If you’re reading this in email or on Facebook, click on the title! It will take you directly to the blog (an easier viewing page.) If you’re already in my blog, WELCOME! (One more hint: If you click on any of the photos in the blog, they should open up in a browser window so you can get a better look!)
Sorry, I just HAD to slip this post in before the one I’d planned. (Other than the photos of my dogs and those of “Dallas” are from the Westminster Kennel Club website, the AP, or Reuters.)
By now, most of y’all know me pretty well. Those of you who don’t, I pretty much say what I think. If you read a few past posts, you will find that I absolutely adore my German Shepherd Dogs! All our babies have been rescues. Yes, they are all purebred dogs, but they are by no means show dogs. Of the seven we have had, not a one was show-ring ready. That’s the way we like it. Our dogs get dirty – downright muddy! They get boo-boos. In other words, they’re just dogs – happy dogs – but strictly family members.
So, why would someone who is almost fanatical about dogs just being beloved family members even care about the Westminster Kennel Club show each year. Quite simply, I have no answer for that.
I guess I’m always rooting for the German Shepherd or, at least, a real dog to win. This year, I was completely bowled over by the German Shepherd Dog that won “Best of Breed” and then went on to win “Best of Group.” His name is Babheim’s Captain Crunch “Cappy.”
I actually did some research on him because he reminded me so much of my favorite all-time show dog (yes, that surely seems like a contradiction) – Dallas! Dallas was actually named Kismet’s Sight For Sore Eyes. It seems that show dogs (like many show horses) have “barn” names.
Dallas was the most beautiful looking and moving show dog I ever saw. Of course, the fact that he was from Georgia didn’t hurt. After living 22+ years in a state, you get to be something of a homer. Cappy’s handler is the same Jimmy Moses that handled Dallas. It really didn’t surprise me when I found Cappy’s pedigree on line. Cappy’s paternal grand-daddy is Dallas. So glad that Dallas’ bloodlines live on – even if he passed WAY to soon.
The winner of the Hound Group was a wire-haired dachshund – Raydachs Playing With Fire V Gleishorbach. How’s THAT for a name? ‘bout as long as the dog herself, for heaven’s sake.
Having grown up with doxies, this was a popular winner for me. We’d always had smooth coated dachshunds, but the wire-haired and long-haired dogs are just as cute. The thing I loved most about our dogs was that they never realized that they were “small” dogs. They were almost fearless. I understand that this is pretty true of the breed, in general. They are little dogs with big egos.
The Non-Sporting Group winner was a Dalmatian – Spotlights Ruffian.
Again, this is a lovely dog. I don’t believe that he would ever feel at home on a fire truck, but he’s a real dog. He was lively and obviously enjoyed his time in the spotlight.
The Sporting Group winner was an Irish Setter – Shadegee Caught Red Handed. At least this name has “red” in it.
I’ve always loved Irish Setters. They are such gorgeous dogs! I always wanted an Irish Setter when I was growing up. For the longest time, my hair was exactly the same color as they were. I guess my own pedigree – lots of Irish blood – made us kindred spirits.
The Working Group was won by an absolutely stunning Doberman Pinscher bitch named Protocol’s Veni Vidi Vici.
When I saw her in the group judging, I immediately felt as though she was the strongest competition for Cappy. This girl had fabulous manners, an extraordinarily smooth gate and just looked like a spot-on representation of her breed. In other words, she took my breath away.
Perrisblu Kennislain’s Chelsey, a Kerry Blue Terrier bitch, won the Terrier Group. Again a bitch! I don’t remember a year in which so many of the top dogs have been females.
A few years ago, a Kerry Blue Terrier won Best in Show. Mick (Torums Scarf Michael) also had won Cruft’s – the top European dog show. Best in Show. These are real terriers. Their coats are steel gray (not truly blue), curly and shiny. These are no-nonsense terriers with strong drive, but with senses of family and humor, too. I could see that this bitch had every shot at bringing another title to the breed.
No, none of these amazing canines took home the top prize. That went to the PEKINGESE!
WHAT??? Are you kidding me? I’m sorry to all of you out there who adore this breed. To me, they look like a mop looking for a handle. Yes they have a flowing, silky coat. To me, that says, “WORK!” I just never figured a true dog would need to be shampooed more often than my own hair. Then, there’s that face. Am I the only one who thinks they look as though they were running to go outside and flat slammed into the glass door?
I am sure that Palacegarden Malachy” a.k.a. “Malachy” is a sterling example of the breed. I have no doubt that he is a fine, fine dog, and that his people are proud of him. He’s going to make them a fortune in stud fees, but give me a flippin’ break!
I have nothing against toy breeds, in general, either. They have never been my favorites, but there are some absolutely adorable toy dogs. There are Papillons, Yorkies, Maltese, Italian Greyhounds, Toy Fox Terriers, etc. All of these actually look and walk like canines. Sure some require lots and lots of work with their coats; but, when you’re through, you’re looking at a dog. Don’t even get me started on the movement of the Pekingese…
Ah, well! Maybe they’ll get it “right” next year.