PHOENIX DAY TWO

CH Tamarin Tug

It was a favorite son going BIS today in Phoenix AZ on day two of the Sahuaro State Kennel Club. The Affenpinscher, CH Tamarin Tug, owned by Phil & Patty Smith of Paradise Valley AZ, was Carl Gene Liepmann’s Best In Show.

Also on hand were the Golden Retriever, CH Toasty’s Treasure Island, the Rhodesian Ridgreback, CH Pupukearidge Ikaika O Sprngvly, yesterday’s BIS winner, CH Duba Dae’s Who’s Your Daddy, the Welsh Terrier, CH CH Bayleigh Shaireab's Super Hero, the Standard Poodle, CH Penndragon Masaniello, and the Rough Collie, CH Gentry’s Braveheart.

Taser was a top ten dog all breeds in both 2008 & 2009 and has the best public relations team in dogdom. We think that Taser represents his breed and the sport of dogs as well as anyone we have ever seen in the game. Our congratulations and thanks to the Smiths, breeders Jacqueline & Terry Stacy and handler Jorge Olivera for their outstanding contribution to the sport of dogs.

BACK2BACK 4 BECKHAM

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

We hear from a Face Book friend that it’s two for two for the Black Cocker Spaniel, CH Casablanca’s Thrilling Seduction, as he took the top prize at today’s Conyers Kennel Club Of Georgia in Atlanta.

Molly Martin’s final also included the Whippet, CH Sporting Field’s Bahama Sands, the Giant Schnauzer, CH Skansen’s Bacchus, the Wire Fox Terrier, CH Dalriada’s Mystic, the Pug, CH Riversong's Broadway Joe, the Chow Chow, CH Sitze-Gou’s Glazz Paragon, and the Puli, CH Cordmaker Rumpus Bumpus.

We will have to wait until next week to know for sure, but we suspect that the Cocker, Beckham, will be moving up in the rankings.

ATLANTA DAY ONE

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

We were entered in Atlanta this weekend, but had to skip the trip. However, we did hear this much about today’s results. The Black Cocker Spaniel, CH Casablanca’s Thrilling Seduction, was Dr Robert D Smith’s BIS at today’s Sawnee Mountain Kennel Club of Georgia. It’s the fourth Best for DOG2WATCH Beckham and handler Linda Pitts.

DAY ONE IN PHOENIX

The nation‘s capitol may be facing Snowmageddon, but the exhibitors in Phoenix are looking forward to four day’s of Arizona sunshine. The Sahuaro State Kennel Club opened the set today in Phoenix with Michelle Billings doing the first final.

CH Duba Dae‘s Who‘s Your Daddy

She had her choice of the Labrador Retriever, CH Salty Dog Of Tampa Bay, the Whippet, CH Starline Chanel, the Boxer, CH Duba Dae‘s Who‘s Your Daddy, the Wire Fox Terrier, CH Purston Spitfire Of Foxxfyre, the Affenpinscher, CH Tamarin Tug, the Standard Poodle, CH Penndragon Masaniello, and the German Shepherd Dog, CH Enchanted's American Thunder.

Her Best was the Boxer, Bosco. Bosco and handler Wendy Bettis will go into the Garden as the number one Working Dog in the US a top five dog all breeds.

BLIZZARD ON THE BOARDWALK?

CH Fleet St Fenway Fan

Wildwood NJ is bracing for a blizzard on the boardwalk, but our five day cluster continues uninterrupted. Robert Clyde took over BIS duty and saw our current number one dog all breeds, the Irish Setter, CH Shadagee Caught Red Handed, the Scottish Deerhound, CH Foxcliffe Hickory Wind, the Standard Schnauzer, CH County Clare’s Jewel of Beauty, the Irish Terrier, CH Fleet St Fenway Fan, the Toy Poodle, CH Smash Jp Moon Walk, winner of the two previous days, the Bulldog, CH Kepley’s Showbiz Razzle Dazzle, and the German Shepherd Dog, CH Shoal Creek’s Sangria V Barick.

Her BIS was 2009’s number one Irish Terrier, Fenn. Fenn and breeder/handler RC Carusi finished last year with six all breed Bests and 49 Terrier Group Firsts. Congratulations to RC, co-breeders Shari Boyd-Carusi & Stan Wodjewodski and owners Tony Barker & Victori Malzoni Jr.

BULLDOG BACK2BACK BIS ON THE BOARDWALK

CH Kepley’s Showbiz Razzle Dazzle

It was BACK2BACK BIS for the Bulldog, CH Kepley’s Showbiz Razzle Dazzle, on the boardwalk on day two in Wildwood NJ and at the first of the Sand and Sea Kennel Club’s two events.

Also in Christine E. Pollender-Calcinari’s final were repeat finalists, the German Wirehaired Pointer, CH Ripsnorter’s Mt View Lookout, the Scottish Deerhound, CH Foxcliffe Hickory Wind, the Doberman Pinscher, CH Allure Blazing Star Alisaton, & the Bearded Collie, CH Tolkien Raintree Mister Baggins, along with the Irish Terrier, CH Fleet St Fenway Fan, and the Toy Poodle, CH Smash Jp Moon Walk.

The US’ number one dog, the Irish Setter, CH Shadagee Caught Red Handed, finished with a Group Two, while the country’s number two dog, the Smooth Fox Terrier, CH J’Cobe Kemosabe Vigilante Justice, was bested in the breed by CH Foslorr Double Dare, who finished with a Group Three. We did tell you that this cluster would be full of surprises.

BULLDOG ON THE BOARDWALK

The Atlantic Ocean Classic cluster opened today at the Wildwoods Convention Center on the boardwalk. As impressive as the setting was, all eyes were on Carl Gomes’ final lineup at today’s Union County Kennel Club show.

CH Kepley’s Showbiz Razzle Dazzle

They were the German Wirehaired Pointer, CH Ripsnorter’s Mt View Lookout, (who had to get past the number one dog in the US, the Irish Setter, CH Shadagee Caught Red Handed, to join the last seven,) the Scottish Deerhound, CH Foxcliffe Hickory Wind, the Doberman Pinscher, CH Allure Blazing Star Alisaton, the country’s current number two dog, the Smooth Fox Terrier, CH J’Cobe Kemosabe Vigilante Justice, the Italian Greyhound, CH Homore’s Lily-Belle, the Bulldog, CH Kepley’s Showbiz Razzle Dazzle, and the Bearded Collie, CH Tolkien Raintree Mister Baggins.

Day one went to the perfectly balanced Bulldog bitch, Uli. It’s the second all breed BIS this year for 2009’s top Non-Sporting dog. A quick look at the catalog reveals an entry chockablock full of BIS winners. Do expect lots of excitement before the week is over.

MUST SEE TV

You haven’t even paid off the credit card bill yet, but you can relive your weekend at AKC’s premier event, the AKC/Eukanuba National Championship, held in Long Beach CA this past December 12th & 13th. Everyone pulled out all the stops for the
AKC’s 125th birthday celebration. Catch the taped broadcast premier on Animal Planet this Saturday, February 6th, from 8:00 PM to 11:00 PM EST. And if you happen to miss the initial broadcast, don’t fret, you can catch one of the eight repeat broadcast visit the AKC online for all the show times. And if you can’t wait until then, revisit our own inimitable coverage.

THE CLUSTERS ARE COMING

Our retro weekend is done and we have replaced the eight tracks with the iPod to get ready for a dog show weekend in the 21st century.

Saguaro Cactus near Phoenix AZ

After a weekend of only two day shows, we will be awash in clusters again this week. We will start on tomorrow, Wednesday, in Wildwood NJ with the Union County Kennel Club and continue for four more days with double headers by the Sand And Sea Kennel Club & Boardwalk Kennel Club. The action kicks off in Hotlanta on Thursday with a round of specialties, followed by three all breed shows hosted by the Sawnee Mountain Kennel Club Of Georgia, Conyers Kennel Club Of Georgia, & Lawrenceville Kennel Club. Friday, the Sahuaro State Kennel Club & Lost Dutchman Kennel Club will launch their four day weekend in Phoenix AZ.

The Pony Express Began in St Joseph MO

There are plenty of two day offerings as well. Try two with the St Joseph Kennel Club in St Joseph MO or with the Southeast Arkansas Kennel Club in Pine Bluff AR or with the Hobbs New Mexico Kennel Club in, where else, Hobbs NM or with the Sun Maid Kennel Club Of Fresno in Fresno CA. Whether you spend five days, two days, or just an afternoon, we promise you that time spent at an AKC dog show is time well spent.

GRAYSLAKE RESULTS

We now have the results from this past weekend’s Park Shore Kennel Club & Chain O'Lakes Kennel Club shows.

CH Jaset's Satisfaction

Dennis McCoy had the judge’s book on Saturday and the choice of the Chesapeake Bay Retriever, CH Sandbar's Stock Exxchange, the American Foxhound, CH Devlon's Fame And Fortune, the Samoyed, CH Polar Mist War Admiral, the Norfolk Terrier, CH Max-Well's Violet, the Pomeranian, CH Lana's American Icon, the Standard Poodle, CH Jaset's Satisfaction, the Old English Sheepdog, CH Lambluv Gambolon Blue Thunder. He went with the big Poodle, London, who picks up his second Best this year. Guess which breed/variety has won the most BIS so far this year?

CH Sandbar's Stock Exxchange

On Sunday Randy Garren saw London, the same Chesapeake, Samoyed, & OES, the Afghan Hound, CH Majic Whatever I Want, the Border Terrier, CH Tyrolian Eight Belles At Meadowlake, and the Brussels Griffon, CH Knolland's Little Devon O' Luna. His BIS was the Chesapeake, Molson, 2009’s top winning Chesapeak, with seven Sporting Group top awards. Congratulations to breeders Diane K. Baker & Caroline Woods and owners Diane Baker, Fred Konrad & G & A & L Gearhart.

ORANGE EMPIRE DOG CLUB

Compared to the rest of the US, San Bernardino CA seems balmy, but just about everything about in Southern California is and the dogs are glorious.

CH Lugari Holdiay Rocco

We did tell you that the jaw dropping Tibetan Mastiff, CH Seng Khri Bartok Of Dawa, was Desmond Murphy’s Best In Show at Saturday’s Orange Empire Dog Club show. We didn’t tell you that he could have chosen the Golden Retriever, Eldorado Promises D’Best H3X, the Bloodhound, CH Quiet Creek’s Windfall, the Smooth Fox Terrier, Sunlyn Living Legend, the Smooth Chihuahua, CH Lugari Holdiay Rocco, the Miniature Poodle, CH Durandell Fashionista, and the Bouvier des Flandres, CH Avalon Frontier Sleepnlady Webber, but he didn’t.

CH Roundtown Mercedes Of Maryscot

Sunday, we saw the return of 2009’s number one dog all breeds, the Scottish Terrier, CH Roundtown Mercedes Of Maryscot, as she accepted the BIS from Dorothy Collier. Welcoming Sadie back to the ring were the Irish Setter, CH Greengate Buzz Lightyear, the Rhodesian Ridgeback, CH Oiakhurst Fruit Of The Vine, the Boxer, CH R And G’s Mystical Dancer, the Chinese Crested Whispering Ln’ ChasingThatSensation, the Schipperke, CH Bonchien Mr. Monopoly, and the aforementioned Bouvier.

In case you have forgotten, Sadie & handler Gabriel Rangel finished last year with 79 all breed Bests, 138 Terrier Group top prizes, & 122,426 dogs defeated. Congratulations to Gabriel, breeders Mary O’Neal & Anstamm Kennels (Miriam "Buffy" Stamm and Cindy Cooke), and owner Amelia Musser.

FIRST TIMER AT GOLDEN GATE KC

Thomas Wolfe said you can’t go home again, but every January we sure wish we were back at the Cow Palace for the Golden Gate Kennel Club’s annual party.

CH Mybliss Petite Coquette

We gave you Saturday’s results earlier. Sunday it was Dr Klaus Anselm with the Vizsla, CH Jen Penny’s Matra Baci’s Boogie Fever, the Irish Wolfhound, CH Cash Of Limerick, Saturday’s BIS winner the Boxer, CH Duba Dae's Who's Your Daddy, the Miniature Schnauzer, CH Regancy’s I Believe In Magic, the Maltese, CH Richelieu's Sugar Rush, the Bichon Frise, CH Mybliss Petite Coquette, and the Australian Cattle Dog, Dazzle's Wham Bam Thank You Mam.

With 19 Non-Sporting Group Firsts in 2009, this girl has been knocking on the door for a while and we are delighted to see the Bichon pick up her first all breed Best In Show. Congratulations to breeder/owner Myra Wotton, co-owners Loretta McDonald & Carolee Boele, and handler Bill McFadden.

HOUSEKEEPING IN ABILENE

Next it is house keeping in Abilene TX for the Abilene Kennel Club‘s two weekend shows. We gave you a complete report on Sunday’s happenings and the BIS winner for Saturday’s event’s. We won’t recap here, but will encourage to scroll through the prior reports to find them. Come on it’s Monday, you can use the exercise.

CH Sylvan Argent Simply Irresistible

Here’s the finalists from Saturday we have not yet recognized, the Labrador Retriever, CH Gingerbred Bacchus' Journey, the Petit Bassett Griffon Vendeen, CH Afterglow Ebeneezer, the Rottweiler, CH Briaroaks Caliente V Barste TT, the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, CH Mondrian V H Lamslag RE, the Standard Poodle, CH Hanna's Dam Inge Fair Sun, and the Rough Collie, CH Sylvan Argent Simply Irresistible.

BAYOU BABE

We go from down low in Low Country to down on the bayou in Alexandria LA to join the Alexandria Kennel Club.

Diana’s Glory Of Deaglan

Saturday’s BIS judge was Edweena McDowell and Saturday’s finalists were the German Shorthaired Pointer, CH Ehrenvogel It Amazed Me, the Smooth Dachshund, CH Bessdach Drisheen Hot Shot, the Akita, CH Cas Cobo Haul Eudora, the Kerry Blue Terrier, Diana’s Glory Of Deaglan, the Pekingese, CH Franshaw Hear Me Roar, the French Bulldog, CH Raindrops Justus Lifes A Game, and the Australian Shepherd, CH Acuras Blue Sage.

The Kerry Blue had been up in Canada, but is now back in Wichita KS with breeder/owner Diana Thompson. All we can say is that is some home coming. Congratulations to Diana and handler Douglas A Carlson.

CH Franshaw Hear Me Roar

Sunday, it was Louisiana favorite son and daughter, Hiram Stewart and the Pekingese, CH Franshaw Hear Me Roar, reminding everyone that this Peke is the favorite bayou babe as she took the BIS from Joseph Gregory. Joe could have chosen the Field Spaniel, CH Bitterblues Here Comes Da Judge, the Harrier, CH Pacifics Serenading Anthem, the Bullmastiff, CH Sumertym Southwind Magic Carpet Ride, the Standard Manchester Terrier, CH Wilanes Notorious Rebel , the Chinese Shar-Pei, CH Chaoyang Chick Magnet At Asia, or the Belgian Tervuren, CH Sanroyals Devils Delight, but he didn’t. It’s two in 2010 for Hiram & Roar.

LOW DOWN ON THE LOW COUNTRY

Next we are off to visit the Charleston Kennel Club in Ladson SC. We’ve told you all about Saturday’s show. Here’s the low down on Low Country on Sunday.

CH Sporting Field’s Bahama Sands

It was Pat Laurans with Saturday’s BIS winner, the Irish Setter, CH Shadagee Caught Red Handed, the Whippet, CH Sporting Field’s Bahama Sands, the Bernese Mountain Dog, CH Alpenspirit's Lion King, the Norwich Terrier, CH Winsome’s Aston Martin, the Pomeranian, Firebrook's Magic Merlin, the Schipperke, CH Aned's Le Rocher Noir, and the Border Collie, CH Sportingfields Pieta. It was the Whippet, Tawny, picking up her second top prize of the year.

ST CHARLES MO KC

It’s time we checked in with our Heartland exhibitors and that takes us to Lake St Louis MO where the St Charles Missouri Kennel gave us a pair of shows this weekend.

CH Skyscot's Poker Chip

On Saturday it was W Everett Dean Jr and the German Shorthaired Pointer, CH Kan-Point's Leading The Chase, the Basenji, CH Ab-Rafiki The Icon Of Cool, the Alaskan Malamute, CH Sno Klassic Play The Game, the Norwich Terrier, CH Skyscot's Poker Chip, the Blenheim & Prince Charles English Toy Spaniel, CH Royalist Ready To Reign, the Schipperke, CH Dante Fire When Ready HOF, and the Belgian Sheepdog, CH Sumerwynd Quiz At Trouvaille TDX. His Best was the Norwich, Pokey, who got his second BIS of the new year.

CH Sno Klassic Play The Game

Sunday, Pokey returned to see Linda Robey along with the same Basenji & Malamute, the English Setter, CH Chebaco Vinnie Di Beppo, the Brussels Griffon, CH Cloud Nine Happy Hour, the Dalmatian, CH Anticipation Here's Lucy!, and the Australian Shepherd, CH Mysharas Dream Girl. Her Best was the Malamute, Player.

Player was 2009’s top winning Malamute with 13 all breed BIS & 47 Working Group Firsts. Congratulations to breeders/owners Martin & Patricia Peel, co-breeder Cindy Benson, and handler Erin Gimbut.

BOXERS & GROUNDHOGS

We awake this morning feeling a little like Punxsutawney Phil hoping to find that the winter weather will leave us soon. However, a cup of the breakfast tea and a review of this weekend dog show results is all we need to chase away the chill.

CH Winfall Brookwood Styled Dream

We started out telling you that this was going to be a retro weekend. Little did we know that we would see many of our top togs from last year posting back2back wins. Yesterday in Dodswell VA at the day two show of the Middle Peninsula Kennel Club Of Virginia the Boxer, CH Winfall Brookwood Styled Dream, picked up her second BIS of the weekend.

Eugene Haupt could have chosen the English Cocker Spaniel, CH Larkspur Milestone Flyby, the Basenji, Reveille Pushbutton, the Parson Russell Terrier, CH Thunder Hill Soul Journey, the Toy Fox Terrier, CH Lalique Marc Of Distinction, the French Bulldog, CH Justus I‘m Your Man, or the Shetland Sheepdog, CH Emperor Homeward Angel, but he didn’t.

We will soon start our Whom to Watch at Westminster posts. We think that once again the Boxers will be one of those breeds where we have more than one favorite. This Boxer, Scarlet will certainly be one of them.

IT'S A RACE

Lester Mapes closed the set in Abilene TX today calling the BIS for the Abilene Kennel Club.

CH Starline Chanel

He chose from the English Springer Spaniel, CH Capulet’s Innovation, the Whippet, CH Starline Chanel, the Rottweiler, CH Briaroaks Calinete V Barste TT, the Wire Fox Terrier, CH Dalriada’s Mystic, the Cavalier King Charles Spoaniel, CH Mondrian VH Lamslag RE, the Chinese Shar-Pei, CH Vaje's Miss Jayne Hathaway, and the Rough Collie, CH Sylvan Simply Irresistible.

She’s currently the number three dog in the US and this makes her third BIS of 2010. She is the Whippet, Chanel, and if anyone knows how to win a race it’s the Whippet. Watch her.

ANOTHER BACK2BACK

CH Hillwood Dassin De-Lovely

We have another back2back to report. This one was logged by the Standard Poodle, CH Hillwood Dassin De-Lovely today in Erie PA at the Erie Kennel Club under Steven Gladstone.

Sissy’s fellow finalists were the Curly Coated Retriver, CH Down Datrail Hunting Thrills CD, the 15“ Beagle, CH Torquay Midnight Confession, the Bernese Mountain Dog, CH Avatar’s Try Try Again, the Norwich Terrier, CH Yarrow Venerie Starlight Express, the Shih Tzu, CH Hallmark Jolei Austin Powers, and the Briard, CH Honeycreek’s Chantilly Lace.

Looks like we are going to have another year of Standard Poodles & a Bulldog. in the Non-Sporting Group. There’s got to be a joke in there somewhere.

BACK2BACK IN FLORIDA

CH J’Cobe Kemosabe Vigilante Justice

The race for number one dog in the US just got a little closer. The Smooth Fox Terrier, CH J’Cobe Kemosabe Vigilante Justice, posted the back2back BIS in Ocala FL taking the second act of the Greater Gainesville Dog Fanciers Association.

Joining Dodger & judge Marilyn Spacht in the last ring were the Black Cocker Spaniel, CH Bracon Leapin Lily Pads, the 13” inch Beagle, CH Roirdan Lanbur Motor City, the Giant Schnauzer, CH Kenro’s Happy Hour, the Pug Riversong‘s Broadway Joe, the Standard Poodle, CH Chrystal’s Totally Chromed Out, and the German Shepherd Dog, CH Shoal Creek‘s Sangria V Barick.

Dodger & handler Amy Booth have now collected seven all breed Bests this year. However, the giant Palm Springs & Portland shows carried nearly three times the number of points of this weekend’s shows. Anyway, you add it up, it’s going to be an exciting year.

GLENS FALL KC

CH Kepley’s Showbiz Razzle Dazzle

She finished last year as the number one Non-Sporting Dog in the US and today she served notice that she is back for an encore. The Bulldog, CH Kepley’s Showbiz Razzle Dazzle, picked up her first BIS of the new year at the Glens Falls Kennel Club in Queensbury NY.

Also on hand in Jon Cole’s final were the ASCOB Cocker Spaniel, CH Carbert Arikara Magic Touch, the Basenji, CH Wakill Signet Dooney, the Akita, CH Nakodo's Reign Of Glory, the Irish Terrier, CH Fleet St Fenway Fan, yesterday’s BIS winner, the Pekingese PalaceGarden Malachy, and the Old English Sheeodog, CH Windfall Slam Dunk.

Uli finished 2009 with 20 all breed Bests & 77 Non-Sporting Group Firsts,. That’s seven more BIS & eight more Group Ones, and 54 points less than last year;’s number ten dog all breeds. Congratulations to breeders Marjorie D Kepley & Jack Kepley, owners Joan L Fisher, Robert D Speiser & Barbara Wolfe, and handler Phoebe Booth.

GOLDEN GATE KC

When we lived in the San Francisco Bay the Golden Gate Kennel Club’s annual stop at the Cow Palace was a must do. It is now a two day, two show format, and is still a must do if you live nearby.

CH Duba Dae’s Who’s Your Daddy

Yesterday saw Mary Ann Alston in the final ring with the German Shorthaired Pointer, CH Robin Crest Champagne Wishes, the Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen, CH Soletrader Donald Duck, the Boxer, CH Duba Dae’s Who’s Your Daddy, the Miniature Schnauzer, CH Regency’s I Believe In Miracles, the Italian Greyhound, CH KC’s Shake Your Groove Thing, the Bichon Frise, CH Mybliss Petit Coquette, and the Shetland Sheepdog, CH Sea Haven Chantilly Lace PT AXJ OA NF.

Her BIS was the Boxer, Bosco, fresh from his BIS win in Portland last weekend. Look for Bosco to move into our top five by the end of today.

TWO MORE BIS

CH Dalriada’s Mystic

We awake this morning to a couple of BIS reports for you. From Abilene TX we hear that the Wire Fox Terrier, CH Dalriada’s Mystic, was Stephen Hubbell’s Best at yesterday’s Abilene Kennel Club. Boo & handler Scott Sommer have gathered six Bests in the last 60 days, two this month.

CH Seng Khri Bartok Of Dawa

Out in Southern California it was the big red dog, the Tibetan Mastiff, CH Seng Khri Bartok Of Dawa, picking up his first Best In Show of the year in San Bernadino at the day one show of the Orange Empire Dog Club under Desmond Murphy. Congratulations to Hungarian breeder Eva Marton, owners Zane Smith, Dan Nechemias & Lois Claus, and handler Ed Thomason.