number one dog, the Scottie, Sadie (We know, but we haven’t been able to use that one in a while). Last year’ top Toy Dog has not shown as much this year, but has still accumulated four big trophies these three months.

Further north, in Albany OR, the Chintimini Kennel Club held their day two show with judge Klaus Anselm officiating.

CH Sky Acres Spy Plane

His finalists were the Golden Retriever, CH Rush Hill's River Road Payoff, the Rhodesian Ridgeback, CH Pupukearidge Ikaika O Sprngvly, the Bernese Mountain Dog, CH Sendache's Key To Success, the Smooth Fox Terrier, CH Warfox Double Exposure, the Smooth Chihuahua, CH Baroque Creme De Cassis, the Standard Poodle, CH Randenn Tristar Affirmation, and the Belgian Tervuren, CH Sky Acres Spy Plane.

The seven year old Tervuren picked up his third career BIS. Congratulations to breeder/owner Michelle Edling and co-owner Wayne Thompson.

We’ll be back in a few with more results.

PARTING THE WATERS IN TEXAS

Another club reporting in late is the Brazos Valley kennel Club in Navasota TX where judge Donald Gill gathered the following for BIS consideration:

CH Morningstar Must Be Dreaming

The Golden Retriever, CH Morningstar Must Be Dreaming, the Norwegian Elkhound, CH Vin-Melca's Wells Fargo, the Boxer, CH Bravo N Sunset Stealing Time, the Cairn Terrier, CH Winsome Fergus MacFlynn, the Yorkshire Terrier, CH Stringer's Somethings Gotta Give, the Standard Poodle, CH Donncada Sweet Dreams, and the Rough Collie, CH Sylvan Argent Simply Irresistible.

And when it’s raining it’s a bid of a comfort to see a dog named “Moses” going BIS. It was the first BIS for the three year old Golden, in just his second weekend as a special. Congratulations to breeder Carol Love, owner Coleen Maddox and handler Janice Hayes.

CH Hi-Kel Terrydale Soldier Of Fortune

On Sunday, Moses was the only Saturday finalist to make it to judge Kenneth Buxton’s final seven. Showing up for the first time were the Smooth Dachshund, CH Bessdach Drisheen Hot Shot, the Komondor, CH Nagyalma Slew 'Em, the Lakeland Terrier, CH Hi-Kel Terrydale Soldier Of Fortune, the Pekingese, CH Franshaw Hear Me Roar, the Chinese Shar-Pei, CH Elite's By Design, and the Cardigan Welsh Corgi, CH Heart Of Gold Power Play.

However, Moses could not return to the promised land. It was the Lakeland, Ranger, who caught the judge’s eye and the BIS award. The red head started the year on fire, winning five BIS in January, but has not had a top win the last two months. Perhaps the drought is over?

Check back in a few. We have more results.

NEBRASKA REPORTS IN

What is it, March came in like a lion and went out like a lamb? Well this lamb packed quite a kick this weekend as exhibitors battled the elements all over the US. However, as always, our determined AKC competitors prevailed.

CH Cambrian Four Star General

We had not heard previously from the Scottsbluff Kennel Club. Perhaps the Pony Express does not run on weekends? However now we know that judge Jon Cole found his way to Mitchell NE to look over the Golden Retriever, CH Toasty’s Treasure Island, the Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen, CH Afterglow Ebeneezer, the Tibetan Mastiff, CH Drakyi Gold Standard, the Welsh Terrier, CH Cambrian Four Star General, the Pekingese, CH Dunkirk I’m Gonna Live Forever, the French Bulldog, CH Hollady’s Cream Enduro, and the Old English Sheepdog, CH Bugaboo’s Georgie Girl.

And who would have thought that we would have another Welsh Terrier go BIS this weekend? Yet, it was the four year old male, Finnegan, picking up his fist top prize of the year. Finnegan was bred by Caryl & Harley Rudofsky, is owned by Janet Stephens, and handled by Christian Rangel.

Sunday, Finnegan, the PBGV, Ebeneezer, the Tibetan Mastiff, Midas, and the OES, Georgie, joined the English Setter, CH Country Squire Heaven Can Wait, the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, CH Orchard Hill Shirmont Backtalk, and the Chow Chow, CH Dreamland’s Light Up The Sky, in judge Dorothy MacDonald ‘s BIS ring.

CH Drakyi Gold Standard

Somehow, a big, hairy, rare dog is an appropriate BIS winner in a cold, remote town and so the Tibetan Mastiff, Midas, picked up his second BIS. Midas, bred by Rick Eichhorn, who co-owns the four year old dog with handlers Michael & Linda Brantley, is the only TM to ever win an AKC all breed show. Congratulations to them all!

We’ll be back with more.

ANOTHER BIS BOXER

Thunder storms did not dissuade our brave canine athletes nor their human counterparts as they all gathered in Palmetto Fl today for the day two show of the St Petersburg Dog Fanciers Association.

CH Sabo’s Majestic Provocation

Judge Joseph Gregory had the pleasure of going over the Labrador Retriever, CH Robnie’s Chantilly At Lighthouse, the Harrier, CH Jackpot Kingsbury Beamer, the Boxer, CH Sabo’s Majestic Provocation, the Scottish Terrier, CH Barbary Bitofa Vamp, the Pomeranian, CH Velocity’s Shae Ur Bon Bon, the Bichon Frise, CH Bodacious In Enemy Territory, and the Shetland Sheepdog, CH Summerlove’s Caught You Lookin.

It’s bit a great year for Boxers and here we have another, picking up his first BIS of the year. The four year old “Adam” is a native Floridian, bred by Robert & Sandra Williams, owned by Sandra, and handled by Danny Sanchez.

IT NEVER RAINS IN CALIFORNIA

It is almost always sunny and warm in Bakersfield CA and so it was yesterday at the Kern County Kennel Club show where judge Kitty Steidel had the duty.

CH Roundtown Mercedes At Maryscot

She chose from the German Shorthaired Pointer, CH Robin Crest Charismatic JH, the Black & Tan Coonhound , CH Windbourne Every Hands A Winner, the Rottweiler, CH Chancellor’s Grand Slam Sam, the Scottish Terrier, CH Roundtown Mercedes At Maryscot, the Affenpinscher , CH Tamarin Tug, the Bichon Frise, CH Mybliss Petite Coquette, and the Pembroke Welsh Corgi, CH Coventry Vanity Fair.

Almost as predictable as the weather was another BIS by the Scottie, Sadie. That’s number 15 this year for the country’s number one dog and a 15,000 point lead over the rest of the top ten, excepting number two the Giant Schnauzer, CH CH Galilee's Pure Of Spirit, who trails by 8,000 points in limited showing.
However, it is only March and this race is a marathon, not a sprint.

SIBERIAN IN OREGON

In the Pacific Northwest you rarely have terrible weather. Then again, you rarely have beautiful weather. Chilly and cloudy, it may be in Albany OR, but the dogs were there at the Chimtimini Kennel Club show.

CH Paragon's Red Red Wine

Judge Jean Fournier made the call from a group that included the Golden Retriever, CH Rush Hill's River Road Payoff, the Rhodesian Ridgeback, CH Pupukearidge Ikaika O Sprngvly, the Siberian Husky, CH Paragon's Red Red Wine, the Smooth Fox Terrier, CH Warfox Double Exposure, the Silky Terrier, CH Barb-B's Tawnymist Topias, the Standard Poodle, CH Randenn Tristar Affirmation, and the Australian Shepherd, CH Whidbeys Moonlight Frost.

We are pleased to tell you that the Siberian, Merlot, took home another BIS. Congratulations to our reliable I-reporter, breeder/owner Terri Erickson and handler Scott Price.

We’ll be back with one more report.

SOUTHERN SUPER HERO

We are not immune to the vagaries of the weather here in the Mid-South. We have had devastating tornadoes in Kentucky and Tennesee. We spent yesterday evening pumping out our own flooded basement. Parts of the metro Atlanta GA area were without power yesterday.

CH Bayleigh Shaireabs Super Hero

However, down in Newnan GA the show must go on and it did with judge Madison Weeks presiding at the Newnan Kennel Club Of Georgia. Her finalists were the Chesapeake Bay Retriever, CH Ches-shores Hurricane Hattie, the Greyhound, CH Lorricbrook Tribute, the Portuguese Water Dog, CH Camlin Sea Dancer Makitso Secretariat, the Welsh Terrier, CH Bayleigh Shaireabs Super Hero, the Pug, CH Norkus' Risky Business, the Bulldog, CH Kepleys Showbiz Razzle Dazzle, and the German Shepherd Dog, CH Woodsides Pacino.

We don’t know if he can climb walls, but he can win BISs, the Welsh Terrier, “Spyder” walked away with his second top prize of the year. Congratulations to breeders/owners Keith Bailey & Sharon Abmeyer and handler Tracy A Szaras-Deloria.

Come back soon. We’re not done yet.

PITTSBURGH RESULTS

The weather in March in Pittsburgh PA can be dicey, but the show committee booked the David Lawrence Convetion center as the venue for the Western Pennsylvania Kennel Association show and we‘re sure that judge Robert Forsyth appreciated that.

CH Stirling Cool Hand Luke

We know that his finalists were the Irish Setter, CH Jewelsets Second Attraction, the Bloodhound, CH Wychways Bilboa Baggins, the Doberman Pinscher, the Airedale, CH Stirling Cool Hand Luke, CH Alex De Akido San, the Pomeranian, CH Mountain Crest U Don't Own Me, the Dalmatian, CH Perdita's Absolute Adorable, and the German Shepherd Dog, CH Stoneridge Whol Stop T Rain.

The Airedale, Lucas, showed why he has dominated his breed for the last two years, winning his second BIS of 2009. Check back soon. We'll have more results.

BRAVING THE ELEMENTS

Earlier we made light of the intervention of Mother Nature in our fancy. The truth is that most exhibitors have their story of a show where the weather was more dramatic than the competition. We still have nightmares about being stuck in the mud in Trenton NJ at the always soggy Monmouth County weekend.

CH Cordmaker Field Of Dreams

We’ve already received e-mails on how bad the weather was in Claremore OK, but these dogs braved the elements in an attempt to catch the eye of judge Keke Kahn at the Claremont Kennel Club of Oklahoma, the Black Cocker Spaniel, CH Exl's Leather-N Lace, the Afghan Hound, CH Symphony's Peacemaker JC, the Boxer, CH Lattalane's Kiss Me I'm Irish, the Kerry Blue Terrier, CH Irisfingel Blue Badge, the Pug, CH Bleuridge's Eja, the French Bulldog, CH Raindrops Justus Lifes A Game, and the Puli, CH Cordmaker Field Of Dreams.

The country’s number one Herding Dog, the Puli, Conrad, made it BIS number eight. Conrad is currently sitting in the number four all breed spot, but is pushing to take over number three.

We’ll be back with more.

SYRACUSE SUMMARY

We awoke to find that our intrepid AKC computer staff has been hard at work posting results. So first we get to play catch up.

Up in Syracuse NY, there have been some unsung finalists the last few days. We reported that the Dobie, CJ, and the Toy Poodle went BIS on Thursday and Friday respectively. Here are the finalists from those two days.

CH Banshou Go Ryuukyuu Uruma

On Thursday, CJ was accompanied by the English Springer Spaniel, CH Cereise Jesse James, the Irish Wolfhound, CH Garbo Of Eagle, the Sealyham Terrier, CH Efbe's Merci Pour Le Poivre, the Toy Poodle, CH Smash JP Moon Walk, the Shiba Inu, CH Banshou Go Ryuukyuu Uruma, and the Briard, CH Fairytale's Balthazar Le Sage. On Friday, Walker, was joined by the Dobie, the Sealyham, the Shiba Inu, the German Wirehaired Pointer, CH Star K's Mile Hi Valentine, and the Bouvier des Flandres, CH Quiche's Demetrius.

CH Torquay Midnight Confession

On Saturday, it was judge Roger Hartinger making the call and the GWP, Sealyham, and Toy Poodle were all back with the 15” Beagle, CH Torquay Midnight Confession, the Alaskan Malamute, CH Nanukes Still The One, the Standard Poodle, Afterglow Sugar Daddy, and the Briard, CH Iniquehengo Des Uns Et Des Autres. Saturday was everyman’s day as the Beagle took home her second career BIS, the first this year. At just under two years old, the 2009 Westminster breed winner is a DOG2WATCH. Congratulations to breeders/owners Marcello Chegas & M F & Alessandra Botelho.

Will be back in just a few with more results.