BRITTANY BIS IN TEXAS

GCH CH Rainbow Splash’s Ruggedly Handsome 

(photo by Derek Glas) 

Last year’s Number One Sporting Dog, the Brittany, GCH CH Rainbow Splash’s Ruggedly Handsome, jumped started his new year with a Best In Show at Saturday’s Nolan River Kennel Club show in Glen Rose TX. 

GCH CH Dezperado's Hallelujah CA 

(photo by Gay Glazbrook) 

Joining Beckett in judge Robert Frost’s final were the Saluki, GCH CH Baghdad Eleganza Extravaganza, the RBIS, the Doberman Pinscher, GCH CH Dezperado's Hallelujah CA, the American Staffordshire Terrier, GCH CH Explicit’s Full Throttle To Alpine, the Brussels Griffon, GCH CH Sunny Bear's Sonic Boom At Shar's, the Standard Poodle, GCH CH The Siren Of The Sea ByRequest, and the Australian Shepherd, GCH CH Reverie Cameo. 

Beckett finished 2014 as the Number Four Dog All Breed’s with 25 BIS and 89 Group Firsts. Congratulations to Congratulations to breeder/owner Kathy D Hogan, breeder Elud Archuleta Cressler, owners Jim & Alisa Andras, Carolee Douglas, Amanda Cone, and handler Clint Livingston.

GRIFF BIS IN MINNESOTA

GCH CH Fist Face A Penny For Your Thought 

(photo by Michael McGuire) 

While not as large as the Kennel Club of Palm Springs show, Saturday’s Land O Lakes Kennel Club show drew nearly 1800 dogs. Judge Virginia Lyne’s BIS was the Brussels Griffon, GCH CH Fist Face A Penny For Your Thought. 

GCH CH Lockenhaus Rumor Has It V Kenlyn 

She also liked the German Shepherd Dog, GCH CH Lockenhaus Rumor Has It V Kenlyn, whom she named her RBIS . Rounding out her seven were the Pointer, GCH CH Kan-Point’s Makin The Chase, the Wirehaired Dachshund, GCH CH Raydach’s Ride My Ducati SW, the Great Dane, CH Alpine’s Song of The South, the West Highland White Terrier, Shalreign’s The Love Bug, and the Dalmatian, GCH CH Blackberry N Riverside Perfect Pemigewasset. 

Penny finished 2014 as the Number Two Brussels Griffon with three BIS and 27 Toy Groups. Congratulations to breeders Rodney & Linda Vance, owners Larry & Carol Pagacz & Kelley Catterson, and handler Paul D Catterson.

GSP BIS IN PALM SPRINGS

GCH CH VJK-Myst Garbonita’s California Journey 

(photo by Kayla Bertagnolli)

The German Shorthaired Pointer, GCH CH VJK-Myst Garbonita’s California Journey, grabbed the early lead in the rankings Saturday, taking the top prize at the gargantuan Kennel Club of Palm Springs show on the polo field in Indio CA. 

GCH CH Andover See-Z The Moment 

CJ was strongly challenged by the Basset Hound, GCH CH Topsfield-Sanchu Eenie Meenie Miney Moe, the Newfoundland, GCH CH Seacrest's I'm Not What You Think, judge Rosemary Shoreman’s RBIS, the Welsh Terrier, GCH CH Andover See-Z The Moment, the Pomeranian, GCH CH Hitimes What the Inferno, the Chow Chow, GCH CH Eastern-Magic Fly Me Safe, and the Australian Shepherd, McMatt’s Isis Of Graffiti. 

CJ burst on the show scene last July when he collected back2back BIS at the Cabrillo Kennel Club shows in Valley Center CA on his first weekend out as a special. He went on to collect a total of three BIS and eleven Sporting Groups in 2014. It is fitting that CJ becomes our first Dog2Watch of 2015. Congratulations to Valerie Nunes-Atkinson, co-breeder/owner Alice Manning, and owner Y Hassler Deter.

PWD BIS IN SOUTH CAROLINA

GCH CH Claircreek’s Impression de Matisse 

(photo by Jeffrey Hanlin)

 2014’s Number One Dog All Breeds, the Portuguese Water Dog, GCH CH Claircreek’s Impression de Matisse, started 2015 with a Best In Show performance at the Clemson Kennel Clubjudge show in Pendleton SC. 

GCH CH Shaireab's Bayleigh Maid Of Honor 

(photo by Jeffrey Hanlin)

Joining Matisse in judge Stephanie Hedgepath’s final were the Black Cocker Spaniel, GCH CH Ashdown’s Time to Thrill, Treeing Walker Coonhound, GCH CH Cherry Creek Confetti, her RBIS, the Welsh Terrier, GCH CH Shaireab's Bayleigh Maid Of Honor, the Smooth Chihuahua, GCH CH Sonnus Filho (Sanchez), the Dalmatian, GCH CH Spotted Bliss Oreo Delight, and the Cardigan Welsh Corgi, GCH CH Riverside Telltail Coco Posh. 

 Matisse’s 2014 was the best year of any show dog in AKC history, with 134 BIS in 175 final appearances. Congratulations to breeder/owner Donna Gottdenker, owners Milan Lint & Peggy Helming, and handler Michael Scott.

BLOODHOUND BIS IN OHIO

GCH CH Flessner's International S'Cess 

The Rubber City Kennel Club had the coveted Saturday spot in Tallmadge OH, putting judge Dr Alan Santos in the final ring. The seven dogs he considered were the English Springer Spaniel, GCH CH Cerise Blindside, the Bloodhound. GCH CH Flessner's International S'Cess, the Akita, GCH CH CR-Wicca’s Trade Secret, the Smooth Fox Terrier, GCH CH Absolutely Signature, the Papillon GCH Wingssong Singular Sensation, the Standard Poodle, CH Hillwood Dassin Ouspenskaya, and the Old English Sheepdog, GCH CH Lambluv's Sultry Sensation. 

CH Hillwood Dassin Ouspenskaya 

The two he liked were his BIS, the Bloodhound, Nathan, and his RBIS, the Standard Poodle, Maria. Nathan was 2014’s Number One Hound and Number Seven Dog All Breeds with 24 BIS and 84 Hound Groups, including the Group at last month’s AKC/Eukanuba National Championship. Congratulations to breeder/owner/handler Heather Helmer, co-breeders Ryan & Chris Flessner, and owners Susan M Carter & Shirley Van Camp.

BEARDIE BEST IN MASSACHUSETTS

GCH CH Classical's My Turn

The Bearded Collie, GCH CH Classical's My Turn, opened his new year with a Best In Show at today’s Merrimack Valley Kennel Club in Springfield MA.

CH Iacta Alea Est De La Bete

(photo by Blake Hamman)

Joining Turner in judge Dr Ronald Spritzer’s final were the English Springer Spaniel, GCH CH Cerise Celtic Thunder, the Afghan Hound, GCH CH Exlysta Aries Ciel Noir, the Boxer, GCH CH Brisbane "N" Blue Monday's Diamonds Are Decadent, the Scottish Terrier, CH Fireheart's Over The Rainbow, the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, GCH CH Piccadil's Twist And Shout CD BN RN RA RE, and the RBIS, the French Bulldog, CH Iacta Alea Est De La Bete.

Turner was last year’s Number Ten Herding Dog with three BIS and 63 Herding Groups.  Congratulations to breeders/owners Julie Kempster & Bea Sawka, owner Wendy Marciante, and handler Clifford Steele.

BULLDOG WEATHER IN TEXAS

GCH CH Dowat’s The Gladiator 

(photo by Gay Glazbrook)

One would think that January temperatures in Texas might be a little milder than elsewhere in the US. One would be wrong. It was raining and just above freezing in Glen Rose TX for Friday’s North Texas Non-Sporting Association limited breed show. 

However, that’s perfect Bulldog weather and the Bulldog, GCH CH Dowat’s The Gladiator, rolled to the Group One under judge Betsy Dale. Don Juan was 2014’s Number One Bulldog and Number Seven Non-Sporting Dog with two BIS and 34 Non-Sporting Groups. Congratulations to breeders/owners Jamie Vasquez & Randall Jenkins, owner Linda Scott, and handler Dennis O’Connor.

FANCIERS CHILL IN ST PAUL

GCH CH Highlander’s Rumour Has It 

For those fanciers seeking a true winter wonderland experience this week there were the Northstar Working Group Association, the North Star Toy Dog Club, and the North Star Herding Group Club limited breed shows Friday in St Paul MN.  James Reynolds named the Siberian Husky, GCH CH Highlander’s Rumour Has It, his top Working Dog. Rumour was last year’s Number Two Siberian Husky with two BIS and 18 Working Groups. Congratulations to breeders Anne & Brian Palmer, owners Marc Ralsky & Correen F Pacht, and handler Laura King. 

GCH CH Fist Face A Penny For Your Thought 

(photo by Michael McGuire)

Topping judge Terry Stacy’s Toy Group was the Brussels Griffon, GCH CH Fist Face A Penny For Your Thought. Penny finished 2014 as the Number Two Brussels Griffon with three BIS and 27 Toy Groups. Congratulations to breeders Rodney & Linda Vance, owners Larry & Carol Pagacz & Kelley Catterson, and handler Paul D Catterson. 

GCH CH Lockenhaus Rumor Has It V Kenlyn 

The German Shepherd Dog, GCH CH Lockenhaus Rumor Has It V Kenlyn, was Dr Gary Sparchu’s pick for best Herding Dog. Rumor was last year’s Number Six herding Dog with seven BIS and 45 Herding Groups. Congratulations to breeder/owner/handler Kent Bolyes, breeder/owner Pamela McElheney, and owners Deborah Stern & A & M Derose.

PALM SPRINGS WARM UPS

GCH CH Foxboro N Shardust Authentic

A long weekend in Palm Springs starts every show season, offering dogs seeking a Top ten ranking a quick start to the year.  In addition to the Kennel Club of Palm Springs two all-breed shows, the Southern California Sporting Dog Fanciers, the Inland Empire Hound Club Of Southern California, the Desert Empire Terrier Club Of Southern California, the Toy Dog Breeders Association Of Southern California, and the Sand To Sea Non-Sporting Association Of Southern California, limited breed shows that are larger than many all-breed shows, offer up enough points to jump start any dog’s year.

Judge Brian Meyer’s Sporting Group One on Friday was the English Springer Spaniel, GCH CH Foxboro N Shardust Authentic, one of the many BIS winning Springers we saw last year.  Maddox finished 2014 with two BIS and 18 Sporting Groups.  Congratulations to breeder/owner Susan Still, owners Ellen Charles & Sharleen Perreira, and handler Lynda O'Connor-Schneider.

GCH CH Starlite’s Made Of The Best Stuff On Earth BN RN JC

Nearly 700 Hounds competed to make it to Judge Rosemary Shoreman’s group judging.  The one she liked best was the Saluki, GCH CH Starlite’s Made Of The Best Stuff On Earth BN RN JC.  Snapple collected three BIS and 22 Hound Groups last year to become the top male Saluki of 2014.    Congratulations to breeders/owners Tina Turley-Kocab, Mark Kocab, owner Sandra Middlebrooks, and handler Erin Roberts.

GCH CH Andover See-Z The Moment

The Welsh Terrier, GCH CH Andover See-Z The Moment, topped judge Anne Katona’s Terrier Group.  Lexy was the Number Three Welsh Terrier in 2014 with seven Terrier Group Firsts.  Congratulations to breeders/owners Peter & Jill See, co-breeder J Gottlieb, and handler Gabriel Rangel.

GCH CH Rosewood’s Casanova

Nearly ten years old, the Toy Manchester Terrier, GCH CH Rosewood’s Casanova, was judge Charlotte Clem McGowan’s surprise winner of the Toy Group.  We haven’t seen much of Rudy since he was the Number Three Toy Manchester Terrier in 2012.  Nice to have him back.  Congratulations to breeder Philip Shane, owner/handler Diane Texter, and owners Peter Rank & Betty Hodges.

GCH CH Skyline’s Unit of Measure 

Judge Alfred Ferruggiaro’s Non-Sporting Group winner was the Keeshond, GCH CH Skyline’s Unit of Measure.  Cubit was 2014’s Number One Keeshond and Number Four Non-Sporting Dog with seven BIS and 43 Non-Sporting groups.  Congratulations to breeders Kristen Cullen DVM & Susan Cullen, owner/handler Jean Gauchat-Hargis, and owner Joshua Hargis.

FIRST BIS OF 2015

GCH CH Hallmark Jolei Rocket Power 

(photo by Rhonda Cassidy)

The first all-breed Best In Show of 2015 went to the Shih Tzu, GCH CH Hallmark Jolei Rocket Power, judge Peggy Beisel-McIlwaine’s top choice today at the Columbiana County Kennel Club in Tallmadge OH. 

GCH CH Absolutely Signature 

Judge Beisel-McIlwaine also considered the Pointer, GCH CH Oncore MyKyna Run To Daylight, the 15” Beagle, GCH CH Torquay Midnight Victory, the Doberman Pinscher GCH Kamterra's Legato, her RBIS, the Smooth Fox Terrier, GCH CH Absolutely Signature, the Dalmatian, GCH CH Merry Go Round Coach Master, and the Finnish Lapphund, CH Bearspaw Sampo. 

Rocket finished last year with 16 BIS and 78 Toy Groups, capping the year with the a Group One at the AKC/Eukanuba National Championship. Congratulations to breeder/owner/handler Luke Ehricht, co-breeder Diane Ehricht, and owner Patricia Hearst Shaw.