HONOLULU HI DAY ONE OF THREE

CH Relwood’s MGM Grand

Fred Basset was lucky enough to be in Honolulu HI today to judge BIS for the Hawaiian Kennel Club’s day one show.  He chose his Best from the Vizsla, CH Relwood’s MGM Grand, the Smooth Dachshund, Sonderbar You Found Me, the Doberman Pinscher, GCH CH Fantasy Island's Inspiration, the Scottish Terrier, CH Slievecroob Micolene, the Pomeranian, Woodrose’s OMG, the Lhasa Apso, GCH CH Xeralane’s Kid Rock, and the Australian Shepherd, Aumoehoku Dipped in Chocolate.

His BIS was the Vizsla, Cooper.  It’s the first BIS for Cooper.  Our congratulations to breeders/owners Laurella Pang, Debi Oakley, & John Gaidos.

LONGVIEW-KELSO KC DAY ONE

GCH CH Alpine’s Catch Me If You Can

We hear from St Helens OR & the Longview-Kelso Kennel Club that Chris Levy has chosen the American Staffordshire Terrier, GCH CH Alpine’s Catch Me If You Can,  as her BIS.

Also vying for the big rosette were the Irish Water Spaniel, GCH CH Poole’s Ide Got Water RN, the Scottish Deerhound, GCH CH Lehigh Darrowby SC, the German Pinscher, CH Oakwood V Kaitlers Revival, the Yorkshire Terrier, GCH CH Linshire’s Rolling Stone, the Standard Poodle, GCH CH Brighton Lakeridge Encore, and the Swedish Vallhund, CH Champoeg High Tales at Stillwater.

Chase, just 16 months old, is the latest BIS winner from Ed & Karen Thomason. Congratulation’s to breeders/owners/handlers Ed & Karen, and owner Zane Smith on Chase first BIS.

GOLD COUNTRY KC DAY ONE

GCH CH Steele Your Heart

(Photo by Infocusbymiguel)

Our first West Coast results of the weekend are in.   The Northern California town of Grass Valley is hosting the Gold Country Kennel Club’s two shows this weekend.

Today’s final was judged by Dr Gerard Penta and featured the German Shorthaired Pointer, GCH CH Shortales N Cahoots W Irondale JH, the Basset Hound, GCH CH Blossomhill’s Hello Dolly, the Akita, GCH CH Minda Fujivs Violets Are Blue, the Wire Fox Terrier, GCH CH Steele Your Heart, the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, GCH CH Quail Garden Tad O Magic, the Dalmatian, GCH CH OnTheSpots Chase Me Charlie, and the Cardigan Welsh Corgi, GCH CH Mariel’s Harvest Moon.

BIS was the Wire Fox, Eira.  Eira and handler Gabriel Rangel have been warming up this summer for the big Terrier weekend in October.  Five of their seven BIS this year have come since June.

CHEYENNE KENNEL CLUB DAY ONE

GCH CH Szumeria’s Wildwood Silver Six Pence

Our sole offering the Mountain Time Zone this weekend is the Cheyenne Kennel Club’s duet in that Wyoming town.  Keke Kahn’s final today featured the Weimaraner, GCH CH Win'Weim's It's My Grey Goose, the Bloodhound, GCH CH Houndwalkers Elphaba Moon Rising, the Kuvazs, GCH CH Szumeria’s Wildwood Silver Six Pence, the West Highland White Terrier, GCH CH Snowy River’s Avalanche JE, the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, GCH CH Miletree Northern Start, the Schipperke, GCH CH Bonchien Cedric The Entertainer, and the German Shepherd Dog, GCH CH Enchanted’s American Thunder.

BIS went to the Kuvazs, Tanner.  Tanner now has an even dozen of big rosette’s this season.

RECORD WIN IN LEXINGTON KY

GCH CH Starline’s Chanel

Those exhibitors and dogs who are in Lexington KY this week for the five day cluster are faced with withering competition and temperatures.  However, the Whippet, GCH CH Starline’s Chanel has been performing like the Energizer Bunny, winning three straight Hound. Groups and taking home today’s big rosette at the day two show of the Lexington Kennel Club.  The win, Chanel's career 59th, makes her the Top Winning Whippet in AKC history.

Joining Chanel and handler Lori Wilson in James White’s final were the German Wirehaired Pointer, GCH CH Mt View's Ripsnorter Silver Charm, the Samoyed, CH Ala-Kaasam’s Spirit Of Adventure, the Smooth Fox Terrier, GCH CH Waybroke Broxden Turning Tanner, the Miniature Pinscher, GCH CH Marlex Classic Red Glare, the Standard Poodle, GCH CH Dacun Kaylen's He's A Heartbreaker, and the Old English Sheepdog, GCH CH Lambluv Gambolon Blue Thunder.

Cha Cha’s 26th BIS of the year should be good enough to make her the country's Number One Hound & Number Six Dog All Breeds.

RALEIGH NC DAY TWO

GCH CH PalaceGarden Malachy

Down in Raleigh NC, judge Randy Garren was capping the Durham Kennel Club’s day with a final of the Golden Retriever, GCH CH Gemini Fallchase The Butler Did It, the Whippet, GCH CH Sporting Fields Bahama Sands, the Boxer, GCH CH Winfall Brookwood Styled Dream, the Norfolk Terrier, GCH CH Cracknor’s Cross the Ts, the Pekingese, GCH CH PalaceGarden Malachy, the Standard Poodle, GCH CH Jaset‘s Satisfaction, and the Bouvier des Flandres, GCH CH Quiche’s Grand Finale.

Making it two in a row was the Pekingese, Malachy.  Malachy and owner/handler picked up their 100th career BIS yesterday.  Today’s win brings them to 38 for the year, more than any other dog.

NEWTON KENNEL CLUB DAY TWO

GCH CH Spring Valley's Always There

We have a full slate of shows for you this Saturday.  The first is the day two show of the Newton Kennel Club in Augusta NJ.

The seven that made it to Steven Gladstone’s final were the German Shorthaired Pointer, GCH CH Kan-Point‘s Leading the Chase, the Rhodesian Ridgeback, GCH CH Spring Valley's Always There, the Doberman Pinscher, GCH CH Protocol’s Veni Vidi Vici, the Welsh Terrier, CH Sarendon It Had To Be You, the Affenpinscher, GCH CH Banana Joe V Tani Kazari, the Miniature Poodle, GCH CH Surrey Sugar Baby, and the Australian Shepherd, CH Porters Velvet Merlot.

Best went to the Ridgeback, Asa.   Asa and handler/Rhodesian specialist Jack Seacrest started getting group placements in January at the tender age of 20 months, picking up his first Hound Group top prize in July.  Today was his first BIS.  Congratulations to Jack,, breeders Marie Cotton & Sharon Welsh, and owner Adella Thompson.  Exhibitors will pack up the gear and head for Morristown NJ this evening and the Sussex Hills Kennel Club & Schooley's Mountain Kennel Club shows on Saturday & Sunday.

LEXINGTON KY DAY TWO OF FIVE

GCH CH Oncore Mykyna Storm

Elaine Mathis took over for the Northern Kentucky Kennel Club on day two in Lexington KY.  The seven who made it all the way to the BIS ring were the Pointer, GCH CH Oncore Mykyna Storm, the Whippet, GCH CH Starline’s Chanel, the Rottweiler, CH Lorals Number One Caesar, the Smooth Fox Terrier, GCH CH Waybroke Broxden Turning Tanner, the Miniature Pinscher, GCH CH Marlex Classic Red Glare, the Standard Poodle, GCH CH Dacun Kaylen's He's A Heartbreaker, and the Pembroke Welsh Corgi, Riverside Get Over It.

Her Best was the 20 month old Pointer bitch.  This girl started winning group placements in May and never looked back.  As far as we can tell this is her first BIS and First Sporting Group win.  Congratulations to breeder/owner Dr Patricia Haines, co-breeders P Davis, Walker, & R Murphy, and owner Thaddeus Haines.   The Lexington Layover will continue for three more days. 

NEWTON KENNEL CLUB DAY ONE

GCH CH Surrey Sugar Baby

(Photo  by Angela Stein)

The Newton Kennel Club got the holiday weekend rolling with their first of two shows in Augusta NJ.  Pat Mowbray-Morgan chose her BIS from the English Springer Spaniel, GCH CH Cerise Signature of Telltale CD RN, the Rhodesian Ridgeback, GCH CH Spring Valley's Always There, the Doberman Pinscher, GCH CH Protocol’s Veni Vidi Vici, the Welsh Terrier, CH Sarendon It Had To Be You, the Affenpinscher, GCH CH Banana Joe V Tani Kazari, the Miniature Poodle, GCH CH Surrey Sugar Baby, and the German Shepherd Dog, GCH CH Pine Hill's Payday Of Hayshill .

She chose the spectacular Miniature Poodle, Sugar Baby.  We wish we saw more Miniature Poodles in the show ring and our local dog park.  If you have ever had one in your home, you would know why.  Sugar Baby is sure to win over fans wherever she goes.  She already had the judges attention with six BIS & 36 Non-Sporting Groups this year.

HAPPY 100TH!

GCH CH PalaceGarden Malachy

One of our Top Ten Dogs has just hit the career century mark.  The Pekingese, GCH CH PalaceGarden Malachy collected his 100th AKC BIS today at the Alamance Kennel Club Show in Raleigh NC.

Joining Malachy and owner/handler David Fitzpatrick in Theresa Hundt’s final were the German Wirehaired Pointer, GCH CH Reece Afterhours The Buck Stops Here JH, the Afghan Hound, CH Komar’s Wild Violette Skye, the Boxer, GCH CH Winfall Brookwood Styled Dream, the Skye Terrier, GCH CH Cragsmoor Buddy Goodman, the standard Poodle, GCH CH Jaset‘s Satisfaction, and the Bouvier des Flandres, GCH CH Quiche’s Grand Finale.

Since his arrival in the US two years ago, the British born Malachy has been among the nation’s leaders finishing second in 2010, a breath behind the Number One Dog, and currently holding the Number Two Dog All Breeds Spots.  Our congratulations to David, breeders Jim & Jean Smith, and owners Iris Love & Sandra Middlebrook.

UNION ME DAY ONE OF FOUR

GCH CH Castle Rock's SBigStaff Mad About You

New Englanders took time off from cleaning up hurricane damage to head to Union ME for the Central Maine Kennel Club’s day one show yesterday, the first of four at that site this weekend.

Sharon Lyons lined up the first final seven, the Irish Setter, CH  Marlyn All About Magic, the Petit Bassett Griffon Vendeen, GCH CH Celestial CJ's Hearts On Fire, the Boxer, GCH CH Jacquet's Laredo El Encanto, the American Staffordshire Terrier, GCH CH Castle Rock's SBigStaff Mad About You, the Japanese Chin, GCH CH Teabear's Knighthawk, the Dalmatian, GCH CH Riverside's The Sisters, and the Bearded Collie, GCH CH Tolkien Raintree Mister Baggins.

Best went to the AmStaff, Maddy.  Maddy has been building a head of steam lately and now has twelve all breed BIS and 43 Terrier Groups to her credit this year.

LEXINGTON KY DAY ONE OF FIVE

GCH CH Marlex Classic Red Glare

The Lexington Kennel Club kicked off the five day set in their Kentucky hometown today.  The five show labor day weekend has drawn some of the country’s top dogs. 

The seven that BIS judge Christine Salyers Anderson saw were the German Wirehaired Pointer, GCH CH Mt View's Ripsnorter Silver Charm, the Whippet, GCH CH Starline’s Chanel, the Great Pyrenees, GCH CH Saddle Ridge Power Of Won, the Smooth Fox Terrier, GCH CH Waybroke Broxden Turning Tanner, the Miniature Pinscher, GCH CH Marlex Classic Red Glare, the Standard Poodle, GCH CH Dacun Kaylen's He's A Heartbreaker, and the Old English Sheepdog, GCH CH Lambluv Gambolon Blue Thunder.

Her Best was the MinPin, Classie.  Classie, the nation’s Number Three Toy Dog, has turned up the volume lately, collecting eleven BIS and 41 Toy Groups along the way.

LAST DAYS OF SUMMER

Black Bayou Lake National Wildlife Refuge

As we come up on the Labor Day weekend and the end of summer, the dog world turns it’s head toward the end of the season.  Exhibitors and fanciers will have a dizzying array of choice for the holiday.

If you want to test your dog show stamina try one of the multiple show clusters.  There are four show clusters just about everywhere you go this side of the Rockies.  New Englanders will be in Union ME starting Thursday to spend four days with the Central Maine Kennel Club & the Mid-Coast Kennel Club Of Maine.  New Yorkers will split their four day weekend with the Newton Kennel Club on Friday & Saturday and then head to Morristown NJ for two days with the Sussex Hills Kennel Club & the Schooley's Mountain Kennel Club.  In the Mid-Atlantic the action is in Raleigh NC for four days starting Friday hosted by the Alamance Kennel Club, the Durham Kennel Club, the Raleigh Kennel Club, & the Cary Kennel Club.

The really ambitious can head to Lexington KY for five full days with Fido.  The Lexington Kennel Club, the Northern Kentucky Kennel Club, & the Mid-Kentucky Kennel Club, will host beginning
Thursday.  The Tri-City Kennel Club & the Cedar Rapids Kennel Association will be in Amana IA for four days starting Friday and down on the bayou in Monroe LA you can get gumbos & Greyhounds at the Bayou Kennel Club, & the Vicksburg Kennel Club Of Mississippi four shows.

We have the rare Mountain Time Zone dog show in Cheyenne WY with the hometown  Cheyenne Kennel Club on Saturday & Sunday.  West Coast denizens again can choose from a weekend in the Pacific Northwest weekend with the Longview-Kelso Kennel Club in St Helens OR, in the Northern California hills with the Gold County Kennel Club in Grass Valley CA, or in Sunny Southern California with the Cabrillo Kennel Club in Valley Center CA.

Finally, it’s always a holiday weekend in Honolulu HI where the Hawaiian Kennel Club & the Valley Isle Kennel Club Of Maui will be Saturday through Monday.  Wherever you go to an AKC dog show you will be charmed by the dogs and informed by the dog owners and you might even get some shrimp & grits.

SANTA BARBARA CA DAY FOUR

GCH CH Perrisblu Kennislain's Chelsey

We have a report in from the weekend’s last event, the Conejo Kennel Club show today in Santa Barbara CA.

Dr John Reeve-Newson chose his BIS from the German Shorthair Pointer, GCH Shortales N Cahoots W Irondale JH, the Whippet, GCH CH Starline’s Chanel, the Rottweiler, GCH CH  Cammcastle's Kore Elements, the Kerry Blue Terrier, GCH CH Perrisblu Kennislain's Chelsey, the Pekingese, GCH CH Windemere's Dusting Of White At Pevyne the Standard Poodle, GCH CH Brighton Lakeridge Encore, and the Pembroke Welsh Corgi, GCH CH Segni at Coventry.

He chose the Kerry, Chelsey, as his Best.  It’s the second this year for the British import, who made an impressive debut here in June.  A Kerry…handled by Bill McFadden?  We don’t have to think hard about this one, DOG2WATCH.

ELGIN KENNEL CLUB

CH Pawmarc's Northern Lights

We have a report from St Charles IL about the Elgin Kennel Club‘s two shows.      Robert Widden’s final on Saturday was made up of the English Springer Spaniel, CH Pawmarc's Northern Lights, the Basset Hound, GCH CH Fort Merrill Topsfield Yahoo, the Samoyed, GCH CH Sammantic Now Or Never, the Irish Terrier, GCH CH Sugarbush's American Girl, the Havanese, GCH CH Marcosa's Slip Slidin' Away Of Skyline, the Tibetan Terrier, GCH CH Barnstorm's Grissom TTCSI, and the Old English Sheepdog, GCH Lambluv's Street Of Dreams RA.

His Best In Show was the Springer, Cubby.   Seven year old Cubby has been home doing the daddy thing lately. (His last BIS was in 2007)  Our congratulations and thanks for sharing to breeders/owners Pat Wilaby & Bobbie Daniel.

GCH CH Little Ponds Loquacious Lucy

Sunday Anitra Cuneo greeted Cubby, the Otterhound, CH Adeline's Sticky Wicket, the Rottweiler, CH Kinjack's Cool As Ice, the above named Irish Terrier, the Papillon, GCH CH Wingssong Rock Star, the Bulldog, GCH CH Little Ponds Loquacious Lucy, and the Briard, GCH CH La Vie Rose Dior August Moon CD RN.

BIS was the Bulldog, Lucy.  Three year old Lucy has had lots of success in the show ring.  She was the Number One Bulldog bitch in 2010 (based on breed points), but this is her first all breed Best.  Congratulations to breeders/owners Daniel & Elizabeth Karshner.

SAMMAMISH KENNEL CLUB

GCH CH Meadowlake Simply Sinful

In the Pacific Northwest there was just one all breed show this weekend, the Sammamish Kennel Club’s Sunday show in Redmond WA.  However, there were also limited breed shows on Friday & Saturday for Working Dogs & Terriers.  Taking full advantage of the format was the Border Terrier, GCH CH Meadowlake Simply Sinful, who snatched up both of the offerings of the All Terrier Club Of Western Washington as well as the SKC all breed Sunday show.

Joining Maya on Sunday in Dr Robert Smith’s final were the Irish Water Spaniel, GCH CH Poole's Ide Got Water RN, the Borzoi, GCH CH Aashtoria Wildhunt Hidden Agenda, the Boxer, CH Blackhawk's Rebound Shot, the Blenheim & Prince Charles English Toy Spaniel, GCH CH Cheri-A Wingo Lord Nelson, the Dalmatian, GCH CH Country Luvz A Rockstar, and the Bouvier des Flandres, CH Bedrock's Kingfish Of Barbu.

Maya, the country’s Number One Border Terrier,  now has six all breed BIS & 27 Terrier Group Ones to her credit this year.

SANTA ROSA CA DAY TWO

GCH CH R And G's Mystical Dancer
(Photo by Vicki Holloway)

Up in California’s Wine Country the Mensona Kennel Club set up in Santa Rosa CA for the weekend.  Read about their Saturday show here.

Sunday the German Shorthaired Pointer, GCH CH Robincrest Great Expectations JH, an Irish Wolfhound from the Open Bitch class, Quest Rachel Alexandra of Kerryarc, the Boxer, GCH CH R and G’s Mystical Dancer, the American Staffordshire Terrier, GCH CH Parastone’s Call Me Mon Cheri, the Pug, CH Storybook’s Legacy to Cherish at Coral Bay, the Keeshond, GCH CH Summerwind’s Rumor Has It, and the Bouvier des Flandres, CH Hatch Tillie de la Salsa, all tried to get the attention of Dana Cline.

The one who succeeded was one of our DOGS2WATCH, the Boxer Danny.   That’s twelve BIS this year for Danny and breeder/owner/handler Kimberlie Steele-Gamero.

SANTA BARBARA DAY THREE

GCH CH Banana Joe V Tani Kazari
(Photo by Jeffrey Hanlin)

We had a busy schedule on the West Coast this weekend, far away from hurricanes.  In Southern California the place to be was Santa Barbara where a four day fun fest began on Friday.  You can read about Friday’s Simi Valley Kennel Club show here and the hometown Santa Barbara Kennel Club’s Saturday show here.

Sunday’s SBKC final belonged to Darren Bowey who had the pleasure of choosing his Best from the German Shorthair Pointer, GCH Shortales N Cahoots W Irondale JH, the Harrier, GCH CH Downhome Hitech Innovator, the Portuguese Water Dog, GCH CH Fishbay‘s Faith Hope and Love, the Smooth Fox Terrier, GCH CH Slyfox Sneaks A Peak, the Affenpinscher, GCH CH Banana Joe V Tani Kazari, French Bulldog, GCH CH Lebull's New Hope Wooly Bully,, and Pembroke Welsh Corgi, GCH CH Segni at Coventry.

He chose the Affenpinscher, Joey.  It was Joey’s second of the weekend and his 21st of the year.  They will wrap up the weekend with today’s Conejo Kennel Club show.  Check back with us later today for results.

ST CROIX VALLEY KC

GCH CH Thaon’s Mowgli

Some of the larger numbers were in Lake Elmo MN this weekend where the St Croix alley Kennel Club held two shows.   On Saturday Bill Shelton’s lineup included the German Shorthaired Point, GCH CH Robincrest Spectacular Bid JH, the Afghan Hound, GCH CH Thaon’s Mowgli, the Standard Schnauzer, GCH CH Pepper Tree Zorro V Morgenwald, the Bedlington Terrier, GCH CH First Class Syrh D’Hermiatage, the Shih Tzu, GCH CH Ista’s Hurricain Chaser, the Standard Poodle, CH Barbican The Future Is Now, and the Briard, CH Briardale Carolina In My Mind.

His Best was the Afghan, Mowgli.  Mowgli is the Number One Afghan Hound in the US with six BIS & 16 Hound Group top prizes.

GCH CH Frontier‘s License to Carry at Margaux

Sunday only the Standard Poodle would be back to plead his case with Dr Judith Newton.  She would also consider the German Wirehaired Pointer, GCH CH Mt View Ripsnorter’s Silver Charm, the Whippet, GCH CH Sporting Fields Bahama Sands, the Giant Schnauzer, GCH CH Keno’s Fleeting Moment, the Welsh Terrier, GCH CH Brightluck’s Prancing Pirate JE, the Maltese, GCH CH Rhapsody Regarding Henry, and the Bouvier des Flandres, GCH CH Frontier‘s License to Carry at Margaux.

She went with the Bouvier.  It’s the second this year for the three year old bitch, who also has ten Herding Groups to her credit.

FOUR DAYS IN ATLANTA GA

GCH CH Winfrall Brookwood Styled Dream

(Photo by Infocusbymiguel)

Despite the  hurricane and heavy competition this week, some of our top ranked dogs had  very good week.

Among the biggest winners this week was one of our Top Five Dogs All Breeds, the Boxer, GCH CH Winfrall Brookwood Styled Dream.  Scarlet & handler Diego Fernando Garcia took three out of four of the big shows in Atlanta GA this week. They started on Thursday with the Griffith Georgia Kennel Club show.  Joining them in Jerry Watson’s final were the German Wirehaired Pointer, GCH CH  Reece Afterhours The Buck Stops Here, the Otterhound, CH White Rivers News Flash, the Skye Terrier, GCH CH Cragsmoor Buddy Goodman, the Miniature Pinscher, GCH CH Marlex Classic Red Glare, the Standard Poodle, GCH CH Hightide Eclipse, and the Australian Shepherd, GCH CH Mysharas Dream Girl.

Friday, Scarlett and Diego would prevail over the above named Skye & Australian Shepherd, the Golden Retriever, GCH CH Gemini Fallchase The Butler Did It , the Ibizan Hound, GCH CH Jakonas Russian Roulette, the Pekingese, GCH CH PalaceGarden Malachy, and the Lhasa Apso, GCH CH Ta Sen Bond James Bond, in Linda Millman’s final for the Sawnee Mountain Kennel Club Of Georgia.

GCH CH Mysharas Dream Girl

Saturday, Linda Robey would consider  the Pointer, CH Solivias Kalahari Of Marsuz, the Afghan Hound, GCH CH Suncrest Sharp Dressed Man , the Doberman Pinscher, GCH CH Holly Woods Sex And The City, and the aforementioned Skye, MinPin, Lhasa, & Aussie.  She would chose the Australian Shepherd, Beyonce.  Beyonce and handler Jamie Clute have three BIS and 28 Herding Group top prizes this season.

Sunday Scarlett was back to pick up the big rosette from Paula Nykiel who had also pondered the previously mentioned GWP, Afghan, Skye, Peke, & Australian Shepherd along with the Chow Cho, GCH CH Sitze-Gous Glazz Paragon.

The wins were big enough to move Scarlett into the Number Three All Breeds spot.  That brings to 25 & 66 the number of BIS & Working Group wins for Scarlett & Diego this year.

MID SUSQUEHANA VALLEY KC

GCH CH Equinox Ad Astra

(Photo  by Stonehaven)

When we coined the phrase “Monday Morning Mop Up” we did not expect that fanciers would be cleaning up after a hurricane.  Nonetheless, we still have plenty of shows to report to you.

The Mid Susquehanna Valley Kennel Club was set up in Middleburg PA for the weekend.  Their Saturday show featured a final by Candace Way with the Chesapeake Bay Retriever, CH Chestnut Hills Watermark, the Basset Hound, CH Foxglen Baileys Kate Wilder, the Great Pyrenees, GCH CH Rivergroves Coco Mademoiselle, the American Staffordshire Terrier, GCH CH Wonderlands Heavily Armed Agitator, the Papillon, GCH CH Lafford Fly Me Too Farleysbane, the Bichon Frise, GCH CH Vogelflight's Honor To Pillowtalk, and the Briard, GCH CH Ne Orageux's Al Capone.

Taking home her very first AKC BIS was the two year old Basset bitch.   Our congratulations to breeders/owners Scott & Betsy Deans and co-breeder David Bailey.

The only Saturday finalist who would return on Sunday to see Sam Houston Macdonald was the Bichon.  Making their first appearance of the weekend were the Curly-Coated Retriever, CH Kurly Kreek Artic Express, the 15” Beagle, CH Everwind's A Chance Encounter In The Park, the Saint Bernard, CH Jamelle's Aristocrat, the Sealyham Terrier, GCH CH Efbe’s Goodspice Easy Money, the Miniature Pinscher, CH Dynastys Home On The Range, and the Australian Shepherd, GCH CH Equinox Ad Astra.

Grabbing the closing BIS was the Australian Shepherd, Aster.  Aster’s 2011 resume includes three all breed Bests and 25 Herding Group Firsts.

TOPEKA TWO DAY FOUR

GCH CH Alpine’s Ring of Fire

Mid America fanciers have been in Topeka KS for the last two weeks, taking in eight of the most competitive shows we’ve seen this year.

They closed the two week run today with Peggy Beisel-McIlwaine’s final for the Manhattan Kansas Kennel Club.  Making one last pitch for another big rosette were the Black Cocker Spaniel, GCH CH Casablanca’s Thrilling Seduction, the Pharaoh Hound, GCH CH Northgate’s As You Like It, the Boxer, GCH CH Winfall I Dream of Style, the American Staffordshire Terrier, GCH CH Alpine’s Ring of Fire, the Papillon, GCH CH Copella's Rising Attraction, the Standard Poodle, GCH CH Dawin Avion Wouldn'T You Know, and the Old English Sheepdog, GCH CH Lambluv Gambolon Blue Thunder.

Taking home the last BIS of Topeka Two Step was the AmStaff, Phoenix.  It’s the second AKC BIS for Phoenix and handler Alfonso Escobedo, in for Brian Livingston.  Phoenix, who is just two years old, has already had a sterling career in Europe, but is back in the US ready to rumble.

CHAGRIN FALLS OH DAY THREE

GCH CH Ayrwen Star Kissed Delight

The Western Reserve Kennel Club closed the three day set in Chagrin Falls OH with Norm Patton in the final ring.  He chose his Best from the Vizsla, GCH CH Artisan Grouse Point Pink Panther JH, the Pharaoh Hound, GCH CH Tiara Ne-Kabu Abu Simbel Ankh, the Siberian Husky, GCH CH Kontoki‘s A Bend in the Road, the Norfolk Terrier, GCH CH Cracknor‘s Cross the Ts, the Smooth Coat Chihuahua, GCH CH Ayrwen Star Kissed Delight, the Xoloitzcuintli, GCH CH Bayshore Giorgio Armani, and the German Shepherd Dog, GCH CH Babheim’s Captain Crunch.

 BIS  was the Chihuahua, Dee Dee.  Dee Dee has collected five all breed Bests & 19 Toy Groups this year to bring her career total to a record tying 15 BIS & 76 Group Ones, all breeder/owner handled.  Our hats off to Gloria & Arthur Johnson.

SANTA ROSA CA DAY ONE

GCH CH Mich's Mt Ready Aim Fire

As Tropical Storm Irene washes through Manhattan we have news from the sunny West Coast where the Mensona Kennel Club held their day one show on Saturday in Santa Rosa CA about an hour north of San Francisco.

Dr Carmen Battaglia’s final consisted of the Brittany, GCH CH Mich's Mt Ready Aim Fire, the Whippet, GCH CH Endeavor’s White Roses on Nysa Hill, the Boxer, GCH CH R and G’s Mystical Dancer, the Border Terrier, GCH CH McHill’s HRH Prince Gizmo House of Gremlin, the Toy Manchester Terrier, GCH CH Rosewood Casanova, the French Bulldog, GCH CH Highwood’s Big Shot, and the Australian Cattle Dog, GCH CH Bendigo Kasey of Willowbrook.

His BIS was the Brittany, Tucker.  It’s the first BIS this season for the Number One Brittany in the US.  Tucker has collected seven Sporting Group top prizes in 2011.  Congratulations to breeders Michelle Chaney & Arlene Mccabe and owners Kristina & Lori Rickard, Jennifer Bazon, & John Davies.