NOT EXACTLY RETIRED

Mark Twain is alleged to have said, “The reports of my death are greatly exaggerated”, and we have learned that announcing the retirement of the Scottish Deerhound, CH Jaraluv Ouija, the top deerhound in history, requires some amendment.

CH Jaraluv Ouija & Breeder/Owner Ray Brinlee

Ouija is at home with breeder/owners Ray & Jana Brinlee in Walla Walla WA, taking a much needed breather before Westminster. However, Ray Brinlee tells us that Ouija, who is not yet four years old, will be at selected shows in the future, most notably, the Scottish Deerhound National Specialty in May at Purina Farms, in Gray Summit MO. Hopefully, Ray will give us a heads up when she is out and about, so we can let you know where you can see this beautiful example of the breed.

Jaraluv, which stands for Jana’s & Ray’s Love, was established in 1980 with their foundation bitch, CH Shanid Guinevere (Gigi). Since then there have been 72 more Jaraluv deerhounds, averaging one litter every three years. With just one Norwegian import, 71 were bred by Ray & Jana (including eight stud fee puppies) and an impressive group they have been, 54 champions, 24 Group winners and ten different BIS winners.

Five members of the Jaraluv "K" Litter At 2002 SDCA National Specialty, L to R-

CH Jaraluv Keep The Faith with Ray Brinlee (BOB)
CH Jaraluv Kempthorne with Mike Stone (BOS)
CH Jaraluv Kinetic Energy with Mary Dukes (AOM)
CH Jaraluv Kobe with Jana Brinlee (AOM)
CH Jaraluv Kassandra with Steve Gibbs (AOM)

Ray and Jana have especially fond memories of one litter of twelve, the “K” litter, all of whom became Champions. One was shipped off to Norway, but the remaining eleven went on to win Hound Group placements, ten won Hound Group firsts, and three became BIS winners. Eight members of the litter had a family reunion at the 2002 National Specialty of the Scottish Deerhound Club of America. Seven made Swedish judge Ray Lindholm’s final cut before he gave five of them awards, BOB, BOS, and three AOM. One of the the litter, CH Jaraluv Keep The Faith, Ouija's dam, is the only Deerhound to have won the SDCA National Specialty three consecutive years. Another, CH Jaraluv Kobe, is the sire of CH Jaraluv Michael, Ouija's father. Michael is the top male Deerhound in history with ten BIS.

The Brinlees have kept a tight focus on consistency and uniformity of type and believe large numbers are not necessary to success. Today, the Brinlees keep between four and six adults, all in their home. There are no kennels, just a puppy paddock and a big back yard. It is a model that works in an environment of restrictive zoning and a community sensitive to animal rights activists. The Brinlees tell us their goal was to leave the Scottish Deerhound breed better off than we they began. We think they have been a shining example of how to do it right.

WWW THE HOUND GROUP

What to Watch for at Westminster
The Hound Group

The Hound Group will be judged by the most successful breeder/owner/handler in Westminster history, Patricia Craige Trotter. Pat won the Hound Group there an astounding ten times with her Vin-Melca Norwegian Elkhounds. You may remember her from the BBE final seven at AKC/Eukanuba National Championship where she and CH Vin-Melca’s Margretta represented the Hound Group.

CH Kiarry's Reflections Of The Sun

One of the breeder/owner/handler’s we expect to see in the Westminster Hound Group will be Lisa Miller. Her American Foxhound, CH Kiarry's Reflections Of The Sun. Sunny was the best American Foxhound in 2008 with seven BIS and was the BOB at last year‘s show. This year he has won two BIS, including the one that stopped the Best In Show winning streak of the Pointer, CH Cookieland Seasyde Hollyberry, at ten. He has also won the Hound Group at the Sand and Sea Kennel Club last week finishing ahead of the 2008 top Hound, the Harrier, CH Downhome Family Tradition. Sunny, bred and owned by Lisa, Donna Millman & Les Millman, co-owned with Harry Miller, Lisa's husband.

CH Downhome Family Tradition

The aforementioned Harrier, Coda, finished 2008 with 22 BIS, but has not won a BIS yet this year. However, Judge Trotter has awarded Coda the top award in the past, though that is not a reliable predictor of success at Westminster. Coda, the top Harrier ever, was bred by Jeff & Barbara Fox, Linda Johnston, & Susan Lowder, is owned by Susan and Dr. and Mrs. William Truesdale, and handled by Kim Pastella Calvacca.

CH Jaraluv Ouija

Less rare than the Foxhound or Harrier, but more ancient, is the Scottish Deerhound. The best Deerhound in 2008 and the number two Hound is CH Jaraluv Ouija. Ouija won 16 BIS last year, many of them coming as she competed with kennelmate CH Galilee's Pure Of Spirit, the Giant Schnauzer, the number one dog in 2008. Ouija has been resting up after the 2008 campaign at home with breeders/owners Ray & Jana Brinlee (She is co-owned with Steven & Eileen Biles), but is entered. She would have to be on any Hound Group judge’s short list.

CH Rokeena Carte Blanche

One other hound that has caught fire lately is the Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen, CH Rokeena Carte Blanche, an Australian import. CeeJay has already won three BIS this year. CeeJay, an Australian import, is the 2008 PBGVCA National Specialty Winner and a multiple BIS winner in Australia and the USA. This brilliant mover was bred by Robin Wallis of Gisborne, Australia, is owned by Robin and her, husband, Russell, and Jose, Yvonee, & Christina Herrera, and handled by Jane Alston-Myers.

Next up, a look at the Working Group.

GEORGE J. HEITZMAN

We have learned that popular AKC judge, George J. Heitzman passed away yesterday, with wife, Barbara Dempsey Alderman at his side. Barbara is also an AKC judge. George had suffered a severe stroke back in November while in route to a show.

AKC Judge George J. Heitzman

George spent nearly sixty years in the dog game. He was known for his Doberman Pinschers, serving two years as the President of the Western Pennsylvania Doberman Pinscher Club. In 1953 he began a career as a professional handler, a career that spanned 32 years during which he personally owned and exhibited 11 breeds from five groups. He retired from handling in 1985 and starting judging in 1986.

George was known for his patience with juniors, frequently giving junior handlers helpful critiques. As per George’s wishes he has been cremated. Plans for a memorial service are pending. Our sincere condolences to Barbara and the entire Heitzman family. Another gentleman of our sport has passed.

WWW THE SPORTING GROUP

What to Watch for at Westminster
The Sporting Group

While we would have liked to have seen the Pointer, CH Cookieland Seasyde Hollyberry, competing at Westminster, we admit that her absence opens up the competition in the Sporting Group and gives all the bookmakers something to ponder. Here are the dogs we think you should be watching.

CH Chebaco Blames It On Trabeiz

The English Setter, CH Chebaco Blames It On Trabeiz, was the number two Sporting Dog in 2008, winning 15 BIS last year. However, Ross’s most prestigious win was the Bred By Exhibitor Best In Show at the 2008 AKC/Eukanuba National Championship. Ross, the breed winner at last year’s show, has already logged two BIS tis year. Breeder/owner/handler Eileen Hacket’s partners include breeders Kate Hanlon, Carlos Puig, Peg Ziebart and co-owners Pat & Don Coller.

CH Lydgate Rise N' Shine

The ASCOB Cocker Spaniel, CH Lydgate Rise N' Shine, ended up as the fourth best Sporting Dog last year winning five BIS and 39 Sporting Groups. “Dylan” copped a Group 3 at the 2008 Westminster show and has one BIS on his 2009 resume. Breeder Deborah Knight co-owns with Jacquelyn Beaudoin & Mary Walker while Linda Pitt does the handling.

CH Toasty's Treasure Island

The number seven Sporting Dog in 2008, the Golden Retriever, CH Toasty's Treasure Island, is another breeder/owner/handled dog. Breeders Jerome and Pamela Oxenberg co-own “Treasure” with Jane Bates & Carolee Douglas. Jerome Oxenburg has the lead. Treasure, the 2008 Westminster breed winner, won seven BIS in 2008, but she has already won three this year.

CH Ashton Peaceful Easy Feeling

Our dark horse (and we don’t even know if she will be at the Garden) is CH Ashton Peaceful Easy Feeling , 2008’s number two Irish Setter. Easi won two BIS last year, but hasn’t won one this year…yet. However, she was very impressive at the giant Portland OR shows in mid-January. Breeders/owners Janet Jenkins Hylton & Gary Hylton co-own with N. Godbey, while Jennifer Holmgren has the handling duties.

We will be back with more Westminster picks. In the meantime, tell us who you like for the Sporting Group.

PRESIDENT PUNTS ON PUPPY QUESTION

In a a predictable political punt, President Obama told CNN’s Anderson Cooper that the first family was delaying acquisition of a puppy until spring when, “ Sasha and Malia would be more enthusiastic walking a pet.” In an interview to be aired tonight at 10:00 PM EST, President Obama also stated that the family had not decided on a breed. We suspect the family has a reservation in for a Portuguese Water Dog and does not want to spoil the puppy’s coming out party with a pre-announcement. We have been unable to get a independent confirmation on our original source, but still feel confident that the First Dog will be a purebred PWD. Come on, now, one of your Portie people know something. Fess up.

CNBC WESTMINSTER SPECIAL

CNBC, which is airing the second half of Monday night’s Westminster broadcast, is airing a behind the scenes look at the show on Thurday, 5 February at 9:00 PM EST. The special, “American Originals: Westminster Dog Show” is hosted by Trish Regan, co-anchor of CNBC's "The Call". Regan interviews handlers, owners, and judges about the money, time, and dedication required to compete at the Westminster Dog Show. Go here for more on the program.

PRESIDENTIAL PUP

We stumbled across this background story on the Presidential pooch search. Seems Bethlehem PA Mayor John B. Callahan, who has a five year old Portuguese Water Dog, has been lobbying the President on behalf of the PWD.

Bethlehem PA Mayor John B. Callahan

Although he was an early supporter of Hillary Clinton, Callahan jumped on the Obama bandwagon early enough to be included on a couple of the administration’s transition teams and may be in line for a midlevel appointment. Can you say Political Portie Picked for Presidential Pooch?

WWW

What To Watch for at Westminster.

Many of our readers are intimately acquainted with the Westminster Dog Show and have been attending and exhibiting for decades, many are familiar with the show and are aware of the status it holds as America’s most prestigious show, and some of you may have a vague idea that it an important event because it’s been on TV for several years. So if some of what we are going to add to these pages over the next week you already know, bear with us. If some of this needs more illumination, ask us, we love talking about this subject. I any event, we hope you find it entertaining.

CH K-Run's Park Me In First
2008 Westminster BIS Winner

This will be the 133rd presentation of the Westminster Dog Show. It is the second oldest continuously held sporting event in the US. Only the Kentucky Derby is older. This year, there are 2522 dogs entered, all of them champions, from 49 states, including 265 from California and 235 from New York. There’s a good bet that this year’s winner will make history. Of the breeds represented by our top ten dogs from 2008, six have never won a Westminster BIS. Neither the Giant Schnauzer, the Affenpinscher, the Brussels Griffon, the Harrier, the Scottish Deerhound, nor the Pembroke Welsh Corgi have ever taken the top prize.

CH Felicity's Diamond Jim
2007 Westminster BIS Winner

Breed popularity is not an advantage in the final seven at the Garden. The number one breed in AKC is the number one entry at Westminster, with 47 Labrador Retrievers entered, but surprisingly, no Lab has ever won BIS, (Sorry Marley) nor has a Golden Retriever, Dachshund, or Shih Tzu. There has only been one Yorkshire Terrier, one German Shepherd Dog, and one Beagle taking the heavysilver. The Bulldog has won twice and the Boxer four times, but the Poodles have won nine times, two Toys, three Miniatures, and four Standards. By contrast the Sealyham Terrier, which is the seventh least popular breed, with only 56 registered last year, has won four times. And we do have a Sealyham in contention this year as well.

Next, our group by group picks.

NEW JERSEY WRAP UP

We now have the rest of the finalists from yesterday’s Union Country Kennel Club show in Wildwood NJ. Judge Joan Goldstein not only selected the Pug, CH Tupelo Shoboat Tu China Tu , as her BIS, she had the pleasure of going over the German Shorthaired Pointer, CH Fieldfines Back In Action JH, CGC, ROM, the Harrier, CH Downhome Family Tradition, the Samoyed, CH Pebbles’Run Hammy Davis Jr., the Bedlington Terrier, CH Velvety Angel Eyes, the French Bulldog, CH Justus I’m Your Man, and the Pembroke Welsh Corgi, CH Sunrunner Chippewa.

CH Justus I’m Your Man

The 16 month old Frenchie, “Farron”, was handled by Michael Scott, whom we are used to seeing with a Pointer in the BIS ring. Farron was bred by Suzanne Orban Stagle & Ronald Readmond and is owned by Justus Kennels.

PWD WILL BE PRESIDENTIAL POOCH

We have avoided this subject, partly because it smacks of the kind of Lindsay Lohan/American Idol/TMZ journalism we try to avoid and partly because it is way too close to political discourse which is anathema to a peaceful doggy dialogue, but hey, a scoop of this scope is not to be taken lightly.

CH Pouch Cove's Monkey See Monkey Do
Number One Portuguese Water Dog 2008

We have heard from a reliable source that the Obama children will soon be the proud parents of a purebred, AKC registered, Portuguese Water Dog. You may have read that the pick for Presidential Pooch had been narrowed to the PWD and something called a “Labradoodle” (excuse me, but that was my gag reflex). Our new President was trying to be PC in his choice for First Dog and had expressed a desire to get a shelter dog, but apparently someone did their homework and decided that the only reliable way to get a suitable pet for daughters Sasha and Malia was to buy a purebred dog from a reputable breeder. Exit Labra-whatever.

We suspect that the same influence that decided to eschew DC public schools decided that selecting a purebred dog was the best way to ensure a healthy pet of sound temperament for the daughters. Whatever your politics, it’s one decision all dog fanciers can agree with.