TACOMA KC

The west coast checks in with results from the Tacoma Kennel Club’s show in Puyallup WA.

CH Poole’s Ide Got Water

Mary Anne Brocious welcomed the Irish Water Spaniel, CH Poole’s Ide Got Water, the Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen, CH Soletrader Donald Duck, Akita, CH Mojo’s Rock’N Your World, the American Staffordshire Terrier, CH Gaff’s I’m Here For The Party, the Shih Tzu, CH Amitzu China Doll, the Bichon Frise, CH PaRay Rime Time, and the Belgian Tervuren, CH Sky Acres Spy Plane.

Her BIS was the Irish Water Spaniel, Keegan. Keegan was the only of his breed to win a BIS in 2009. Congratulations to breeders G H Siner & D Patterson and owners Stacy Duncan, Colleen McDaniel & Greg Siner.

BACK2BACK 4 ANOTHER NEW DOG2WATCH

It’s day four in Fredericksburg VA and it’s clear whom we will remember from this set. The Pekingese, Palacegarden Malachy, has won one Group Two, three Group Ones, and two BIS, posting the back2back Best today at the Greater Fredericksburg Kennel Club’s second show of the five day set.

Palacegarden Malachy

Joining the Peke and Mrs Robert D (Polly) Smith in the final were the Flat Coated Retriever, Petersfield Famous Amos, the Whippet, CH Sporting Field’s Bahama Sands, the Rottweiller, CH Falkor Taking Care Of Bizness STNHDG, the Skye Terrier, CH Cragsmoor Buddy Goodman, the Standard Poodle, CH Jaset’s Satisfaction, and the Australian Shepherd, CH Heatherhill Shock N’ Awe.

Owner/handler David Fitzpatrick could not have picked a tougher coming out party for his latest protégé. They have faced off with 2009’s number one Toy Dog, the Toy Poodle, CH Smash Jp Moon Walk, four times and come out on top all four times. The Toy Poodle, Walker, is one of our original DOGS2WATCH and we think this Pekingese deserves that title too.

ANOTHER BACK2BACK BIS WINNER

With all the new faces showing up in our finals, it is somewhat reassuring to see one of our regulars show the new guys how it’s done. The Bearded Collie, CH Tolkien Raintree Mister Baggins did just that making it back2back BIS in Fitchburg MA.

CH Tolkien Raintree Mister Baggins

Joining the Beardie, Roy, in Michelle Billing’s final were the English Setter, CH Reidwood Red Alert, the Bloodhound, CH Soonipi Friends In Low Places MLH, a Doerman Pinscher from the Bred By class, Asanoa Media Blitz, thre Irish Terrier, CH Fleet St Fenway Fan, the Pomeranian, CH Foxworth Fair Play, and the Schipperke, CH De Lamer Pink Flamingo.

Only one dog in 2009 won more herding groups in 2009 than Roy. We think he might better that mark in 2010.

FIRST TIMER IN FLORIDA

It’s day three in Brooksville FL and our host was the Inverness Florida Kennel Club and our judge was Denny Mounce.

Her final seven were the German Wirehaired Pointer, CH Ripsnorter’s MT View Lookout, the Afghan Hound, CH Genesis Silverado, the Siberian Husky, CH Topaz T.R.O.U.B.L.E., the Sealyham Terrier, CH Efbe’s Merci Pour Le Poivre, the Shih Tzu, CH Hallmark Jolei Austin Powers, the Dalmatian, CH Troika’s Adagio, and the Australian Shepherd CH Mysharas Dream Girl.

Her Best In Show was the 18 month old Shih Tzu, the latest from Shih Tzu specialists Luke & Diane Ehricht. We think this is his first all breed BIS. We do know that he was Best of Winners at the American Shih Tzu Club’s 2009 Nastional Specialty. He was bred by the Ehrichts, is owned by Joe C Walton & Roberta Walton, and is handled by Luke. Congratulations to them all. We hope to have a photo of this boy for you soon.

KC OF BUFFALO DAY TWO

We continue to see a mix of new and familiar faces in our BIS finals. Today it was day two of the Kennel Club Of Buffalo in Hamburg NY.

CH Cammcastle’s Friar Tuck

Walter Sommerfelt greeted the Black Cocker Spaniel, CH TL’s On The Ball, the Smooth Dachshund, Grandable’s Ms So Sweet N So Low , the Rottweiler, CH Cammcastle’s Friar Tuck, the West Highland White Terrier, CH Pandwyck’s Pistol Packin’ Mamma, the Maltese, CH Ta-Jon’s Whose Your Sugar Daddy, yesterday’s BIS winner, the Standard Poodle, CH Hillwood Dassin De-Lovely, and the Belg8ian Tervuren, CH Chagteau Blanc I’m Coyote Trouble VCD1 RAE HT NAOAJOF.

Last year the Rottie, Tux, had 14 Working Group First, but no all breed BIS. Well, now he has the BIS. Congratulations to breeders Susan Otto & Angela Payne and owners Anthony & Vicky O'Brien.

$$$$ NOT !!!!

We’ve already had a few responses to our RATE THE SHOW forum. The one thing we can pass along is the Palm Springs Kennel Club shows got rave reviews. We will give you more detail in the future, but here’s something we want to pass along now.

Lesley Hiltz, of Starbuck Tobay Beagles, told us about a great way for clubs to gain the support of their local communities. Here are the details from Marcie Dobkin, Sand To Sea Non Sporting Association of Southern California:

This weekend at the Kennel Club of Palm Springs show cluster, we handed out thousands of bright yellow stickers to EVERYONE, exhibitors, judges, spectators (especially kids), vendors, site crew, etc. that said "I'm here for the DOG SHOWS!" so that when they wore them out into the community, all the businesses ( restaurants, gas stations, 7-11s, Starbucks hotels, grocery stores, etc. ) realized how much MONEY is generated by the local dog shows. I just walked around the grounds and stuck them on everyone I saw. Easy, don't damage clothing and people forget they're on so they leave them on. Legislators speak DOLLARS not dogs.... When the local businesses notice how much income ( and tax dollars ) is made from the dog shows they will help fight anti dog legislation. They were a big hit in Indio, one local fast food restaurant actually started giving 10% discounts for patrons wearing stickers. AKC loved the idea, too! Lets spread this easy way to support dog shows and fight anti dog legislation at all shows, especially those in small communities.... This also spread the word about the shows in town, brought in lots of spectators who saw the stickers and asked what they were all about. The stickers were bought on line from one of the "promotional" products websites. There are tons of them out there so find the one that works for your club. We got 25,000 for about $500. Palm Springs is a huge show and you may not need so many, but since they aren't dated or club specific you can share them with other clubs or save for next year to save costs...

Now how easy is that? We spent two years of our professional life working as a congressional liaison and have worked on dozens of legislative issues. Without equivocation, we can tell you that your elected/appointed officials will listen to the economic argument every time. Even in this time where shouting is often mistaken for conversation, we think dollar signs trump exclamation points in any debate. Bravo to Marcie and all those who came up with this idea.

FITCHBURG MA DAY ONE

William Cunningham had the BIS duty today in Fitchburg MA at the Greater Lowell Kennel Club‘s show.

CH Tolkien Raintree Mister Baggins

His finalists were the ASCOB Cocker Spaniel, CH Shaman’s No Doubt About It, the Scottish Deerhound, CH Gayleward’s Jaraluv Nike, the Great Pyrenees, CH Dieudonne William Of Orange, the Irish Terrier, CH Fleet St Fenway Fan, the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, CH Mondrian VH Lamslag, the Chinese Shar-Pei, CH Firetown’s Our Of The Blue, and the Bearded Collie, CH Tolkien Raintree Mister Baggins.

It was one of our 2009 holdovers continuing his winning ways, the Beardie, Roy. Roy finished 2009 with 14 all breed BIS and 80 Herding Group Firsts. Congratulations to breeders/owners Larry & Angela Stein, R Lamm & Lesley Woodcock, co-owners Ellen M Charles & Susan Ross, and handler Alessandra Folz standing in for Roy’s regular handler, Clifford W Steele.

THE BRTISH ARE HERE

Our gallery of new faces continues with today’s Greater Fredericksburg Kennel Club in Fredericksburg VA.

Palacegarden Malachy

Lining up for Jane Forsyth were the Pointer, CH Seasyde Dobe’s Den In Fashion, yesterday’s BIS winner, the Scottish Deerhound, CH Foxcliffe Hickory Wind, the Siberian Husky, CH Kontoki's A Bend in The Road, the Norfolk Terrier, CH Cracknor Cross The Ts, a Pekingese from the open dog class, Palacegarden Malachy, Wednesday's BIS winner, the Standard Poodle, CH Jaset's Satisfaction, and the Puli, CH Cordmaker Rumpus Bumpus.

Best In Show went to the British import, the Peke. The two year old was bred by Jim & Jean Smith of Hexham, Northumberland, United Kingdom and owned & handled by 2009 AKC Toy Breeder of the Year, David Ftzpatrick. Our congratulations to the Smiths & David.

KC OF BUFFALO

New faces continue to show up in our January finals. Today’s BIS ring in Hamburg NY was mostly new faces, but it was a dog we had followed all last year who took the top prize. Chris Walkowicz chose the Standard Poodle, CH Hillwood Dassin De-Lovely, as the Kennel Club Of Buffalo’s 2010 Best In Show.

CH Hillwood Dassin De-Lovely

Also in contention were the Golden Retriever, CH Goodtime’s I Rest My Case, a Smooth Dachshund from the nine to twelve puppy bitch class, Grandgables Ms So Sweet N So Low, the Doberman Pinscher, CH Foxfire Smoke On The Water, a 17 month old West Highland White Terrier from the open dog class, Country Boy Dancing With Wolves, the Maltese, CH Ta-Jon’s Who’s Your Sugar Daddy?, and the Old English Sheepdog, CH Ligthnings Tequila Sunrise.

The big poodle, Sissy, finished 2009 as the country’s number two Non-Sporting Dog with 19 all breed BIS & 81 Group Firsts.

ANOTHER NEW DOG2WATCH

We expected some surprises out of the ten day Florida marathon underway, but we thought we would have to wait a while. Today we hear that a youngster has posted back2back BIS over several of last year’s top twenty dogs.

CH Casablanca’s Thrilling Seduction
(Photo by Jeffrey Hanlin)

Today at the Clearwater Kennel Club’s first show of the set, Helen Gleason selected the Black Cocker Spaniel, CH Casablanca’s Thrilling Seduction, as her Best In Show. After making it out of a Sporting Group filled with multiple BIS winners, Beckham, faced the Afghan Hound, Genesis Silverado, the Standard Schnauzer, CH Pepper Tree Zorro V Morganwald, the Smooth Fox Terrier, CH J’Cobe Kemosabe Vigilante Justice, a Miniature Pincher from the six to nine month old puppy bitch class, Marlex Classic Red Glare, the Dalmatian, CH Troika’s Adagio, and the German Shepherd Dog, CH Shoal Creek’s Sangria V Barick.

We don’t think we are being premature when we say that the Black Cocker Spaniel, CH Casablanca’s Thrilling Seduction, is a DOG2WATCH, the second of 2010.

THURSDAY IN FREDERICKSBURG

Randy Garren had the BIS judge’s assignment at yesterday’s day two show of the Northern Neck Kennel Club of Virginia in Fredericksburg VA.

CH Foxcliffe Hickory Wind

His special seven were the Wirehaired Pointing Griffon, CH Fireside’s Spontaneous Combustion, the Scottish Deerhound, CH Foxcliffe Hickory Wind, the Boxer, CH Winfall I Dream Of Style, the Skye Terrier, CH Cragsmoor Buddy Goodman, the Smooth Chihuahua, CH Arywen Star Kissed Delight, Wednesday’s BIS winner, the Standard Poodle, CH Jaset’s Satisfaction, and a Rough Collie from the BBE bitch class, Seabreeze Song and Dance.

His Best in show was 2009’s number one Deerhound, Hickory. The flour year old bitch finished last year with three all breed Bests and 13 Group Ones. Congratulations to owner Sally Sweatt, breeders/co-owners Cecilia L Dove & Dr R Scott Dove, and handler Angela L Lloyd.

DAY ONE BROOKSVILLE FL

The Manatee Kennel Club fired the opening salvo today in the Brooksville FL marathon, nine shows over the next ten days in that bucolic, little paradise.

CH Casablanca’s Thrilling Seduction
(Photo by Jeffrey Hanlin)

Today it was W Everett Dean Jr with the Black Cocker Spaniel, CH Casablanca’s Thrilling Seduction, the Greyhound, GrandCru Clos Erasmus, the Boxer, CH R And G’s Mystical Dancer, the Smooth Fox Terrier, CH J’Cobe Kemosabe Vigilante Justice, the Havanese, CH Los Perritos-Shallowbrook Heir I Am, the Lhasa Apso, CH Rushmar’s Charmer, and the German Shepherd Dog, CH Kaleef Caterina V Kenlyn.

We continue to see young first time BIS winners. Today it was the 21 month old Cocker, Beckham. Congratulations to breeder/owner Linda Moore and handler Linda Pitt. While looking for a current photo, we found this great video of Beckham going winners dog from the six-nine month old puppy class at the 2009 American Spaniel Club’s Flushing Spaniel show, another impressive win.

RATE THE SHOW

Did you go to a show this weekend, either as a spectator or exhibitor, and say to yourself, “I wish they would do that differently” or even worse, “I will never come back to this show!”? Entries at AKC shows have been shrinking over the past several years. Conventional wisdom is it’s because of the economy. We don’t think it’s that simplistic. Industry reports show that dog related expenditures are up. We suspect that exhibitors and spectators disenchanted with the shows themselves. Since this blog is dedicated to encouraging people to attend AKC dog shows, we are asking you to tell show committees what you like and what you don’t like.

We will collect your comments, do an analyses and report the findings back to you. Here’s how it will work. Add your comments here and give us the following information:

What show did you attend?

Rate the following factors one being poor, two being fair, three being average, four being good, five being excellent.

1. Your overall show experience
2. Location (well located near airport and/or major roads)
3. Rings (adequate size, surface, protection from elements)
4. Seating for spectators
5. Grooming areas
6. Parking/RV services
7. Rest Rooms
8. Food Services
9. Vendor Services
10. Show Management (Did they keep the show on time, were they helpful, responsive to exhibitors/spectators needs?)
11. Number of Restrictions on Exhibitors (Could you take photos/videos, could you bring in your own food, leave your set ups in building overnight, etc.)

What was your most favorite thing about the show?
What was your least favorite thing about the show?

We purposefully are not collecting data on judges. We think judges already get plenty of feedback and don’ really relish a popularity contest on judges. We (and we think any show manager with a brain) are aware that the judging slate is the single most important factor for a lot of people. However, there are plenty of exhibitors who got to a show because it’s close to their homes, their friends are going, and/or there will be a major in their breed.

In any event, the purpose of this data collecting is to find out how you guys want show committees to improve their shows. Whether we find out anything depends on your participation. So take a few minutes and give us a show report.

FREDERICKSBURG VA DAY ONE

We have the week’s first report from Fredericksburg VA. Today it was Ruth Zimmerman calling the BIS for the Northern Neck Kennel Club Of Virginia.

CH Jaset's Satisfaction

She chose from a Black Cocker Spaniel from the classes, Royal Guardian That’s My Boy, the Scottish Deerhound, CH Foxcliffe Hickory Wind, the Boxer, CH Winfall I Dream Of Style, the Norfolk Terrier, CH Cracknor Cross The Ts, another class dog, the Pekingese, Palacegarden Malachy, the Standard Poodle, CH Jaset's Satisfaction, and the Puli, Cordmaker Rumpus Bumpus.

Best In Show went to the black Standard Poodle, London. Just 22 months old, London was winners dog at the 2009 Poodle Club of America National Specialty. We are told this is his third all breed BIS. Congratulations to breeders/owners Sandra Tompkins & Chris Bailey and handler Ann Rairigh.

BETCHA CAN'T SEE JUST ONE

We had warned you that this month would be chockablock full of shows. We shall do our best to keep you on top of everything. We don’t promise we won’t have a few typos and errors along the way, just that we will get your more, faster than anyone else.

Nine Florida Shows in Ten Days

We are already underway this week in Fredericksburg VA where the Northern Neck Kennel Club Of Virginia opens a five day stand today. They will give us one more tomorrow, then the Greater Fredericksburg Kennel Club will give us two more before the Chesapeake Kennel Club Of Maryland closes on Sunday. If five shows seem a lot, a visit to Brooksville FL will seem like a marathon. The Manatee Kennel Club gets the ball rolling tomorrow on a ten day visit to the Sunshine State. They are partnering with the Clearwater, Inverness Florida, Tampa Bay, & Pasco Florida Kennel Clubs to give us nine shows, running Thursday through Sunday the 24th. Don’t show up Tuesday as that’s the day everyone is taking a break.

For those of us with less stamina, there is a four day weekend (Fri-Mon) to be had in Fitchburg MA with the Greater Lowell & Merrimack Valley Kennel Club,s, and three days (Fri-Sun) in Hamburg NY courtesy of the Kennel Club Of Buffalo and theAshtabula Kennel Club or in Puyallup WA courtesy of the Tacoma Kennel Club, the Puyallup Valley Dog Fanciers, & the Sammamish Kennel Club (Sat-Mon).

Finally, tradition Saturday/Sunday fare is available in Starkville MS with the Golden Triangle Kennel Club Of Mississippi and in Sinton TX brought to you by the Corpus Christi Kennel Club. So eat a nice meal, get, a good night’s rest, and them head on out to visit as many AKC dog shows as you can over the next ten days.

BACK2BACK 4 NEW DOG2WATCH

We know we could wait until tomorrow morning to give you this report, but we are so excited about this first weekend of the year we thought we would give you this before we turned in.

CH Dawin Spitfire
(Photo by Erin Gimbut)

The Jacksonville Dog Fanciers' Association asked Thomas Kilcullen to close week one of 2010 Monday by choosing a BIS at their second show. His options were the German Wirehaired Pointer, CH Star K’s Mile Hi Valentine, the Afghan Hound, CH Genesis Silverado, the Boxer, CH Winfall Brookwood Styled Dream, the Skye Terrier, CH Cragsmoor Buddy Goodman, the Shih Tzu, CH Krissy’s Dream Lover, the Standard Poodle, CH Dawin Spitfire, and the Smooth Collie, CH Sunnland’s Grand Entrance.

And the Standard Poodle, Jetta, becomes the first dog in 2010 to win back2back BIS and, given her performance in December, our first DOG2WATCH in 2010.

LAND O' LAKES ON KC

Helen Lee James had BIS duty on Saturday at the first of the Land O’ Lakes Kennel Club’s two shows this weekend in St Paul MN.

CH Saks Hamelot Little Drummer Boy
(Photo by Phyllis Ensley)

Lining up for a chance at their first BIS of 2010 were the Gordon Setter, CH Firethorn & Sandpiper Easy On The Eyes, the Afghan Hound, CH Kassans Windwalker Of Skyview, the Rottweiler, CH Cammcastle’s Friar Tuck, the Wire Fox Terrier, CH Dalrada’s Mystic, the Brussels Griffon Cloud Nine Happy Hour, the Bichon Frise, CH Saks Hamelot Little Drummer Boy, and the Puli, CH Bubbleton Bedazzled.

Saturday’s BIS went to the young Bichon, Drummer. Drummer began his specials career in October and has already won eleven Non-Sporting Groups. Drummer was bred by Sandra & Keith Hanson & Shirley & Richard Hamilton, is owned by Barbara Weidner, Laurie Darman, Kim Griffin & Cecelia Ruggles, and is handled by Scott Sommer, who knows a thing or two about Bichons. Bravo to them all!

CH Firethorn & Sandpiper Easy On The Eyes

Sari Brewster Tietjen was on deck Sunday in the final ring with the same Gorden, Wire Fox, & Bichon, as well as the Afghan Hound, CH Wynsr China Doll, the Alaskan Malamute, CH Wind’s Fury Jacob Trailblazer, the Blenheim & Prince Charles English Toy Spaniel, CH Royalist Ready To Reign, and the German Shepherd Dog, CH Braunhaus Zytut’s Solomon.

Her BIS was the stunning Gordon, Carson. Carson is another dog that has taken the momentum from last month southern California shows where he won the Gordon Setter Club of America’s National Specialty in Long Beach. Carson was bred by Janice Beattie, Christina Kirby, Mary McLoughlin & Caren Mcweeny, is owned by Christina, Mary, & Don & Pat Coller, and is handled by Eileen Hackett. Congratulations to them all.

NOLAN RIVER KC

The do things big in Texas. The Nolan River Kennel Club had more than 2000 entries at their day one show in Glen Rose on Saturday.

CH Paradiem's Bayouland On Broadway CD

Making it to Dr Donald Gill’s BIS ring were the Golden Retriever, CH Plantanoro Topspin N Hot Purshoe-T, the Petit Bassett Griffon Vendeen, CH Afterglow Ebeneezer, the Boxer, CH Bravo N Sunset Stealing Time, the American Staffordshire Terrier, CH Circle C's Whimpy, the Pomeranian, CH Windsor's Quick Draw, the Chow Chow, CH Ayran Hong's Red Passion, and the Australian Shepherd, CH Paradiem's Bayouland On Broadway CD.

It’s been a weekend for first timers and it was another first time BIS winner, the Australian Shepherd, Cash, walking away with the big rosette. Congratulations to breeders Yvette Le Blanc, Cassie Brock, Jane Firebaugh & Nora Porobic and owner/handler Maggie Pryor.

CH Franshaw Hear Me Roar

Sunday it was the same Boxer and Chow in Ralph Ambrosio’s final with the Brittany, CH Trio's Mr. Rocktober, the 15” Beagle, CH Rockwoods Milo Tipster, the Norwich Terrier, CH Skyscot Poker Chip, the Pekingese, CH Franshaw Hear Me Roar, and the Cardigan Welsh Corgi, CH Heart Of Gold Power Play. One of the most exciting breed races we had last year was the Pekes. Handler Hiram Stewart and his pretty Peke bitch have once again thrown down the gauntlet starting the 2010 with the first BIS by a Peke. She finished 2009 with 12 BIS. Congratulations to Hiram and breeder/owner John Shaw.

RUBBER CITY KC

The Rubber City Kennel Club gave us two shows this weekend in Tallmadge OH.

CH Timber's Next Step Up

On Saturday Jon Cole saw the Irish Water Spaniel, CH D'Locks St James's Gate CD, the Greyhound, CH Gaia Elfin Dance, the Giant Schnauzer, CH Skansen's Sir August Brigs, the Irish Terrier, CH Fleet St Fenway Fan, the Pomeranian, CH Mountian Crest U Don't Own Me, the American Eskimo Dog, CH Timber's Next Step Up, the Old English Sheepdog, CH Lightnings Tequilla Sunrise. His Best was the American Eskimo Dog, Taiga. We believe this is her first all breed BIS. Congratulations to breeder Tracy C Vittetoe, owner Steve Sung, and handler Kathy Eiler.

CH D'Locks St James's Gate CD

Sunday, Eugene Haupt would see the same Irish Water Spaniel, Greyhound, Giant, Irish Terrier, & Pom along with the Chinese Shar-Pei, CH Chaoyangs Take It To The Limit and the Bouvier des Flandres, CH Quiche's Demetrius. It would be the Water Spaniel, Guiness. takinbg home the top prize Guiness, another first time BIS winner, was bred by Lynn Musgrave, is owned by James Rubin, and handled by Brian Still. Congrats all around.

WHITE PLAINS RESULTS

The 2010 AKC conformtion season got off to a rip roaring start this weekend giving us a glimpse at the excitement to come this year.

CH Kimro's Soldier Boy

We told you earlier that John V Ioia selected the Smooth Fox Terrier, CH Foxlorr Double Dare as BIS at Saturday’s Kennel Club Of Northern New Jersey event. His six remaining finalists were the Labrador Retriever, CH Casbar's Hart To Hart, the Whippet, CH Sporting Field's Bahama Sands, the Black Russian Terrier, CH Kamilla At Aristes Nadezhdinoi Poljany, the Miniature Pinscher, CH Kimro's Soldier Boy, the Keeshond, CH Quest Stand By Me, and the Bearded Collie, CH Tolkien Raintree Mister Baggins.

CH Sporting Field's Bahama Sands

Sunday, the Saw Mill River Kennel Club took over with Monica Canstrini the final ring. He saw the same Whippet, Smooth Fox, & Beardie as well as the Wirehaired Pointing Griffon, CH Fireside's Spontaneous Combustion, the Boxer, CH Hi-Tech's Southern Belle, Havanese, CH Fuzzy Farm Devil Made Me Do It, and the Bulldog, CH Kepley's Showbiz Razzle Dazzle.

His BIS was the Whippet, Tawny. Tawny finished 2009 with eleven all breed BIS. Tawny was bred by Jesse Martin & Dionne Butt who co-owns with Jane Cooney-Waterhouse. Amanda Giles does the handling congratulations to them all.

BREAK THROUGH PERFORMANCE

The Palm Springs Kennel Club each year showcases both the reigning stars of dogdom and the promising ingénues. This weekend we have had a couple of breakthrough performances from ladies we were following last year.

CH Shadagee Caught Red Handed
(Photo Courtesy of American Kennel Club)

Roger Hartinger’s lineup today included the Irish Setter, CH Shadagee Caught Red Handed, the Saluki, CH Carma's Indian Summer, the Portuguese Water Dog, CH Aviators Luck Be A Lady, the Lakeland Terrier, CH Manoir’s Match Point, the Pug, CH Winsome’s Trouble At Coral Bay, the Standard Poodle, CH Brighton Lakeridge Summer In The Hamptons, and the Shetland Sheepdog, CH PaRay’s Cirque Du Soleil.

Today’s BIS winner was the Irish Setter, Emily. Emily and handler Adam Bernardin hail from New England, but have had extraordinary success in the Golden State lately. Today’s win was preceded by a Group One yesterday, and the BISS at Friday’s Irish Setter Club of Southern California. And Let’s not forget their Group One finish at the AKC/Eukanba National Championship three weeks ago. Yes, indeedy, boys and girl, this one is ready for primetime. Congratulations to Adam, breeders Ellen Bieler, Debra & Tim Burke, and owners Debbie Burke & Nancy Lee Conner.

JACKSONVILLE DFA DAY ONE

The Jacksonville Dog Fanciers' Association chose Bill Shelton to do the first of their two shows this weekend in Ormond Beach FL.

CH Dawin Spitfire
(Photo Courtesy of American Kennel Club)

Today’s lucky seven were the Golden Retriever, CH Gemini’s Chance To Excl, the Afghan Hound, CH Genesis Silverado, the Boxer Winfall Brookwood Styled Dream, the Staffordshire Bull Terrier, CH Prada Classic Aran Isle At Donellas, the Papillion, CH Arkeno’s Ears To You, the Standard Poodle, CH Dawin Spitfire, and the Smooth Collie, CH Sunnland’s Grand Entrance.

It was the big black Poodle taking home the big silver trophy today. Jetta and handler Sarah Riedel put an impressive string of wins together going into last month’s AKC/Eukanuba National Championship and came out of it with a Group One at the AKC 125th anniversary party. She is starting the new year with a bang and a BIS. Congratulations to Sarah and breeder/owner Linda Campbell.

CLEMSON KC DAY TWO

Houston Clark had the judges book today at the second of the Clemson Kennel Club’s two shows in Pendleton SC.

CH Smash JP Moon Walk

The Black Cocker Spaniel, CH Picabo’s KimbarTandancer, was a repeat visitor to the final ring as was the Skye Terrier, CH Cragsmoor Buddy Goodman, the Rottweiler, CH Falkore Taking Care Of Bizness Stnhdg, and the Toy Poodle, CH Smash JP Moon Walk. Making their first final appearance of the weekend were the 13“ Beagle, CH Skyline‘s Dream Big, a Boston Terrier bitch from the Bred By class, Martini’s Bar Fly, and the Australian Shepherd, CH Mysharas Dream Girl.

BIS went to 2009’s top Toy Dog, the Toy Poodle, Walker. Walker collected an admirable 25 BIS last year. Congratulations to breeder Yukiko Omura, owners Ron Scott & Debbie Burke, and handler by Kaz Hosaka on a great start to the new year.

SMOOTH GOING IN WHITE PLAINS

CH Foxlorr Double Dare

From White Plains, NY we hear that Dr John Ioia has chosen the Smooth Fox Terrier, CH Foxlorr Double Dare, as his Best In Show at Saturday’s Kennel Club Of Northern New Jersey show. Phoebe had one all breed Best in 2009. She obviously intends to improve on that in 2010. Phoebe was bred by Lorraine Gyenge who co-owns her with Joel Samuels Fishbach. She is handled by Andrew Green. Congratulations to all.