WWW: THE WORKING GROUP

GCH CH Claircreek’s Impression de Matisse 

(Photo by Mike McGuire)

When it comes to Whom to Watch at Westminster (WWW) in the Working Group, fanciers will be treated to a tour de force of Working Dogs.  Last year’s Number Two Dog All Breeds, the Portuguese Water Dog, GCH CH Claircreek’s Impression de Matisse is the current Number One Dog.  While Matisse finished 2013 with the most BIS of any dog and the best win ratio of any dog in the last decade, 94 BIS in 136 final appearances, Matisse has been almost unstoppable since winning the AKC/Eukanuba National Championship in December.  This year he has attended 16 shows, won 13BIS, two RBIS, and one Group Two.   Matisse was bred by Donna Gottdenker, who co-owns Matisse with Milan Lint & Peggy Helming.  Matisse is handled by Michael Scott.

GCH CH CR-Wicca’s Trade Secret 

(Photo by Karen Evasuik)

The one dog that has bested Matisse in the Working Group this year is the Akita, GCH CH CR-Wicca’s Trade Secret.   Trader had seven BIS in 31 final attempts in 2013, good enough to finish as the Number Five Working Dog.  This year he has already collected three BIS, one RBIS, and eight Working Groups.  Trader was bred by Joann Charnik & Carla Burke, who co-own Trader with Thomas Bavaria & Ann Bavaria.  Trader is handled by Heather Bremmer.

GCH CH Protocol’s Veni Vidi Vici

Matisse will have to contend with one Ghost from Westminsters Past.  Last year’s Working Group Two went to the fabulous Doberman Pinscher bitch, FiFi, aka GCH CH Protocol’s Veni Vidi Vici.  FiFi, who has 362,825 likes on her Facebook page, came out of retirement to do an Asian tour where she took six BIS.  We are told that she has never looked better and is showing like she owns the world.  FiFi is breeder/owner handled by Jocelyn Mullins, who co-owns FiFi with co-breeder Kevin Mullins and Suzy & Dick Lundy.

GCH CH Willow Ridges Risky Business

Our dark horse pick is the Mastiff, GCH CH Willow Ridges Risky Business.  Kruz will be four in April and has matured into an impressive specimen.  Kruz was 2013’s Number 11 Working Dog with  Five BIS and 23 Working Groups.  He and handler Colette Livingston have already picked up two BIS, one RBIS, and five Group Ones this year.  Kruz was bred by Anna Page & Cole Harvey and is owned by Jill Swarts, Nancy Walker, & Mark Tichenor.

Next up the Terriers.