TOY POODLE BIS IN OREGON

GCH CH North Well Vivian JP Rose Queen 

We wake to hear that the Toy Poodle, GCH CH North Well Vivian JP Rose Queen, was judge Joan Anselm’s BIS at Friday’s Linn County Kennel Club in Albany OR. 

GCH CH De Joie Du Chateau Rocher CA 

Challenging Rosie for the win were the Labrador Retriever, CH Ghoststone’s Swinging Single, the Black & Tan Coonhound, GCH CH Southchase’s Wilbert Roy, the Akita, GCH CH Mojo’s Continuation of a Myth, the Lakeland Terrier, GCH CH Northcote’s Fire Ranger, the Chow Chow, GCH CH Padow’s Too Hot To Handle, and her RBIS, the Beauceron, GCH CH De Joie Du Chateau Rocher CA. The win make’s Rosie the Number Three Toy Dog in the US with two BIS in six final appearances this year.

DACHSHUND BIS IN MISSISSIPPI

GCH CH Leoralee’s Supernatural MW

The Meri-Miss Kennel Club had the day two spot at Friday’s edition of the Crawfish Cluster in Hattiesburg MS about 75 miles from the Gulf of Mexico. The seven dogs that BIS judge Jerry Watson considered were the German Shorthaired Pointer, GCH CH Ehrenvogel Achy Breaky Heart, the Wirehaired Dachshund, GCH CH Leoralee’s Supernatural MW, the Great Dane, GCH CH Journeys Gentlemen Prefer Blondes, the Staffordshire Bull Terrier, GCH CH Roughneck’s Casual Look, the Chinese Crested, GCH CH Kaylen’s Kahlua, the Bichon Frise, GCH CH Belle Creek’s All I Care About Is Love, and the German Shepherd Dog, GCH CH Lockenhaus Rumor Has It V Kenlyn. 

GCH CH Belle Creek’s All I Care About Is Love

His BIS was the Dachshund and his RBIS was the Bichon. It was the first all-breed BIS for the four year old dog. Congratulations to breeder/owner/handler Marietta Singleton and co-breeder Suzann Steele.

CLUMBER BIS IN TEXAS

GCH CH Clussexx Over The Legal Limit

Professional handlers Clint Livingston and Jorge Olivera made a stop in Midland TX enroute from the Westminster Kennel Club show to their respective homes in California and Colorado.  It turned out to be a very fortuitous pause as Jorge took the BIS at today’s West Texas Kennel Club show with his Clumber Spaniel, GCH CH Clussexx Over The Legal Limit, and Clint collected the RBIS with his Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen, GCH CH Iceage V Tum-Tums Vriendjes.

Jorge’s assistants would also secure Group One placements for the Miniature Bull Terrier, GCH CH Dytona VIP, and the Affenpinscher, GCH CH Tamarin Tanner.  Clint’s assistants would pick up Group Ones on the Akita, GCH CH Stardust’s Broadway Joe, and the Chinese Shar-Pei, CH Jade East Catch Some Zs.  Completing judge Edd Bivin’s final seven was the German Shepherd Dog, GCH CH Heidelberg’s Austin V Melissa, handled by Alfonso Escobedo.

.It was the first BIS of the year for Hobson who finished 2014 with three BIS and 27 Sporting Groups.  Congratulations to Jorge, breeders Clussexx Kennel, Jamie Hubbard, & Michael & Shirley Lambert, and owners Joseph Sanchez III & Carla Sanchez.

SKYE BEST IN FLORIDA

GCH CH Cragsmoor Good Time Charlie

Tallahassee FL is one of the few places you can go to a dog show this weekend without your snow boots.   Judge Gene Blake’s lucky seven at today’s  Greater Panama City Dog Fanciers Association show were the English Springer Spaniel, GCH CH Telltale American Ride, the Whippet, GCH CH Sporting Fields Brazen, the Doberman Pinscher, GCH CH Holly Woods Angels N Demons, the Skye Terrier, GCH CH Cragsmoor Good Time Charlie, the Smooth Chihuahua, GCH CH Sonnus Filho (Sanchez), the Bulldog, GCH CH Cherokee Legend Cowboy, and the Cardigan Welsh Corgi, GCH CH Riverside Telltail Coco Posh.

GCH CH Sonnus Filho (Sanchez)

The luckiest Among them were judge Blake’s BIS, the Skye, Charlie, and his RBIS, the Chihuahua, Sonnito.  Charlie, is of course the 2015 Westminster Kennel Club’s Reserve Best In Show.  He is also 2015’s current Number One Terrier and Number Four Dog All Breeds with seven BIS in 15 final appearances.

BLOODHOUND BIS IN CHILLY NY

GCH CH Flessner’s International S’cess 

We have to admit that we hate cold weather. We blame that on a year spent at the University of Rochester in Rochester NY in the 1960s, a month in Chicago in late fall in 1978, and two weeks in February 1991 in Minneapolis. So we greatly admire the determination of exhibitors that braved single digit temperatures to attend today’s Wallkill Kennel Club show in Suffern NY. 

The seven who were rewarded with an audience with BIS judge Alfred Ferruggiaro were the Pointer, GCH CH Hipoint Here Comes The Sun, the Bloodhound, GCH CH Flessner’s International S’cess, the Doberman Pinscher, GCH CH Mistal’s Can Can, the Wire Fox Terrier, CH Foxhaus Skyfall At Foxhollow, the Italian Greyhound, GCH CH GDM Zenyatta At Lakeside, the Dalmatian, GCH CH Merry Go Round Coach Master, and the Old English Sheepdog, GCH CH Bagatelle Rolling Moon Stone. 

Collecting the top two prizes were the Bloodhound and the OES. The Blood, Nathan, fresh from his Westminster Group Two, is the nation’s Number One Hound and Number Six Dog All Breeds with five BIS in 15 final attempts this year.

FIRST POST WESTMINSTER SHOW

GCH CH Lockenhaus Rumor Has It v Kenlyn 

Our first post Westminster all breed show this year was Thursday’s Greater Hattiesburg Kennel Club in that small Mississippi town an hour north of the Gulf of Mexico. There to collect the big rosette from judge Paula Hartinger was the nation’s Number One Dog All Breeds, the German Shepherd Dog, GCH CH Lockenhaus Rumor Has It v Kenlyn. 

GCH CH Kaylen’s Kahlua 

(photo by Vincent)

Also seeking judge Hartinger’s favor were the Weimaraner, GCH CH Kristen’s On The Record With Ashmore, the 15” Beagle, GCH CH Honey Pot Bee In Love With Men, the Boxer, GCH CH Rummer Run’s Black Magic, the Welsh Terrier, GCH CH Brynnmawr N Seaplumes Built Tough, the RBIS, the Chinese Crested, GCH CH Kaylen’s Kahlua, and the Bichon Frise, GCH CH Belle Creeks All I Care About Is Love. The win brings the Westminster Group Four’s 2015 record to ten BIS, six RBIS, and 18 Herding Group Ones.

A DAMN NICE PULI

Owner/Handler Rhonda-Lynn DiMatteo and her Puli, 

GCH CH Zaydah Guns A Blazing 

We were slogging through Facebook this morning and saw this bit about the Puli’s handler at the Westminster Kennel Club (WKC) show. For those of you who missed Monday's Herding Group judging, Rhonda-Lynn DiMatteo, owner/handler of the Puli breed winner, GCH CH Zaydah Guns A Blazing, was dressed in a yellow track suit. Before we go any further, let’s state the obvious. We are not female and lack the powers of observation of that sex. Now, we are traditionalists when it comes to dress in the show ring. We think a man should have a jacket and tie and a woman should have an business appropriate outfit. I understand the inclination to dress up for special shows like the evening judging at the WKC or AKC/Eukanuba National Championship (AENC) though we do think it’s just as egregious to be over dressed as under dressed. 

We understand that Ms DiMatteo was the unlucky victim of the airlines who lost her bag and did not have the resources to go out and purchase something more appropriate. After watching one of our co-workers do an important business presentation while dressed in jeans, we have made it a practice of traveling in something that could get us through important meetings. We are surprised that one of the many exhibitors who did have an appropriate outfit, but were not fortunate enough to win their breed, did not come forward and offer to loan her something to wear. 

But all of that is Monday morning quarterbacking. Here’s the bottom line. We watched both the breed judging and group judging. It was not until we saw the above referenced article and we went back over the recording of Monday evening’s judging, that we noticed the Puli handler’s attire. What we had remembered was that was a damn nice Puli. Congratulations to Ms DiMatteo and the Puli’s breeders Jacki Evans & Pete Evans on their breed win and an outstanding performance in the group ring.

BEAGLES TRY HARDER

GCH CH Tashtin’s Lookin for Trouble

2015 Westminster Kennel Club Best In Show

(photo courtesy of Westminster Kennel Club)

We had been expecting surprises at the 139^th iteration of the Westminster Kennel Club show, but we nor any of the other dog show pundits or odds makers had the 15” Beagle, GCH CH Tashtin’s Lookin for Trouble, taking the top prize.  All of the smart money was on 2014’s Number One Dog All Breeds, the Portuguese Water Dog, GCH CH Claircreek’s Impression de Matisse.  After all, Matisse has won more BIS than any other dog in AKC history save one, the German Shepherd, CH Altana’s Mystique.  Matisse was a hometown favorite, owned by a New Yorker.  Matisse was handled by a top tier professional whose wife had already won in the Garden twice.

GCH CH Cragsmoor Goodtime Charlie

2015 Westminster Kennel Club Reserve Best In Show

(photo courtesy of Wesminster Kennel Club)

There was also the top winning Old English Sheepdog of all time, GCH CH Bugaboo’s Picture Perfect.  Swagger had burst on the scene by winning the first ever Westminster Reserve Best In Show in 2013…from the classes.  He went on to defeat 118,634 dogs in 2014.  That’s more than most Number One Dogs from the past decade.  There was this year’s RBIS, the Skye Terrier, GCH CH Cragsmoor Goodtime Charlie, who bested the Best at December’s capstone AKC/Eukanuba National Championship (AENC).  Charlie was 2014’s Number Five Dog All Breeds and holds the Number Four Spot this year.

There was 2014’s Number Three Dog, the ubiquitous Standard Poodle, GCH CH Dawin Hearts on Fire.   There was the Shih Tzu, GCH CH Hallmark Jolei Rocket Power, the AENC’s Toy Group winner.  Although relatively unknown, the English Springer Spaniel, GCH CH Wynmoor Sweetgrass White Diamonds, had beaten the top two Sporting Dogs, the Brittany, GCH CH Rainbow Splash’s Ruggedly Handsome, and the English Setter, GCH CH Stargaze'R 'N Wingfield Wait Wait Don't Tell, to make it to judge David Merriam’s final.

Then we remembered the Beagle’s call name, Miss P, and we got a BGO (Blinding Glimpse of the Obvious).   It is a feminist mantra that a woman has to be twice as good as a man to get to the top in America and so it is with breeds like the Beagle.  They have to be twice as good as their more flashy opponents to get a Best In Show.  Miss P did just that last year.  She finished as the Number Two Hound and Number 11 Dog All Breeds with 19 top prizes in 91 trips to the final ring.  

Last night Miss P raised the bar again, never allowing judge Merriam to ignore her.  In the end, she brought the performance with the structure necessary to overcome the Beagle’s everyman status in the dog world.  Today Miss P is not everyman, she is the 2015 Westminster Kennel Club Best In Show winner.  Congratulations to breeder/owner Lori Crandlemire, owner Eddie Dziuk & Kaitlyn Crandlemire, and handler Will Alexander.

SUNDAY IN TEXAS

GCH CH Sindarin’s Where The Magic Begins

We have one more weekend report for you before we return to our Westminster Kennel Club tweeting. The Guadalupe Valley Dog Fanciers wrapped their weekend in Austin TX with judge Laurie King Telfair in the final ring with the German Shorthaired Pointer, GCH CH Silverlakes Taittinger Millesime, the Whippet, GCH CH Debmar Lovin Dixie, the Great Dane, GCH CH Old Mission’s Lucid Dream, the Colored Bull Terrier, GCH CH Glentom’s Dirty Harry, the CH Hill Country’s Let’s Get Ready To Rumble, the Standard Poodle, GCH CH Bar-None Pistolera, and the Belgian Tervuren, GCH CH Sindarin’s Where The Magic Begins. 

 Finishing one/two were the Tervuren and the Whippet. It was the first for the Tervuren. Congratulations to breeders Nicki Jones & Ernest Jones, owner/handler Melinda Andric, and co-owner J Hawes. We hope to have photos for you soon.

SUNDAY IN DES MOINES

GCH CH Forever’s All Jacked Up CGC 

Judge Barbara Dempsey Alderman was in Des Moines on Sunday to call the Best In Show for the Cyclone Country Kennel Club of Ames. Her seven options were the Golden Retriever, GCH CH Forever’s All Jacked Up CGC, the Saluki, GCH CH Baghdad A Missdemeanor, the Doberman Pinscher, GCH CH Phillmar Superman, the Wire Fox Terrier, GCH CH Fyrewyre Fit To Be Tied, the Blenheim & Prince Charles, GCH CH Xela’s ET Phone Home, the Keeshond, CH Wund-R Y Bases Loaded RN CGCA, and the Old English Sheepdog, GCH CH Lambluv’s Sultry Sensation. 

GCH CH Phillmar Superman 

The two she liked were the Golden, Whiskey, and the Doberman, Steel. It was the first this year for Whiskey, who finished 2014 with one BIS and 14 Sporting groups. Congratulations to breeder/owner/handler Jennifer Hoffman, fellow breeders/owners Randahl Hoffmann & Candy Nee, and co-breeder Suzie Jordan.

GLEN OF IMAAL RECORD

GCH CH Finnabair Ardmore Ned 

The Colorado Kennel Club offered lots of points for those willing to skip Westminster. One dog, the Glen of Imaal Terrier, GCH CH Finnabair Ardmore Ned, made the most of the big entries, picking up both BIS and more than 3,000 points. 

GCH CH Eastern-Magic Fly Me Safe 

Sunday judge John Wade picked Ned out of a lineup that included the Golden Retriever, GCH CH Summit’s The Vanilla Sky, the Whippet, GCH CH Starline’s Jimmy Choo, the Mastiff, GCH CH Pioneer’s Shabri-Els Shaken Bacon, the Maltese, GCH CH Vellavicas Fabulous Dior, the RBIS, the Chow Chow, GCH CH Eastern-Magic Fly Me Safe, and the Australian Shepherd, GCH CH Catalina BarefootBlueJeanNight. 

CH Qazara Ti Amo 

Ned and the Golden, Wally, would return to the final ring to plead their case with judge Jay Richardson. They were joined by the Longhaired Dachshund, GCH CH Telkel Need Coffee Now SL, the Mastiff, GCH CH Friends Sargeant Breakthrough, the Smooth Coat Chihuahua, GCH CH Shorepointe’s Buddy Dazzler, the RBIS, the French Bulldog, CH Qazara Ti Amo, and the Australian Shepherd, Impacts Blew By Ewe CGC. 

The two wins were Ned’s first of 2015 and make him the top winning Glen of Imaal Terrier of all time, with three career Bests. Ned, who is the only Glen of Imaal to win a BIS in the last ten years, finished last year with one BIS and 15 Terrier Groups.  Congratulations to breeder/owner Mary McDaniel DVM, co-breeder Margret Ewald, owners Donald Doyle & Ann Doyle, and handler Beverly Osment.

SANTA CLARA VALLEY KENNEL CLUB

GCH CH Seacrest's I'm Not What You Think 

Before we get into Westminster breed action let’s catch you up on the rest of the shows this weekend. When we lived in the San Francisco Bay Area, exhibitors fresh from Westminster would carry stories about the world’s greatest dog show to the Santa Clara Valley Kennel Club show to share with those of us who weren’t able to make the trip. This year everyone was checking their cellphones for Facebook and Instagram photos of friends at the weekend festivities preceding Westminster. 

The seven dogs that BIS judge Dr Ronald Spritzer considered Sunday were the English Springer Spaniel, GCH CH Foxboro N Shardust Authentic, the Irish Wolfhound, CH Folkloire's All Jazzed Up, the Newfoundland, GCH CH Seacrest's I'm Not What You Think, the Kerry Blue Terrier, GCH CH Kallehan's Parallel Lines, the Pekingese, CH Imperial Palace Dunkirk Candy Kisses, the Dalmatian, CH Rock N Gold Rush Double Dipped Delight, and the Smooth Collie, GCH CH Travler Kelise Overdrive. 

The two he liked were the Newfoundland, Dexter, whom he gave the BIS, and the Springer, Maddox, whom he gave the RBIS. It was the second BIS of the year in eight final Appearances for Dexter. 

GCH CH Foxboro N Shardust Authentic 

On Monday judge Del Richards would see it the other way round naming Maddox BIS and Dexter RBIS, while the Longhaired Dachshund, GCH CH Walmar-Solo's IOU SL, the Airedale Terrier, GCH CH Brisline's Zeta Jones, the Havanese, GCH CH Oeste's Stealing The Starlight, the Lhasa Apso, CH Magic's Suck It Up, and the returning Collie looked on. It was the first of the year for Maddox who finished 2014 with two BIS and 18 Sporting Groups.

WESTMINSTER 2015 DAY ONE

GCH CH Bugaboo’s Picture Perfect Day 

Day One at Westminster brought some surprises. From the start we saw several of the favorites in the Toy and Non-Sporting Groups fail to get out of the breed. However, the biggest surprise was reserved for the Herding Group where last year’s group winner, the Cardigan Welsh Corgi, GCH CH Riverside Telltail Coco Posh, was bested by the top winning Cardigan of all time, GCH CCH Aubrey’s Tails of Mystery. 

However, the Cardigan, Libby, was not able to break through to a group placement. Herding Group judge Klaus Anselm’s top four were the Old English Sheepdog, GCH CH Bugaboo’s Picture Perfect, the Bouvier des Flandres, GCH CH Stonepillar's Steel Blu, the Australian Shepherd, GCH CH Copper Hills No Reservations CGC, and the German Shepherd Dog, GCH CH Lockenhaus' Rumor Has It V Kenlyn. 

GCH CH Dawin Hearts on Fire 

We were not surprised that Non-Sporting Group judge Shirley Limoges went with the Standard Poodle, GCH CH Dawin Hearts on Fire, as her Group One. We were surprised that she left out the Chinese Shar-Pei, GCH CH Shine’s Deck the Halls, and the Keeshond, GCH CH Skyline’s Unit of Measure. Rounding out her four were the Xoloitzcuintli, GCH CH Bayshore Giorgio Armani, the Bichon Saks Winning Card, and the American Eskimo Dog, GCH CH Nuuktok's Atka Inukshuk. 

GCH CH Hallmark Jolie Rocket Power 

While our top two picks, the Shih Tzu, GCH CH Hallmark Jolie Rocket Power, and the Pomeranian, GCH CH Hitime What the Inferno, made it into judge Elliot Weiss’ Toy Group, we did not predict that the Yorkshire Terrier, GCH CH Trio’s Big Shot (whom we love), would get the Number Three spot, or the Havanese, GCH CH Love's Havaheart Los Goodfellas (whom we have never seen) would come in as Number Four. 

GCH CH Tashtin’s Lookin’ for Trouble 

Finally, while we knew that judge Betty-Anne Stenmark would find room for her Hound Group winner, the 15” Beagle, GCH CH Tashtin’s Lookin’ for Trouble, and her Number Two, the Bloodhound, GCH CH Flessner’s International S’Cess, we were pleasantly surprised that she found room for the Otterhound, GCH CH Aberedeen’s Under the Influence, and our dark horse, the Black & Tan Coonhound, GCH CH Bayaway Due Process of Law. After Day One we think we are headed for one of the most exciting Westminster finals ever.

HERDING GROUP UPDATE

GCH CH Aubrey’s Tails of Mystery

You might remember that we warned you yesterday about Ghosts from Westminsters Past. This morning in judge Robert Slay’s Cardigan Welsh Corgi ring, last year’s Herding Group winner, GCH CH Riverside Telltail Coco Posh, watched the top winning Cardigan of all time, GCH CH Aubrey’s Tails of Mystery, take the breed. Tonight’s Herding Group judge, Klaus Anselm, gave Libby two BIS and several Group Ones before she retired.

PLUM CREEK KENNEL CLUB

GCH CH Rainbow Splash’s Ruggedly Handsome 

(photo by Derek Glas) 

With Westminster previews out of the way we can return to our usual reporting and check in on Friday’s and Saturday’s shows. First we go to Denver where the Plum Creek Kennel Club (PCKC) hosted the first two days of the Rocky Mountain Cluster. Judge Pluis Davern had Friday’s final and her pick of the Brittany, GCH CH Rainbow Splash’s Ruggedly Handsome, the Whippet, GCH CH Starline’s Jimmy Choo, the Bernese Mountain Dog, GCH CH Snowbiz’s Blackmountain Berner Schultz, the Glen of Imaal Terrier, GCH CH Finnabair Ardmore Ned, the Smooth Coat Chihuahua, GCH CH Shorepointe’s Buddy Dazzler, the Bulldog, GCH CH Wilson’s I’m Your Handyman, and the Shetland Sheepdog, GCH CH Thunderhill’s Apple Bottom Jeans. 

GCH CH Finnabair Ardmore Ned 

Best went to the nation’s Number One Sporting Dog, the Brittany, Beckett, Reserve to the Glen of Imaal, Ned. Beckett heads to New York with seven BIS on his 2015 resume. 

GCH CH Thunderhill’s Apple Bottom Jeans 

Returning to the final ring on Saturday were the Whippet, Glen of Imaal, Chihuahua, and Sheltie. Joining them in judge Dianne Miller’s ring were the Vizsla, GCH DC Boulders N Fusions Power Trip MH, the Mastiff, Friend’s Sargeant Breakthrough, and the Miniature Poodle, GCH CH Rosebell Pzazz Perfectly Charming.

GCH DC Boulders N Fusions Power Trip MH 

Judge Miller’s BIS was the Sheltie, Bindi, and her RBIS, the Vizsla, Trip. It was the first of the year for Bindi who finished 2014 with three BIS and nine Herding Groups. Congratulations to breeders/owners Michelle & Marty Miller and owner Anne Power.

BREEDER/OWNER/HANDLER BIS

CH Hill Country's Let's Get Ready To Rumble 

One of the things we have enjoyed the most about our sport is the variety of people we encounter in the show hall. We are always surprised to find out a fellow fancier is a high government official, a fabulously wealthy businessman, or an actor we did not recognize. We are also happy that the sports welcomes those of us that don't get around as well as others. Breeder/owner/handler Kristy Ratliff, who shows her Pug, CH Hill Country's Let's Get Ready To Rumble, using a wheelchair, is currently Number 15 in the AKC National Owner-Handled Rankings. Saturday Kristy and Rumble joined the ranks of regular Best In Show winners taking the top prize at the Guadalupe Valley Dog Fanciers show in Austin TX. 

GCH CH Alliebeckscion Love On The Rocks 

 Joining Kristy and Rumble in Pat Hastings final were the RBIS, the Golden Retriever, GCH CH Alliebeckscion Love On The Rocks, the Borzoi, GCH CH La Verite Belote, the Boxer, GCH CH Cinnibon N 4ms Shameless, the West Highland White Terrier, GCH CH Tullyblooms Classified Credentials, the Standard Poodle, GCH CH Bar-None Pistolera, and the Belgian Tervuren, GCH CH Sindarins Where The Magic Begins. It was the first BIS and the first Group One for Rumble. Congratulations to Kristy and breeder/owner Kevin Ratliff.

WELSH TERRIER BEST IN IOWA

GCH CH Shaireab’s Bayleigh Maid of Honor 

(photo by Jeffrey Hanlin)

Another of our Westminster picks is out this weekend picking up another BIS on her way to the Garden. The Welsh Terrier, GCH CH Shaireab’s Bayleigh Maid of Honor, stopped off in Des Moines IA to pick up the top prize at Saturday’s Cyclone Country Kennel Club of Ames show. 

GCH CH Careva’s Boodelicious 

Joining Jennie and handler Luis Abreu in judge Nancy Liebes’ final were the Irish Water Spaniel, GCH CH Beaufield’s Boundary Waters At Pooles Ide, the Bloodhound, Loamy’s Lanes Magic for Sherick, the Doberman Pinscher, GCH CH Phillmar Superman, the RBIS, the Pug, GCH CH Careva’s Boodelicious, the Lhasa Apso, GCH CH Shoyu Blowin My Horn At Orlane, and the Belgian Tervuren, GCH CH Stonewall’s Let’s Make It A Double. Jennie is the current Number Three Terrier with four BIS in seven final appearances this year.

WWW: THE HERDING GROUP

GCH CH Bugaboo’s Picture Perfect

(photo courtesy of AKC)

Whom to Watch at Westminster (WWW), the Herding Group:  Our Herding Group this year is topped by the Old English Sheepdog, GCH CH Bugaboo’s Picture Perfect.  Swagger came from the classes to win the first ever Westminster Kennel Club Reserve Best In Show in 2013 and had gone on to become the top winning OES in AKC history.  Last year Swagger finished with 88 BIS and 147 Group Ones, defeating 118,634 dogs along the way.  In any other year that would have been good enough to make him the Number One Dog All Breeds.  However, Swagger had to contend with the top winning male show dog ever and finished in the runner up spot.  Swagger was the clear crown favorite in 2013 and is sure to have a huge cheering section this year.  Swagger was bred by and is owned by Colton Johnson, Heather Johnson, & Douglas & Michaelanne Johnson, with  owners Ron Scott & Debbie Burke, and handled by Colton.

GCH CH Lockenhaus Rumor Has It v Kenlyn

Swagger’s main competition in the group will come from the current Number One Dog All Breeds, the German Shepherd Dog, GCH CH Lockenhaus Rumor Has It v Kenlyn.   Rumor has already has nine BIS, four RBIS, and 16 Group Ones this year, with the latest BIS coming over  last year’s Number One Dog All Breeds.  Rumor was bred by and is owned by Kent Bolyes &  Pamela McElheney, with owners Deborah Stern & A & M Derose.

GCH CH Cordmaker Topsy Turvey

Last year’s Number Two Herding Dog was the Puli, GCH CH Cordmaker Topsy Turvey, finishing  with 15 BIS and 68 Herding Groups.  Charlotte was the Group Two at last year’s Westminster and is sure to be in the contention this year.  Charlotte’s handler Linda Pitts won back-to-back Herding Groups at Westminster with the Puli, CH Cordmaker Field of Dreams, in 2009 and 2010.   Charlotte was bred by Sue Huebner, who co-owns Charlotte with Jacquelyn Beaudoin & Penny Kelly.

GCH CH Riverside Telltail Coco Posh 

(photo by Jeffrey Hanlin)

Last year’s Herding Group winner was the Cardigan Welsh Corgi, GCH CH Riverside Telltail Coco Posh.  Coco was 2014’s Number Three Herding Dog with 13 BIS and 50 Herding Groups.  Coco is in the same spot so far this year with one BIS and 11 Group Ones.  Coco was bred by and is owned by Julie & Bill Divens & Deborah Shindle, with Dina Manship Planche, and is handled by Lois DeMers.

So who do we think will win the heavy silver?  We never bet the lunch money, especially at Westminster, but we do think that the Portuguese Water Dog, GCH CH Claircreek’s Impression de Matisse, is one of the most impressive dogs we have seen in our nearly 50 years in the sport.  However, we will leave you with this.  WATCH FOR THE SPOLIERS.  Rumors abound, but we do expect some of the dogs we expected to be in New York to stay home and there are always surprise appearances by dogs from Westminsters past and the possible interloper from abroad.