The judge’s first cut:

Bearded Collie
Beauceron
Border Collie
Canaan Dog
German Shepherd Dog
Old English Sheepdog
Pembroke Welsh Corgi
Puli

And the winners are:

1. Old English Sheepdog
2. Puli
3. Beauceron
4. Canaan Dog

Until next time,
Good day, and good dog!

The judge’s first cut:

Bichon Frise
Bulldog
Chow Chow
Dalmatian
French Bulldog
Standard Poodle
Tibetan Spaniel

And the winners are:

1. Bichon Frises
2. Standard Poodle
3. French Bulldog
4. Tibetan Spaniel

Until next time,
Good day, and good dog!

For the first time, Westminster has loosened its entry rules. In prior years, every dog had to have been designated as a Champion before being allowed to enter.

This year, you’ll notice some of the dogs don’t carry this moniker. As long as a dog has won at least one major competition, he or she is allowed to enter. These are called “class dogs”. This new rule allows younger dogs to enter the competition, presumably giving their owners more time to use the dog in breeding after a successful show.

Although the vast majority of entrants have earned at least Champion status, if not Grand Champion, a few of the class dogs won their breed competition today:

Kerryarc Favorite Sin
Breed: Irish Wolfhound

Stackem Up My Way Or Highway
Breed: Treeing Walker Coonhound

Barbu Jenarae Ruffian
Breed: Bouvier des Flandres

Bugaboo’s Picture Perfect
Breed: Old English Sheepdog

Katbird’s Evolution Matters At Kayas
Breed: Boston Terrier

Paceaway Play It Again
Breed: Lowchen

Hammarhojdens Ultra
Breed: Norwegian Lundehund

Until next time,
Good day, and good dog!

The judge’s first cut:

Affenpinscher
Cavalier King Charles
Maltese
Min Pin
Papillon
Peke
Pom
Pug

And the winners are:

1. Affenpinscher
2. Min Pin
3. Peke
4. Pug

Until next time,
Good day, and good dog!

A lot of people think the toy dogs make good fashion accessories, but the truth is these little animals are independent beings.

Although small dogs are not my thing, I do love watching them at Westminster because their little feet have to scurry so fast when they parade around the ring. So cute!

Just had to let you know that Cooper just now realized there are dogs on TV (halfway through the Toy group). He’s pretty tired because we had company this afternoon that interrupted his nap, but he’s sleeping with one eye open so he doesn’t miss any of the show.

Is your dog watching with you?

The judge’s first cut:

Afghan
Amer Foxhound
Bassett
Bluetick
Harrier
Otterhound
PBGV

And the final picks:

1. American Foxhound
2. Bassett
3. PBGV
4. Otterhound

So, my pick, Jewel, the American Foxhound is still in the running for Best in Show!

Coming up next: the Toy Group.

And pay attention to the commercials – they’re so sweet!

Until next time,
Good day, and good dog!

For the first time in the history of the broadcast, they are carrying the singing of the National Anthem. And it’s by a classy tenor! Not some aging pop star who has to “adapt” the song and make it their own. Very nice!

Did he really say “by the dog’s early light”?

I’m so excited! I’m 2 for 4 going into tonight’s group judging. Although my Peke and German Shepherd picks got beaten in the first round, my American Foxhound (Ch Kiarry’s Pandora’s Box) and my Bulldog (GCH Itsa Brix) won in their respective breed rings.

You can find the remainder of the best in breed list on the WKC website.

Live television coverage of the Best in Group judging is on CNBC tonight from 8 – 11 pm on the East Coast, and I’ll post the winner of each group as soon as they’re announced. Tonight, we’ll see the Hound, Toy, Non-Sporting, and Herding groups. Tomorrow (same time, but on USA Network) the Sporting, Terrier, and Working groups will be shown, followed by Best in Show judging.

Good luck to all of these champion dogs!

Until next time,
Good day, and good dog!