WWW: THE TOY GROUP

GCH CH Hitime What the Inferno

(photo courtesy of AKC)

Whom to Watch at Westminster (WWW), the Toy Group.  Terrier legend Ric Chashoudian once said that he thought the Toy Group was the most competitive year after year.  We’re not sure about that but it certainly was in 2014 and has been this season as well.  Friday’s all toy dog Progressive Dog Club show provided ample evidence of that.

Last year’s Number One Toy Dog, the Pomeranian, GCH CH Hitime What the Inferno, has carried the title into the new year, adding the title of Number Two Dog All Breeds on the strength of six BIS and 13 Group Ones, including two BIS at the big Rose City Classic in Portland OR in January.  Danny was bred by Joan D Caracsole & Ashley Carcasole, is owned  by Bonnie Bird & Udomsin Littichaikun, and handled by Curtiss Smith.

GCH CH Sonnus Filho (Sanchez)

2014’s Number Two Toy Dog, the Smooth Coat Chihuahua, GCH CH Sonnus Filho (Sanchez), finished 8,000 points behind Danny last year despite winning just one less BIS that Danny (27) and 12 More Toy Groups (93).  However, Sonnito lacks Danny’s momentum this year with just one BIS to date.  Nonetheless, we expect the smallest dog in the ring to make a big impact Monday.  Sonnito was bred by owner Romulo Sanchez Torres, is co-owned by James and Janet Moses, and handled by Erika Lanasa.

GCH CH Hallmark Jolei Rocket Power

Last year’s Number Three Toy Dog, the Shih Tzu, GCH CH  Hallmark Jolei Rocket Power, finished 2014 with a flourish, winning the Toy Group at the AKC/Eukanuba National Championship in Orlando.    Rocket is holding down the Number Three spot again this year with one BIS and 19 Toy Groups so far.  Rocket was bred by owner/handler Luke Ericht  & owner Diane Ericht and is co-owned by Patricia Hearst Shaw.

GCH CH Fist Face A Penny for Your Thought 

(photo by Rhonda Cassidy)

Two of our Dogs2Watch joined the Top Five Toys this year, the Brussels Griffon, GCH CH Fist Face A Penny for Your Thought, and the Toy Poodle, GCH CH North Well Vivian Jp Rose Queen.  The Griff, Penny, whose father, CH Cilleine Masquerade, won the Group at the Garden in 2009,  has three BIS and six Group Ones this  year.  Penny was bred by Rodney & Linda Vance, is owned by Larry & Carol Pagacz & Kelley Catterson, and handled by Paul D Catterson.

GCH CH North Well Vivian Jp Rose Queen

In that final ring with Penny’s father in 2009 was the Standard Poodle, CH Randenn Tristar Affirmation, owned by New Yorkers Toni & Martin Sosnoff and handled by Tim Brazier .  This year Tim is handling the Sendoff’s Toy Poodle, Rosie.  Rosie is currently the Number Four Toy Dog with one BIS and five Toy Groups so far this year. 

Next, the Non-Sporting Group.