Last night, we featured dogs who were shown by their owners. Tonight, we present the Best in Show competition for those dogs handled by their breeders. About 80% of show dogs are shown by their owners, while some are shown by professional handlers. Only a few are shown by the breeder (unless the breeder is also the owner).
I like that the AKC has chosen to feature both the BBE and the National Owner Handler Series; these aren’t things you ever see on TV.
The finalists are
From the Toy Group: Pekingese (These dogs always remind me of ET.)
From the Hound Group: Greyhound (Gia is the top-ranked hound in America.)
From the Non-Sporting Group: Standard Poodle (There’s a little pink bow hiding that beautiful black topknot.)
From the Sporting Group: Golden Retriever (Willis is named for actor Bruce Willis.)
From the Working Group: Portuguese Water Dog (I bet the Obamas are rooting for this one!)
From the Herding Group: German Shepherd (This breed is always shown in mid-crouch. I hate that – it looks so uncomfortable.)
From the Terrier Group: Scottish Terrier (Big Bopper, I presume in honor of the musician.) Breeder Rebecca Cross sang the National Anthem at the start of each night’s show. She has an awesome voice, as well as being a breeder of fine Scotties.
And the Best in Show is…the Standard Poodle
Winner Info: GCHG CH Hillwood Dassin Ouspenskaya, bred and owned by Ellen M Charles & Joseph Vergnetti. Shown by Mr. V. Call sign: Maria, A/K/A, the Queen of Fun!
Next Up: The Mighty Terriers!