Category Archives: Dog Shows

2016 AKC National Championship: Some Final Thoughts

As I get ready to pack my bags and leave Florida, I have a few parting thoughts. First of all, what an awesome show! I can’t even imagine the amount of planning and organization that went into this. Kudos to the American Kennel Club, their employees, volunteers, and all those involved in putting this incredible and overwhelmingly huge, complex show together.

Next, congratulations to all of the breeders, owners, and handlers. I saw nothing but exemplary dogs here. Whether you competed in conformation, diving dogs, agility, or obedience, I was impressed by all of you.

If you want to see what I saw, tune into the Hallmark Channel on 23 January 2017 for a “best of” three hour show. I’m not sure of the starting time, but I’ll let you know. Better yet, make plans now to come to next year’s show, scheduled for December 16th and 17th back here in beautiful Orlando, Florida. It will be well worth your time.

As far as what is coming up on the blog, you can expect to see my Meet the Breed photos starting at 6:00 tomorrow morning. Then check back frequently to see the obedience, agility, and diving dog videos I’ll be posting throughout the rest of the week.

Finally, thanks so much to doggies.com for sending me to see this fabulous event in person!

So long from sunny Orlando!

2016 AKC National Championship: Best in Show Winner

Reminding you of the competitors:

From the Toy Group, Brussels Griffon, Newton
From the Hound Group, Whippet, Brazen
From the Non-Sporting Group: Bichon Frise, Flynn
From the Sporting Group: Clumber Spaniel, Angus
From the Working Group: Boxer, Devlin
From the Herding Group: Puli, Preston
From the Terrier Group: Norwich Terrier, Tanner Continue reading 2016 AKC National Championship: Best in Show Winner

2016 AKC National Championships: Best in Show Competitors

As we go into the Best in Breed competition, I wanted to remind you of who the competitors will be.

From the Toy Group, Brussels Griffon, Newton
From the Hound Group, Whippet, Brazen
From the Non-Sporting Group: Bichon Frise, Flynn
From the Sporting Group: Clumber Spaniel, Angus
From the Working Group: Boxer, Devlin
From the Herding Group: Puli, Preston
From the Terrier Group: Norwich Terrier, Tanner

Good luck to all of them!

Coming up next: the winner

2016 AKC National Championship: Bred by Exhibitor Best in Show

Maria, Best Bred by Exhibitor in Show.  Photo courtesy Canine Chronicle
Maria, Best Bred by Exhibitor in Show. Photo courtesy Canine Chronicle

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. Continue reading 2016 AKC National Championship: Bred by Exhibitor Best in Show

2016 AKC National Championship: Best in the Herding Group

preston
Preston, shown here on the cover of the Canine Chronicle. From the dog’s Facebook page.

Taking the top prize: the Puli Preston, who is the top-ranked dog of all breeds in the country

Followed by:  Shetland Sheepdog, Belgian Sheepdog, Smooth Collie

Winner Info:  GCHB CH Cordmaker Mister Blue Sky, owned by E. Charles, J. Beaudoin, L. Pitts, P. Kelly, and S. Huebner.  Call Sign Preston

Next Up: Best Bred by Exhibitor Finals

2016 AKC National Championship: Best in the Working Group

Devlin, pictured here winning his breed at Westminster.  Photo courtesy:  Mephisto Boxers Facebook page
Devlin, pictured here winning his breed at Westminster. Photo courtesy: Mephisto Boxers Facebook page

Tonight’s working group competition was won by: Devlin, the Boxer. I love that the judge had a rose for him!

Runners up were: Doberman Pinscher, Portuguese Water Dog, Mastiff

Winner Info: GCHP CH Mephisto’s Speak Of The Devil, owned by Mrs. Jack Billhardt and Sergio Tenenbaum.

Next up: The Herding Group

2016 AKC National Championship: Best in the Sporting Group

AngusPhoto Courtesy Canine Chronicle
Angus
Photo Courtesy Canine Chronicle

Best in Group: the Clumber Spaniel

Followed by: Cocker Spaniel (ASCOB), English Springer Spaniel, German Shorthaired Pointer

Winner info: GCHS CH Clussexx Man Of Steel, owned by Reg J. Hubbard, W. & K. Holbrook, and B Dowd. Call sign Angus.

That’s it for tonight. Come back tomorrow for more from the 2016 AKC National Championships from Orlando.