Understanding a breed’s priorities is essential to understanding type and to successfully evaluating dogs, whether as a breeder or a judge. Some standards assist in this area more than others. The Bull Terrier, shown as two varieties – white and colored – has some very distinct features, some of which experts consider essential.
By Joan Harrigan A steady stream of families comes to a full stop in the middle of Row 21 of Pier 94 on Tuesday afternoon, drawn in by the charms of “Livvy,” a nearly-3-year-old Bernese Mountain Dog bitch. Her performance in the ring is behind her, and now it is time to relax on the […]
It seems like just about everyone that has been showing dogs for any number of years has recently had the discussion about the lack of newcomers to our breed and to our sport.
By Joan Harrigan Elizabeth Reynolds of Rising Sun, Maryland is a breeder/owner/handler exhibiting the fourth generation of her own breeding at Westminster on Monday. Standard Poodles are arguably one of if not the most difficult breed for amateur-owners to learn to groom for the show ring. The scissoring, the banding, the spray-up for the ring […]
Monday night at Westminster, a stunning Borzoi, Ch. Belisarius JP My Sassy Girl won the breed and went on to win the Hound Group.
The world of AKC dog shows seems to be ruled by contracts. We enter into oral or written contracts to buy, handle, register, breed, show, and co-own our dogs.
By Amy Fernandez What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger, which may be the best way to sum up a novice’s reaction to Westminster. First time exhibitors fall into two categories. Quite a few vow never to return. Others marvel at their ability to survive the ordeal and return armed and ready the next year. […]
In a true demonstration of Teutonic toughness Dachshunds were out in full force for Sunday’s Knickerbocker specialty despite the frigid three degree morning cold.
I have had, on occasion, judging colleagues speak to me of their excitement about a judging assignment where they had the opportunity to get their hands on a dog of a given breed that was closer to the standard of perfection than any they have ever judged. I have also had fellow breeders express the sense of joy they experienced in breeding a dog that comes far closer to meeting the standard than any they have bred before. Without the existence of breed standards neither of the experiences mentioned above could have significance.
By Joan Harrigan “Spring” curled pensively on a chair at Pier 92, surveying the curious onlookers. The 7-year-old Mudi is more accustomed to activity—flyball is her game, and she loves to run. Formally known as Kiralytanyai Tavasz (“Tavasz” means “spring” in Hungarian), Spring and her owner, Amanda Haldeman of Hampden, Mass. have come to “Meet […]
