Countdown to Westminster

[Nanook]

Is anyone else going to be watching? I wouldn't miss it. Only two hours to go!

What breeds do you want to see the most?

Of course I want to see the Poodles. Standard, Miniature, and of course the toys! Min Pins, Dobermans, Toy Fox Terriers, Cardigan Welsh Corgi's, Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers are some of my favorites and I love to watch the Afghan Hounds move.

What I will be sure not to miss:

Toy Group

Non-Sporting

Working Group

Terrier Group

Hound Group

I'll be watching the whole thing, but will be glued to the set for those in particular.

The dog show game has been part of my life in one way or another for for about the last 20 years but I haven't had a dog out showing for about the last 10. That's all changing soon though, as Paris is about ready to hit the ring. This is Paris's littermate:

[SistahD]

Re: Countdown to Westminster

Here's a LINK to photos of some of the dogs in various waiting phases (ie grooming etc)

[Nanook]

Re: Countdown to Westminster

The show was exciting but I didn't care for the Scottie. It is a nice Scottie but I just don't care for Scottie's in general. They mostly have NASTY temperaments! So boo from me.

I LOVED the Doberman. She was a gorgeous dog! I wanted her to win but I knew the Scottie was going to do that.

This dog from Duluth did very well. I have seen her in person and she is soooo goregous, and the number one Miniature Poodle in the US.



Kaili, a 3½-year-old miniature poodle from Duluth, was judged the top female in her breed Monday at the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show in New York City. (Submitted photo)




True to form, Kaili, a well-received silver miniature poodle from Duluth, turned heads at the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show in New York City.

The 3½-year-old dog was judged the best female of her breed at the prestigious competition Monday, but she was edged out for the top honor by a male.

Dawn Strumbel, Kaili’s owner, had no complaints.

“She showed fabulously,” said Strumbel of her dog.

Despite the crush of people and the glare of lights at Madison Square Garden, Kaili kept her cool, according to Strumbel.

“To be honest, I think it’s more stressful for us humans than for the animals,” she said.

Beth Collins, a nationally acclaimed dog groomer from Cloquet and a Westminster veteran, described the scene as crowded and hectic.

“There are spectators like you wouldn’t believe,” she said. “It’s very congested.”

In addition to participating in the judged contest, all the dogs at Westminster also must continuously remain available for viewing between 11 a.m. and 8 p.m. in what’s called the “benching area” — with each animal and its handler assigned an 18- by 36-inch space. The only exceptions are a one-hour allowance for pre-show primping and grooming and bathroom breaks.

Kaili entered the contest as one of the favorites, having been named the 2009 No. 1 miniature poodle in the U.S. As such, she received an automatic invitation to the show.

Simply to participate in the competition is considered an honor, Collins said. “Part of the thrill is just trying to get in,” she said.

Strumbel referred to Westminster as Kaili’s “semi-retirement show.” She plans to use the dog for breeding future show dogs. Strumbel owns and operates a specialty kennel in Duluth called Horizon Poodles.

“She went out with style,” Strumbel said.

The show isn’t hard work for Kaili, according to her owner.

“She feeds off all the attention,” Strumbel said.

Prizes are all well and good, but Kaili was due to receive a more tangible reward Monday night in honor of her showing: a dog treat.

Strumbel predicted that after all the excitement of the day, Kaili’s most welcome benefit might be a simple pleasure.

“Sleep will probably be her biggest reward,” she said.


source