GOLDEN BIS IN FLORIDA

CH Bogy Of Taiwan HK 

 Dr Gareth Morgan-Jones named the Golden Retriever, CH Bogy Of Taiwan HK, his Best In Show at today’s Lakeland-Winter Haven Kennel Club encore. 

GCH CH Sporting Fields Shameless

(photo courtesy of AKC)

We suppose the good doctor might have chosen his RBIS, the Whippet, GCH CH Sporting Fields Shameless, the Great Dane, CH Fame & VWF's I'll Have Another, the Welsh Terrier, GCH CH Brynmawr 'N Seaplume's Built Tough, the Toy Manchester Terrier, GCH CH Rustic Lane Sunshine Daydream, the RBIS, the Bulldog, CH Dulin Tango The Perfect Man, or the Bouvier des Flandres, GCH CH Quiche's Madness Full Throttle, but he didn’t. 

 It was the first BIS for the Chinese import, Regal. Congratulations to breeder Sui-Ken Chen, owner Fu Yuen Chan, and handler Aaron Wilkerson.

WWW: THE TERRIER GROUP

GCH CH Cragsmoor Goodtime Charlie 

(photo by Rhonda Cassidy) 

Whom to Watch at Westminster (WWW), the Terrier Group. We have two Terriers in our home currently and we are always rooting for the earth dogs at the Garden. This year the favorite is the Skye Terrier, GCH CH Cragsmoor Good Time Charlie. Last Year’s Number One Terrier and Number Four Dog All Breeds, Charlie finished 2014 with a bang, taking the top prize at the AKC/Eukanuba National Championship in Orlando in December. Charlie finished the year with 33 BIS and 113 Group Ones. He leads the Terrier Group again this year with six BIS in 13 trips to the final ring. Charlie was bred by owners Eugene Z Zaphiris & Matthew H Stander, is co-owned by Victor Malzoni Jr, and handled by Larry Cornelius. 

GCH CH Shaireab’s Bayleigh Maid of Honor
(photo by Jeffrey Hanlin)

We expect Charlie to get plenty of competition from whichever Welsh Terrier makes it to the final ring. We expect to see the top winning Welsh Terrier bitch ever, GCH CH Shaireab’s Bayleigh Maid of Honor. Jennie finished last year with 23 BIS and 91 Terrier Groups and has four BIS and seven Group Ones so far this year. Jennie was bred by owners Keith Bailey & Sharon Abmeyer, is co-owned by Tony Lee & Xiangyu Xie, and handled by Luis Abreu. 

GCH CH McVan’s To Russia with Love 

(photo by Jeffrey Hanlin)

 Last year’s Number Three Terrier, the Scottish Terrier, GCH CH McVan’s To Russia with Love, collected eight BIS last year, including two over the Portuguese Water Dog, GCH CH Claircreek’s Impression de Matisse, who is favored to go Best In Show on Tuesday. Knopa, bred by Vandra Huber & Michael Krolewski, owned by Marina Khenkina, and handled by Rebecca Cross, will be joining Marina in Russia shortly after Westminster. 

GCH CH Imaginabull's First Edition 

We are also excited by two bully breeds from the Pacific Northwest, the Miniature Bull Terrier, GCH CH Imaginabull's First Edition, and the American Staffordshire Terrier, GCH CH Alpine’s Highwayman. The MiniBull made a stunning start to the year, taking five straight Terrier Groups in at the Rose City Classic in Portland OR last month. Saxon was bred by Teresa Moffit, owned by Teresa & David Moffit, and handled by Luke Baggenstos. 

G10CH CH Alpine’s Highwayman 

The AmStaff, Jelly, the top winning American Staffordshire Terrier of all time with 28 career BIS, is coming out of retirement to make one more appearance at the Garden. Five year old Jelly, who is at the peak of his maturity, will be handled by breeder/owner Ed Thomason. 

CH Yarrow Venerie Winning Ticket 

We would be remiss if we did not include one potential spoiler, the 2014 Montgomery County Kennel Club BIS winner, the Norfolk Terrier, CH Yarrow Venerie Winning Ticket. Bred & owned, and handled by the legendary three time WKC BIS winner, Peter Green, with breeders/owners Beth Sweigart & John & Pam Beale, the two year old will demand attention IF shown.

WWW: THE WORKING GROUP

GCH CH Claircreek’s Impression de Matisse

(photo courtesy of AKC)

Whom to Watch at Westminster (WWW), the Working Group.  This year’s Working Group is likely to draw one of the largest and most knowledgeable crowds in Westminster Kennel Club’s lengthy existence.  The group is led by 2014’s Number One Dog, the Portuguese Water Dog, GCH CH Claircreek’s Impression de Matisse, who finished last year with 134 BIS in 180 trips to the final ring, the best one year record of any dog in AKC history.  Matisse has collected 238 BIS in the past three years, more than any other dog ever, save one, the German Shepherd bitch, CH Altana’s Mystique, who amassed 275 BIS in four years in the 90s.  Matisse is currently the Number Six Dog All Breeds with nine BIS and 14 Group Ones.   Matisse was bred by owner Donna Gottdenker, is co-owned by Milan Lint & Peggy Helming, and handled by Michael Scott.

GCH CH CR-Wicca’s Trade Secret

Although Matisse has only rarely been beaten in the Working Group, he is not invincible.  Last year’s Number Two working Dog, the Akita, GCH CH CR-Wicca’s Trade Secret, bested Matisse at least twice last year on his way to 19 BIS and 59 Working Group Firsts.  Trader was bred by owners Joann Charnik & Carla Burke, is co-owned by Thomas Bavaria & Ann Bavaria, and is handled by Heather Bremmer.

GCH CH Pebbles' Run Play It Again Ham

The Samoyed, GCH CH Pebbles' Run Play It Again Ham, was 2014’s Number Three Working Dog and already has one BIS this year.  Bogey was bred by is owned by Amy Kiel Green and is handled by husband Andrew Green.

GCH CH Mephisto's Speak Of The Devil

There are always a Boxer and a Doberman Pinscher in consideration for the Working Group win at Westminster.  The ones we think will be in judge Theresa Hundt’s ring are the Boxer, GCH CH Mephisto's Speak Of The Devil, and the Doberman,  GCH CH Dezperado's Hallelujah CA CGC.  The Boxer, Devlin already has three BIS  in five final attempts.  Devlin was bred by Michelle Yeadon & Peter Yeadon & Monika Pinsker, is owned by Mrs Jack Billhardt & Sergio Tenenbaum, and is handled by Diego Fernando Garcia.

GCH CH Dezperado's Hallelujah CA CGC 

(photo by Gay Glazbrook)

The Doberman, Glory, had three BIS last year.  She has already matched that total this year in just eight trips to the final ring.  Glory was bred by handler Linda George, Hillary Zimmerman & Rick George , and is owned  by Jacqueline & Alan Wendt.

Next, the Terrier Group.

WWW: THE HOUND GROUP

GCH CH Flessner’s International S’cess

Whom to Watch at Westminster (WWW), the Hound Group.  We love the Hound Group for its diversity and are happy to see both sighthounds and scent hounds among the contenders this year.  Leading the pack is last year’s Number One Hound, the Bloodhound, GCH CH Flessner’s International S’cess, finished last year with 24 BIS and 87 Group Ones.  Nathan is out to a quick start this year with four BIS and 14 Group Ones to lead the Hounds again this year.   Nathan was bred by owner handler Heather and Bryan & Chris Flessner and is co-owned by Shirley VanCamp & Zack Helmer.

GCH CH Tashtin’s Lookin’ for Trouble 

(photo by Kayla Bertagnolli)

Another scent hound, the 15” Beagle, GCH CH Tashtin’s Lookin’ for Trouble, actually won more Hound Groups (91) in 2014, but trailed Nathan in BIS (19).   Miss P was bred by Lori D Crandlemire, is owned by Lori, Eddie Dziuk,  & Kaitlyn Crandlemire, and handled by Will Alexander.

GCH CH Sporting Fields Shameless 

(photo courtesy of AKC)

Leading the sighthounds last year and this year is the Whippet, GCH CH Sporting Fields Shameless.  Brazen already has three BIS and nine group wins this year.   Brazen, the latest BIS winner from the legendary Sporting Fields Kennel, was bred by owner/handler Amanda Giles and co-owner Dionne Butt, and is co-owned by Barbara Call & Jane Cooney-Waterhouse.

GCH CH Tells Matrix Reloaded 

(photo by Gay Glazbrook)

First into judge Betty-Anne Stenmark’s ring Monday night will be the Afghan Hound.  Last year’s Number Four Hound, GCH CH Tells Matrix Reloaded is the favorite in the breed, after finishing 2014 with 17 BIS and 69 Hound groups.  Matrix was bred by Jorgen Collinge & Camilla & Marie-Louise Tell Collinge, is owned by Missy Ann Galloway, and handled by Christian Manelopoulos.

GCH CH Agha Djaris Eye Candy Of Sura CGC

However we expect the Afghan ring to be one of Monday’s most competitive.  We are watching the current Number One Afghan Hound, GCH CH Agha Djaris Eye Candy Of Sura CGC, who won the Hound Group all four days at the huge Rose City Classic cluster in Portland OR in January.  Katy was bred by Stefan Boieck and is owned by James Dalton, Suzanne J Neill, Dr A John Turjoman, & Jamie Souza Bartlet, and handled by Alicia Morrison Jones.

GCH CH Bayaway Jersey's Due Process of Law

For those of you who like a long shot, our dark horse is the Black & Tan, Coonhound,  GCH CH Bayaway Jersey's Due Process of Law, who is currently the Number Six hound with one BIS and three Hound Groups so far this year.  Moses was bred by and is owned by Debra & George Rezendes & Jinnie-Ann Stora and handled by Zach Helmer, the co-owner of the group leading Bloodhound.

Next up is the Working Group.

WHIPPET BIS IN FLORIDA

GCH CH Sporting Fields Shameless 

(photo courtesy of AKC)

The Whippet, GCH CH Sporting Fields Shameless, took advantage of the date shift for Westminster, taking in this week’s Sun n Fun Strawberry Cluster in Lakeland FL. Brazen was judge Angela Porpora’s Best In Show at today’s Lakeland-Winter Have Kennel Club show. 

GCH CH Marblehill's Gleaming Icecaps 

Also asking for judge Porpora’s favor were the Golden Retriever, GCH CH Scion Thank God I'm A Country Boy, the Great Dane, CH Fame & VWF's I'll Have Another, the Welsh Terrier, GCH CH Brynmawr 'N Seaplume's Built Tough, the Toy Manchester Terrier, GCH CH Rustic Lane Sunshine Daydream, the RBIS, the Finnish Spitz, GCH CH Marblehill's Gleaming Icecaps, and the Pembroke Welsh Corgi, CH Riverside My Cup Of Tea. The win makes Brazen the nation’s Number Two Hound with three BIS and nine Hound groups this year.

YORKIE BIS AT PROGRESSIVE

CH Teatime Pastoral Blind Faith

One of our favorite warmups for the Westminster Kennel Club show is the all Toy Dog Progressive Dog Club show held in the Hotel Pennsylvania across the street from Madison Square Garden. With nearly 400 dogs entered, this year’s show was one of the largest collection of Toy Dogs to be seen all year. As usual the competition was fierce with several of last year’s Top Ten failing to get out of the breed, notably in Brussels Griffons, Chinese Crested, and Shih Tzu. 

The President of the PDC, judge Kathleen Kolbert, stepped in for the scheduled judge Jan Paulk, who could not make it to New York after breaking her foot on Tuesday and named the Yorkshire Terrier, CH Teatime Pastoral Blind Faith, her Group One, followed by the Pekingese, GCH CH Pequest General Tso, the Pomeranian, GCH CH Hitime What the Inferno, and the Toy Poodle, GCH CH Smash Jp Beauty & Beat. Not yet two years old, it was the first AKC Group One for the Yorkie from British Columbia. Congratulations to breeder Linda Velazquez and owner Lorraine Hayes. 

WWW: THE SPORTING GROUP

GCH CH Rainbow Splash’s Ruggedly Handsome 

The NBA All Star game has usurped Westminster Kennel Club’s long standing reservation at Madison Square Garden, pushing the WKC’s 139th annual show to a week later this year than normal, despite the fact that the NBA is half the age of the WKC. Nonetheless this year’ show promises to be one of the most exciting and competitive yet. As we look at the contenders this year we find a good mix of the top ranked dogs from 2014 and up and coming dogswho bring a lot of early year momentum to the Big Apple. 

GCH CH Vjk-Myst Garbonita's California Journey 

We start our Whom to Watch at Westminster with a Sporting Group that has one of the great comeback stories of recent history. The German Shorthaired Pointer, GCH CH Vjk-Myst Garbonita's California Journey, started 2015 with a breakout performance on the polo field at the Kennel Club of Palm Springs, going Best In Show at one will be one of the largest shows of this year. Unfortunately, CJ had some emergency surgery two weeks later, threatening what was sure to be a stellar career. Happily CJ has made a full, remarkably speedy recovery, and returned to the show ring this past week picking up two big Group Ones. CJ heads to New York with one BIS and seven Sporting groups. CJ was bred by owner/handler Valerie Nunes-Atkinson, and co-owner Alice Manning. Owner Y Hassler Deter rounds out Team CJ. 

Last year’s Number One Sporting Dog and Number Three Dog All Breeds, the Brittany, GCH CH Rainbow Splash’s Ruggedly Handsome, leads the group again this year. Beckett has been tearing through competition, collecting six BIS and 12 Sporting Groups so far this year. Beckett was bred by Kathy D Hogan & Elud Archuleta Cressler. Kathy co-owns Beckett with Jim & Alisa Andras, Carolee Douglas, & Amanda Cone. Beckett is always guided by handler Clint Livingston. 

GCH CH Telltale American Ride 

( photo by Lynda Beam)

The competition in the English Springer Spaniel ring will be among the toughest at this year’s show. We do expect the Springer, GCH CH Telltale American Ride, to prevail. Randy finished 2014 with 96 Sporting Groups, just one behind the group leading Beckett. Randy takes two BIS and nine Sporting Groups into the Westminster festivities. Randy was bred by owner/handler Robin Novack & owners Celie Florence, Delores Streng, & Beth Fink, and is co-owned by C & D VanVorst. 

GCH CH Ashdown’s time to Thrill 

Among the dogs that Sporting Group judge Ken Murray gave a Group One last year is the Black Cocker Spaniel, GCH CH Ashdown’s time to Thrill. Alan was 2014’s Number Five Sporting Dog with seven BIS and 63 Group Ones. Alan was bred by owners Genea White Jones & Bruce Van Deman, is co-owned by Carolee Douglas, and handled by Linda Pitts. 

Next, the Hounds.

BACK TO PHOENIX

GCH CH Skyline’s Unit Of Measure

When we last checked in on the Heart of the Desert Classic in Phoenix we told you that the Miniature Schnauzer, GCH CH Yanga’s All The Time, was judge Dana Cline’s Best In Show at Friday’s Sahuaro State Kennel Club (SSKC) show.

GCH CH Baghdad Eleganza Extravaganza 

(photo by Hathorn)

At Saturday’s SSKC show BIS judge Nathaniel Horne would see the German Shorthaired Pointer, GCH CH Vjk-Myst Garbonita’s California Journey, the Saluki, GCH CH Baghdad Eleganza Extravaganza, the Boxer, GCH CH Hijinx This Is How I Roll, the Welsh Terrier, GCH CH Andover See-Z The Moment, the Maltese, CH Euphoria Rhapsody Locked In A Tower, the Keeshond, GCH CH Skyline’s Unit Of Measure, and the Pembroke Welsh Corgi, GCH CH Coventry Just A Little Crush.

Finishing one/two were the Keeshond, Cubit, and the Saluki, Pooh.   Cubit is the country’s Number Two Non-Sporting Dog with two BIS and nine Group Ones so far this year.

GCH CH Wind Spirit Rod’s Amazing Grace

Cubit and Lexy, the Welsh Terrier, would be the only ones of Saturday’s finalists to make it back to see BIS judge John Wade at Sunday’s Lost Dutchman Kennel Club (LDKC) show.  Joining them were the Irish setter, GCH CH Tramore’s Notorious, the Basenji, GCH CH Signet’s Mesiterhaus Gossip Girl, the Doberman Pinscher, GCH CH Cambria’s Above and Beyond, the Pomeranian, GCH CH Hitimes What the Inferno, and the Australian Shepherd, GCH CH Wind Spirit Rod’s Amazing Grace.

GCH CH Hitimes What the Inferno

Going to the head of the line was the Aussie, Grace, Closely followed by the RBIS, the Pom, Danny.  It was the second BIS in five final appearances this year for Grace.

Judge Dr Michael Woods closed the set for the LDKC after considering the previously mentioned Irish Setter, Saluki, Miniature Schnauzer, Pom, Keeshond, & Australian Shepherd and the Great Dane, GCH CH Adelaides Gridiron “Sweetness”.  Taking home the last big rosette of the weekend was Pooh, the Saluki.  The country’s Number One Toy Dog, the Pom, Danny, would add another RBIS to his impressive 2015 resume.  It was the first BIS of the year for Pooh in six trips to the final ring.  Congratulations to breeders Baghdad Kennels in Australia, owner Lyndell Ackerman, and handler Emma Bawden.

RECORD BREAKING SHAR-PEI BIS

 

GCH Shine’s Deck the Halls

We get to our Monday Mop Up after spending much of our weekend in the hospital with our 83 year old mother.  Happily she is much better and we now are able to tell you about what’s been happening in Indianapolis and Phoenix this past weekend.

GCH CH Stargazer N Wingfield Wait Wait Don’t Tell

We continue to see breed records fall with the latest coming at Sunday’s Hoosier Kennel Club show in Indianapolis where judge Houston Clark awarded the Chinese Shar-Pei, GCH Shine’s Deck the Halls, her 21^st AKC all breed Best In Show.   Joining Tinsel in the final ring were the RBIS, the English Setter, GCH CH Stargazer N Wingfield Wait Wait Don’t Tell, the Bloodhound, GCH CH Flessner’s International S’Cess, the Doberman Pinscher, GCH CH Kamterra’s Legato, the Russell Terrier, GCH CH Baylock Heart of Fire, the Brussels Griffon, GCH CH Fist Face A Penny for your Thought, and the Old English Sheepdog, GCH CH Lambluv Sultry Sensation.

Tinsel has been the Number One Chinese Shar-Pei these last two season and leads the Non-Sporting Group this year with three BIS, three RBIS and eight Group Ones. 

GCH CH Kamterra’s Legato

(photo by Derek Glas)

At Saturday’s Central Indiana Kennel Club show judge Steven Seymour chose his top two from the Golden Retriever, GCH CH Forever’s All Jacked Up CGC , the same Bloodhound and Doberman, the Wire Fox Terrier, CH Hampton Courts Monte Cristo, the Shih Tzu, GCH CH Hallmark Jolei Rocket Power, the Schipperke, GCH CH Rivendel ‘s Barefoot Bandit, and the Bouvier des Flandres, GCH CH Stonepillar’s Steel Blue.

Finishing one two were the Doberman and the Wire Fox.  It was the first this year for Legato.  Congratulations to breeders/owners Kathy & Mike Moats and handler Vicki Seiler.

PWD IN PURSUIT OF RECORD

GCH CH Claircreek’s Impression de Matisse 

(photo courtesy of AKC)

The Portuguese Water Dog, GCH CH Claircreek’s Impression de Matisse, renewed his pursuit of the title of winningest show dog in AKC history with a Best In Show at today’s Maryland Kennel Club show in West Friendship MD. 

GCH CH Lockenhaus Rumor Has It v Kenlyn 

Joining Matisse and handler Michael Scott in judge Charles Trotter’s final was the Pointer, GCH CH Hipoint Here Comes The Sun, the Black & Tan Coonhound, GCH CH Bayaway Jersey’s Due Process of Law, the Russell Terrier, GCH CH Goldsands Billie Jean CA, the Smooth Coat Chihuahua, GCH CH Sonnus Filho (Sanchez), the French Bulldog, Entourage de Couture, and the RBIS, the German Shepherd Dog, GCH CH Lockenhaus Rumor Has It v Kenlyn. 

It was Matisse’s 238th career BIS and his ninth BIS this year. The win leave Matisse 36 BIS shy of the 275 won by the German Shepherd Dog, CH Altana’s Mystique.

GOLDEN BEST IN MASSACHUSETTS

GCH CH Nautilus Key Stone 

 Our first report today comes in W Springfield MA where judge Dr Anthony DiNardo named the Golden Retriever, GCH CH Nautilus Key Stone, his Best In Show at today’s First Company Governors Foot Guard Athletic Association show. 

GCH CH Erin’s I’m Your Man 

Joining in the final ring were the Whippet, GCH CH Sporting Fields Shameless, the Boxer, GCH CH Encore’s Mimosa, the Smooth Fox Terrier, GCH CH Absolutely Signature, the Havanesse, GCH CH Fuzzy Farm Wait Wait Don’t Tell Me, the RBIS, the Dalmatian, GCH CH Erin’s I’m Your Man, and the Bearded Collie, GCH CH Classical’s My Turn. 

It was the first BIS for three year old Key Stone. Congratulations to breeder/owner Julie Mackinnon, owner Debra Hubbard and handler Mark Desrosiers.