MIDDLE PENINSULA KC of VA 1

GCH CH Casablanca’s Thrilling Seduction

(Photo by Jeffrey Hanlin)

The catalog grinches are hard a-work in Doswell VA, keeping all of us away from InfoDog’s on line listings.  Happily one of our readers sent this in for all of us.  Ron Menaker’s Best In Show at today's Middle Peninsula Kennel Club Of Virginia show was the Black Cocker Spaniel, GCH CH Casablanca’s Thrilling Seduction.  Beckham and handler Michael Piit were joined by the 15” Beagle, GCH CH Langrigg Star of the Stage, the Boxer GCH CH Hi-Tech Hi-Drama of Sherry Shoot Jp, the Scottish Terrier, GCH CH Lomondview Cclementina, the Affenpinscher, GCH CH Banana Joe v Tani Kazari, the Dalmatian, GCH CH Spotlight’s Ruffian, and the German Shepherd Dog to be named when they release the catalog.

Beckham leads our picks in the Sporting Group  for nest month’s big dance and could win the whole thing.  Congratulations to breeder/owner Linda Moore, owners Bruce Vandeman, Carolee Douglas, Mary Walker, & Cindy Cassidy, and handlers Linda  & Michael Pitt.

GOLDEN GATE KENNEL CLUB

GCH CH Aviator’s Asta Primadonna

When we lived in the Bay Area we never missed the Golden Gate Kennel Club show at San Francisco’s Cow Palace.  Today’s GGKS final was judged by Barbara Dempsey Alderman whose line up included the Weimaraner, GCH CH Silhouette’s LifeInTheFastLane, the 15” Beagle, GCH CH Cabaret Come Chase The Dream, the Portuguese Water Dog, GCH CH Aviator’s Asta Primadonna, the Kerry Blue Terrier, GCH CH Perrisblu Kennislain’s Chelsey, the Pekingese, GCH CH Windemere’s Dusting of White Pevyne, the Bichon Frise, GCH CH Victoire Gerie No Lemon Gemstone, and the Bouvier des Flandres, GCH CH Hatch Tillie de la Salsa.

BIS was the PWD, Asta.  It’s the first for Asta.   We are sure it won’t be the last.  Congratulations to breeders Michael & Cathy Dugan, owners Matthew Davis & Bill Waters, and handler Amy Rutherford. 

ORANGE EMPIRE KC DAY ONE

GCH CH Brighton Lakeridge Encore

In Southern California the action was in San Bernardino where the Orange Empire Kennel Club opened their two day stop.  James Reynolds chose his BIS from the English Setter, Oakley’s B’Dazzled, the Bloodhound, GCH CH Quiet Creek’s Kiss and Tell, the Kuvasz, GCH CH Szumeria’s Wildwood Silver Six Pence, the Wire Fox Terrier, GCH CH Steele Your Heart, the Pug, GCH CH Riversong’s Dog Holiday, the Standard Poodle, GCH CH Brighton Lakeridge Encore, and the Shetland Sheepdog, GCH CH PaRay's Wicked.

His Best was the Number One Non-Sporting Dog of 2011, the Standard Poodle, Ally.  Ally finished out the year with 47 BIS & 109 Group Firsts.  Congratulations to breeders L'Dyne Wicker Brennan & Debra Ferguson Jones, and owners Toni Sosnoff & Martin Sosnoff, and handlers Taffee McFadden & Tim Brazier.

ST CHARLES MO KC DAY ONE

GCH CH Sporting Fields Heiress HSAs

Our next report comes in from Lake St Louis MO and the St Charles Missouri Kennel Club.  Sharol Candace Way had her pick of the Golden Retriever, GCH CH My Buddys Boppity-Bop Blue Moon RN, the Whippet, GCH CH Sporting Fields Bahama Sands, the Doberman Pinscher, GCH CH Protocol’s Veni Vidi Vici, the Scottish Terrier, GCH CH McVan’s Be Bop Baby, the Pug, CH House Poory JP Yum-Yum Zerohour, the Standard Poodle, GCH CH Dawin Hot N Spicy, and the Border Collie, GCH CH Sporting Fields Heiress HSAs.

It was the Border Collie, Heiress, picking up her first BIS of the year.  Heiress collected three big rosettes last season along with 14 Herding Groups.  Congratulations to breeder/owner Dionne Butt, owners D Einck, and Amanda Giles.

GREATER GAINSVILLE DFA 1

CH J-Cobe Broxden Danea

 Dr Gerard Penta was down in Ocala FL for the day one show of the Greater Gainesville Dog Fanciers Association.  His seven finalists were the German Wirehaired Pointer, GCH CH Mr View’s Ripsnorter silver Charm, the 15” Beagle, GCH CH Lochnaw Something good, the Rottweiler, GCH CH Ivoss Sonny’s Angel, the Smooth Fox Terrier, CH J-Cobe Broxden Danea, the Miniature Pinscher, GCH CH Marlex Classic Red Glare, the French Bulldog, CH Coco Vialatte Robobull Hot Flash, and the Shetland Sheepdog, GCH CH Karosel’s Kartwheels.

Best was the Smooth Fox bitch, Nea.  Just 14 months old, we expect to see a lot more of Nea.  Congratulations to breeder/owner/handler Amy Booth, breeders/owners William R Dalling & Phil Booth, co-breeder Stacy Turner, and owner Victor Malzoni Jr.

CHARLESTON KENNEL CLUB DAY ONE

GCH CH Dalarno Nite Song of Morningstar

Next we travel down to Ladson SC for the day one show of the Charleston Kennel Club.  The seven who survived to plead their case with Pat Trotter were the Weimaraner, GCH CH Nani’s Sophisticated Lady NA NAJ MH, the 13” Beagle, GCH CH Skyline’s Dream Big, the Doberman Pinscher, CH Aquarius Tantrum and Tiaras v Phillmar, the American Staffordshire Terrier, GCH CH Benmars Shooters Arrow, the Pug, GCH CH Kenshei and That’s The Way It Is, the Bichon Frise, CH Cher-Amis Babeau Pour Vous, and the Pembroke Welsh Corgi, GCH CH Dalarno Nite Song of Morningstar.

Her BIS was the Corgi, Spencer.  Spencer and handler Frank Murphy picked up six big rosettes and 31 Herding Groups last year.  Congratulations to Frank, breeders Carrie P Harris & Anna T Wyatt, and owners Kiki Courtelis & Linda Dossett.

ERIE KENNEL CLUB DAY ONE

Our first show report of the day is in from Erie PA where the hometown Erie Kennel Club holds sway for two days.  Mark Kennedy drew the first day title and chose his Best of the Pointer, CH Marjetta In The Limelight JH, the Norwegian Elkhound, CH Tioka’s American Ride, the Doberman Pinscher, CH Royal Future Jp Izanagi of Dabney, the Smooth Fox Terrier, GCH CH Warfox High Mtn Sweetheart, the King Charles & Ruby English Toy Spaniel, CH Southdown Nevermind, the Standard Poodle, GCH CH Hillwood Ale Kai Walking on Air, and the Australian Cattle Dog, CH Rick’s Smokin’ Thunder.

Best went to the Poodle, Fran. Fran & handler Dr Joseph Vergnetti had one BIS & five Non-Sporting Groups last year, in a breed that may be the toughest in AKC.  Congratulations to Joe, and breeders/owners Ellen M Charles & Karen LaFrak.

WWW: THE HOUND GROUP

Our picks for Whom to Watch at Westminster in the Hound Group include two Hounds that set breed records in 2011 and two standouts at last month’s AKC/Eukanuba National Championship (AENC).  

GCH CH Starline’s Chanel

(Photo by Carol Beuchat)

Last year’s Number One Hound, the Whippet, GCH CH Starline’s Chanel, is the winningest Whippet of all time with 69 all breed BIS, 35 of which came in 2011.  She is also the winner of the 2010 WKC Hound Group.  However, as we have written here, Chanel will have to get past last year’s Number Two Whippet, GCH CH Sporting Fields Bahama Sands, before she can contend for the Group win.  Chanel was bred and is owned by Carey & Lori Lawrence and handled by Lori Wilson.

GCH CH Northgate’s AS You Like It

(Photo by Infocusbymiguel)

Another breed record holder is the Pharaoh Hound, GCH Northgate’s As You Like It, who finished last year as the Number Eight Dog All Breeds, just behind Chanel.  Qing and handler Brian Livingston picked up 35 BIS in 2011, bringing Qing’s career total to 50.  Qing was bred by Hanna Ukura, is owned by Jenny Hall & Annika Lundqvist-Hemstrom.

GCH CH Downhome Hi-Tech Innovator

 (Photo Courtesy of AKC)

We think that one of  AKC’s rarest breeds, the Harrier, GCH CH Downhome Hi-Tech Innovator, may be among the final four.  Chet is the son of the breed record holder, CH Downhome Family Tradition.  Although Chet entered the race late in last season, he still managed five Bests In Show and 17 Hound Groups, most notably, the AENC Hound Group in December.  Chet was bred by Susan Lowder, Ken and Miriam Nell, is owned by Carla & Joe Sanchez, and handled by Jorge & Suzie Olivera.

(GCH CH Thaon’s Mowgli)

 (Photo Courtesy of AKC)

Rounding out our Hound choices is the Afghan Hound, GCH CH Thaon’s Mowgli.  Last year breeder/owner/handler Jay Hafford led Mowgli to seven all breed BIS, 26 Hound Groups, BISS at the Afghan Hound Club of America’s 2011 National Specialty by, & Best Bred By Exhibitor In Show at the 2011 AENC. Mowgli is owned by Jay, co-breeder James P Blanchard, A Sterner, and  D Rogers.

Next up, the Working Group.

ALEXANDRIA LA DAY TWO

GCH CH Saks Hamelot Little Drummer Boy

Things today in Alexandria LA at the Baton Rouge Kennel Club day two show looked remarkably like day one as the Bichon Frise, GCH CH Saks Hamelot Little Drummer Boy, took home his second consecutive BIS.  Drummer’s rivals in Stephen Hubbell’s final were the Golden Retriever, GCH CH Summits Emery It's In The Bag, the Saluki, GCH DC Shahtani Ivory Moon SC, the Boxer, GCH CH Winfall I Dream of Style, the Scottish Terrier, CH Kelwyn's History in the Making, the Chinese Crested, GCH CH Silvercreek's Friendship Is Golden, and the Australian Shepherd, GCH CH Harmony Hill’s Money Talks.

Drummer and handler Scott Sommer now have three BIS to add to their 2012 resume as they prepare for next month’s Westminster Kennel Club show.

ALEXANDRIA LA DAY ONE

GCH CH Saks Hamelot Little Drummer Boy

(Photo by RJ Hamilton)

The show week began today down on the bayou in Alexandria LA where Houston Clark had the final for the Baton Rouge Kennel Club.  Joining him in the BIS ring were the Weimaraner GCH CH Pikes Peak Rocky Mountain High , the Saluki, GCH DC Shahtani Ivory Moon SC, the Boxer, GCH CH Winfall I Dream of Style,Scottish Terrier, CH Kelwyn's History in the Making, the Maltese, CH Chrisman’s Shiny Toy Gun, the Bichon Frise, GCH CH Saks Hamelot Little Drummer Boy, and the Cardigan Welsh Corgi, GCH CH Aubrey’s Tails of Mystery.

His BIS was 2011’s Number Ten Dog All Breeds, the Bichon, Drummer.  It's the second this year for Drummer and handler Scott Sommer.

WWW: THE SPORTING GROUP

We don’t think that it is any coincidence that our birthday falls just before the Westminster Kennel Club show.  We look forward to Westminster all year.  It’s our Superbowl & Christmas all rolled into one.  Every year we look at the dogs competing and choose those to include in our Whom to Watch at Westminster (WWW) list.  A word of warning--this is all just for your entertainment.  We have no inside information and we are not endorsing any individual or dog.  Finally, please don’t bet the lunch money on the outcome of any dog show, especially Westminster.

GCH CH Casablanca’s Thrilling Seduction

(Photo by Jeffrey Hanlin)

We will start with the Sporting Group, always competitive and never mores so than this year.  2011’s Number One Dog All Breeds, the Black Cocker Spaniel, GCH CH Casablanca’s Thrilling Seduction, goes into the big dance as the dog to beat.  Beckham and handlers Michael & Linda Pitts collected 68 all breed BIS & 148 Sporting groups.  Beckham was bred by Linda Moore who co-owns with Bruce Vandeman, Carolee Douglas, Mary Walker, & Cindy Cassidy.

GCH CH Wynmoor Champagne Supernova

(Photo by R Wolfe)

The Number Two Sporting Dog last year was the English Springer Spaniel, GCH CH Wynmoor Champagne Supernova.  Peyton finished the year as the lucky 13th dog in the all breed standings with 16 BIS & 71 Group Firsts,  Team Peyton consists of breeders Billie, Erin, & Charlie Kerfoot & Ruth Kirby, owners Celie Florence, Beth Fink,  Erin Kerfoot, PhD, Ken Goodhue-McWilliams, PhD, & Delores Strength, and handler Robin Novack.

GCH CH Mt View's Ripsnorter Silver Charm

(Photo by Lisa Croft Elliot)

The German Wirehaired Pointer, GCH CH Mt View's Ripsnorter Silver Charm, started off the year with a bang picking up back2back BIS on the first weekend of the show year.  Oakley and handler Phil Booth have added one more since then.  Oakley was bred by Claire Wisch & Kelly Wisch, & Helen George and is owned by the Wisches.

GCH CH Oakley’s B’Dazzled

The English Setter, GCH CH Oakley’s B’Dazzled, is Number Two on our just published first traditional Top Ten of 2012.  Dazzle and handler Bruce Schultz picked up a big, big BIS in Palm Springs earlier this month, followed it with another in Puyalllup WA, and just completed a very successful stop in Portland OR.  Dazzle was bred by Jim Jannard & Paula Dempsey, and owned by Donald & Georgejean Jensen & Erik & Jennifer StricklandNext up the Hound Group.

NO FOOTBALL THIS WEEKEND

Rosedown Plantation Louisiana

Our show week begins tomorrow in Alexandria LA where the Baton Rouge Kennel Club & Alexandria Kennel Club will team up for four all breed shows, the only four show cluster in the country this week.  The Chain O'lakes Kennel Club & the Park Shore Kennel Club will partner for three all breeds in Grayslake IL beginning Friday.

The Middle Peninsula Kennel Club Of Virginia will augment its two weekend shows in Doswell VA with the  Potomac Hound Club’s & the Virginia Terrier Club’s limited breed shows on Friday.  Out in San Bernardino CA  the Tri-Valley Working Dog Club’s limited breed shows Of Pinon Hills will open on Friday & close on Monday for the Orange Empire Dog Club’s two all breed shows.

Everyone else will have to make do with the traditional two show weekend whether in Ladson SC with the Charleston Kennel Club, in Ocala FL with the Greater Gainesville Dog Fanciers Association, in Erie PA with the Erie Kennel Club, in Lake St Louis MO with the St Charles Missouri Kennel Club, in Daly City CA with the Golden Gate Kennel Club or in Anchorage AK with the Kenai Kennel Club & the Alaska Kennel Club.

That’s ten different venues offering you a chance to see this year’s crop of hopefuls.  There’s no football this weekend.  There’s no lawn to mow.  You have no excuse.  Get out to your local show and pick your favorite for next month's Westminster Kennel Club show.

FORT BEND KENNEL CLUB

GCH DC Shahtani Ivory Moon SC

 (Photo by Tom Weigand, The Winning Image)

The one place we didn’t hear from this weekend was Rosenberg TX where the Fort Bend Kennel Clup was set up for two days.  On Saturday Yoshio Mori gathered the Welsh Springer Spaniel, GCH CH Clussexx Red Dragon, the Rhodesian Ridgeback, GCH CH Vyrtuous Command Performance, the Doberman Pinscher, GCH CH Horizon's Evangeline, the Kerry Blue Terrier, GCH CH Torum The Spaniard, the Papillon, GCH CH Copella's Rising Attraction, the Chinese Shar-Pei, CH Jade East Do You Know The Way To San Jose, and the German Shepherd Dog, GCH CH Enchanted's American Thunder.

Best went to the Saluki, Jayda.  Jayda was 2011’s Number One Saluki with four BIS and 24 Hound Groups.  Congratulations to Congratulations to breeder Nancy Bodine, owner Lori May, and handler Gerry L Thornton.

GCH CH Rockyhill Icees Raisin' The Bar

On Sunday Jayda was back to see BIS judge Denny Mounce along with the Golden Retriever, GCH CH Scion Hott Pants RN, the Samoyed, GCH CH Polar Mist Cruz'n T'Party At Zamosky, the Miniature Schnauzer, GCH CH Rockyhill Icees Raisin' The Bar, the aforementioned Papillon & Shar-Pei, and the Border Collie, GCH CH Borderfame Signature.

It was the Miniature Schnauzer, Judge, picking up his first all breed BIS of the year.  Congratulations to breeder/owner Shirley Fry.

CENTRAL IOWA KC DAY TWO

CH Symarun‘s Love T‘Look

Thanks to our partners at Best In Show Daily and our dedicated readers we were able to give you most of this past week’s results as they happened.  However, we still have a few more shows for you in our Monday Morning Mop Up.  The Central Iowa Kennel Club set up for two days in Des Moines IA. You can read about their Saturday show here.

They finished up Sunday with Anne Savory Bolus in the final ring with the Golden Retriever, Argos Gemseeker @ Sundown, the Saluki, CH Aurora’s The Song & Dance Man, the Samoyed, Sir Aston Martin of England, the Norfolk Terrier, CH Max-Well’s Diamond Thief, the Shih Tzu, CH Symarun‘s Love T‘Look, the Keeshond, GCH CH Karolina Monnyvale Meant To be, and the Old English Sheepdog, GCH CH Lambluv Gambolon Blue Thunder.

Her Best was the Shi Tzu, Looker.  It’s the second career Best for the 21 month old Looker and his first this year.  Congratulations to breeders/owners Carol Randle & Carrie Randle.  Maybe now that looker's almost two, someone can get me a grown up photo?

WEST OAHU KENNEL CLUB 2

GCH CH Xeralane’s Kid Rock

Exhibitors heading home from Portland OR  will face rain slicked roads whether heading north or south, but exhibitors at today’s West Oahu Kennel Club show in the Ewa suburb of Honolulu HI enjoyed another day in paradise.  BIS judge Joe Walton greeted the Vizsla, CH Relwood’s MGM Grand, the Whippet, CH Hold Me Close de Sud, the Doberman Pinscher, GCH CH Majestic Cracklin Rosie Lemils RN, the Staffordshire Bull Terrier, Reigning Bulls Analyzed by the Devil, the Pekingese, GCH Da Mao’s Moon Pie BN RA, the Lhasa Apso, GCH CH Xeralane’s Kid Rock, and the German Shepherd Dog, CH Karizma’s Bonaire von Loar Kaleef.

His BIS was the Lhasa, Kid.  It’s the first all breed Best for Kid.  Congratulations to breeders/owners Xeralane Kennels and owners Susan Giles, Mary Vaden, Wendy Harper, Muriel Wolverton. 

VENTURA COUNTY DFA

GCH CH Coventry Allure at Wyndstar

Japanese judge Hiroshi Kamisato was in Ventura CA today to call the BIS for the Ventura County Dog Fanciers Association.   Judge Kamisato’s options were the GCH CH Clumber Spaniel, Moonrysn Critter’s James Dean, the Basenji, GCH CH Jasiri-Sukari Win Tin Tin, the Siberian Husky, GCH CH Alnisar’s Princess Anastacia, the Airedale, CH Penaire’s Chip Leader at Longvue, the Pug, Winsome Ab Fab at Shylo,  and the Pembroke Welsh Corgi, GCH CH Coventry Allure at Wyndstar.

It’s been a day for back2back BIS and three-peats.  Joining that tony crowd is the Corgi, Allie.  Allie picks up the consecutive Bests and a great head start on the year.   Look for her at a show near you.

DOBERMAN GETS 3RD IN PORTLAND

GCH CH Protocol’s Veni Vidi Vici

Bill Shelton had the daunting task of choosing a BIS at today’s Tualatin Kennel Club show, the closer for the big Rose City Classic weekend in Portland OR.  He made his choice from the Clumber Spaniel, CH Clussexx Collaboration With Traddles, the Whippet, GCH CH Sporting Fields Bahama Sands, the Doberman Pinscher, GCH CH Protocol’s Veni Vidi Vici, the Smooth Fox Terrier, GCH CH Slyfox Sneaks a Peek, the Yorkshire Terrier, GCH CH Pastyme’s Breaking and Entering, the Schipperke, GCH CH Dante’s Fire When Ready HOF, and the Cardigan Welsh Corgi, GCH CH Aubrey’s Tails of Mystery.

Her Latin name translates as "I came, I saw, I conquered." and that’s exactly what the Doberman, FiFi did in Portland, taking three of the four giant shows, including today’s BIS.  FiFi and breeder/owner/handler Mullin came into Portland with just over 100 points.  They leave with over 7,000 points.  We will wait until we can vrify this week's numbers before we post our first top Ten of 2012 this week.  Look for FiFi to be Number One or Two.

FLORIDA MARATHON ENDS

GCH CH Marlex Classic Red Glare

The Florida Marathon ended today, with the Miniature Pinscher, GCH CH Marlex Classic Red Glare, emerging as a legitimate contender for the Number One Dog All Breeds.  Classie picked up her third big BIS of the ten day set in Brooksville FL at today’s Pasco Florida Kennel Club show.  Charles Cyopik chose Classie over the English Springer Spaniel, GCH CH  Wynmoor champagne Supernova, the Irish Wolfhound, CH Dun Myrica Lyre of Eagle, the Samoyed, GCH CH McMagic’s Candied Ham of Pebbles’Run, the Skye Terrier, CH Of Skyeline Captain Hook, the Standard Poodle, GCH CH Jaset’s Satisfaction, and the German Shepherd Dog,  CH Wolf creek Galaxy of Merivern.

Classie has collected 6300 points so far this year.  We will have to await the numbers from this weekend’s Portland’s shows to know how close to Number One she is.

NOVI MI DAY FOUR

 GCH CH Banana Joe v Tani Kazari

From Novi Michigan and the Oakland County Kennel Club we hear that the Affenpinscher, GCH CH Banana Joe v Tani Kazari, has picked up his third BIS of the four day set.  Joey was joined in Charlotte Clem McGowan’s final by the Black Cocker Spaniel, GCH CH Casablanca’s Thrilling Seduction, the 15” Beagle, GCH CH Gwencalon’s Chocolate Chip, the Alaskan Malamute, GCH CH Tugar’s Most Wanted, the Scottish Terrier, GCH CH Lomondview Clementina the Chinese Shar-Pei, GCH CH Chaoyang Take It To The Limit, and the Bouvier, GCH CH Quiche’s Grand Finale.

Joey and handler Ernesto Lara finished 2011 as the Number Five Dog All Breeds.  We think he will finish this month better than that.

ANNAPOLIS KENNEL CLUB DAY TWO

GCH CH Kiarry’s Pandora’s Box

Our first show report today is in from the Annapolis Kennel Club who closed the four day weekend in west Friendship MD.  The last seven of the stop were the Vizsla, GCH CH Artisan Grouse Point Pink Panther, the American Foxhound, GCH CH Kiarry’s Pandora’s Box, the Great Pyrenees, GCH CH Rivergroves Casino Royale, the Parson Russell Terrier, GCH CH Foxbend Colour Me More, the Toy Poodle, GCH CH Smash Jp Sakura, the Miniature Poodle, GCH CH Surrey Sugar Baby, and the Border Collie, GCH CH Bon-Clyde’s Take One.

It was the Foxhound, Jewel, posting the back2back BIS.  When we predicted yesterday that Jewel and breeder/owner/handler Lisa Miller would soon collect their second BIS, we didn’t expect it would be today, but we have to say, we’re not surprised.

ON LINE DOG SHOW

 Looking for an alternative to the incessant coverage of the Republican Presidential race?    Try  the on line broadcast today of the Michigan Winter Classic AKC Dog Show hosted by the Oakland County Kennel Club in Novi MI.  Visit MichiganLiveEvents for details.

A dog show and a football game, we are in man cave heaven.