WWW: THE HOUND GROUP

Westminster can be a catapult or a capstone for a dog’s career. Many of the dogs being shown next week will be appearing at their last AKC dog show after a memorable year. Others will be looking to catch the Westminster Wave, the momentum that comes from a good showing at the Garden. Here's Whom to Watch at Westminster (WWW) in the Hound Group.

CH Starline Chanel

2009’s number one Whippet, all systems, CH Starline Chanel, got off to a quick start this year with two all breed BIS including one at the huge Palm Springs Kennel Club. Chanel is currently the number five dog all breeds. Lori Turner-Wilson handles Chanel for breeders/owners Lori & Carey Lawrence.

CH Genesis Silverado

Our number seven dog all breeds is the Afghan Hound, CH Genesis Silverado, who is our nominee for most consistent winner all breeds. Dylan and handler Marcelo Veras have already logged one all breed BIS and 12 Hound Group Firsts, against tough competition in Florida & Georgia. Dylan was bred by Lou Guerrero, Hank Nave & L Schanzle, and is owned by John Shaw.

CH Foxcliffe Hickory Wind

However, the dog that has won more Groups than any other so far this year is the Scottish Deerhound, CH Foxcliffe Hickory Wind. Hickory has collected an astonishing 14 Group Firsts and, if that isn’t impressive enough, three all breed top awards. Hickory was bred by Cecilia L Dove & Dr R Scott Dove, who co-own Hickory with Sally Sweatt. She is handled by Angela Lloyd.

CH Rokeena Carte Blanche

Our final Hound Group pick is the most popular Australian import since Hugh Jackman, the Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen, CH Rokeena Carte Blanche. CeeJay was last year’s number one Hound and number eight dog all breeds, collecting 27 BIS & 93 Hound Group top awards. CeeJay, bred & owned by Robin Wallis of Gisborne, Australia, is co-owned by Russell Wallis (Robin‘s husband), and Jose, Yvonee, & Christina Herrera, and handled by Jane Alston-Myers.

W Everett Dean Jr will be judging the Hound Group on Monday. The last Hound he awarded a BIS was the American Foxhound, CH Kiarry’s Walk This Way, back at the September show of the Warrenton Kennel Club in Millwood VA.