Westminster

[showpug]

Sorry if someone has already posted this topic. Just wanted to remind anyone who is interested that Westminster is on USA tonight at 8pm. Breed results, photos and some breed judging videos are already up for viewing on the website.

[otch1]

Yahoo... I'm almost ready for viewing party! Ordering sushi, have a bottle of champagne for any friends wins, Kohls' had a bath, nails dremeled. Tyson has his "bling" jacket on by 7:00. Both have chicken strips for themselves and canine buddies here. Fun stuff.

[sam]

Yahoo... I'm almost ready for viewing party! Ordering sushi, have a bottle of champagne for any friends wins, Kohls' had a bath, nails dremeled. Tyson has his "bling" jacket on by 7:00. Both have chicken strips for themselves and canine buddies here. Fun stuff.


OMG I'm so jealous-- sushi and wine mmmmmmm

Anyone know when and on what network this will be broadcast in Canada?

[Laurelin]

I am so going to watch. The papillon BOB winner is Harold's grandmother's brother. (Ch Queen Bless JP Sun Shine Legend)

And Trey has a niece showing tomorrow, so keep your fingers crossed. ;)

[tempura tantrum]

HEHEHEHE- my sister and I are getting ready for our "viewing party" as well!

Of course, our roommates think we're absolutely crazy, so the party will essentially be the two of us hogging the television for 2 days in a row, while everyone else walks in rolling their eyes.

I'll bite anyone's hand off that threatens to change the channel.

All I can say is I hope the win is an "upset." I love being surprised, and this show is the "giant killer."

[showpug]

I am still recovering from who won Breed in the pug ring :yikes: I just can't believe it. The bitch that won beat some MAJOR dogs...

[Laurelin]

Here's a pic of the papillon BOB winner Musashi

http://www.pcs.ne.jp/~papillon/overseas/usa/Musashi.html

He's so beautiful. <3

[showpug]

It's starting...:D

[tempura tantrum]

I was stoked to see the Akita go Group 1- although I was honestly hoping another dog would take the breed, it's nice to see a group winner every once in awhile that ISN'T completely predictable, like the other 3 group winners tonight.

The Shiba BOB winner won our national this year, so I wasn't surprised to see him take the breed. At any rate, while he's not my favorite representative of the breed, I was DEFINITELY happy to see him win it over some of the competition. And of course you've got to be proud of a CDX Shiba! What a credit to his owners. :)

Showpug- the pug winner shocked me as well! I was expecting one of the big guns to win it, but I've never heard of this girl at all!

[wehkah]

ooooh I'm watching tonight!!! I wanna see Smoky City's Devil May Care beat Streak (Nani's Indecent Exposure) tonigh!!! I hope she does!! *bitting nails* Sporting looks like it could be the first group in tonight. I wasn't able to watch last night can anyone confirm????


If anyone can't tell... hehehe their Weimaraners.... LOL!

[Barb04]

I was so happy the working dogs came on first. I was hoping the Anatolian would at least be called out. The best part was I found out the Anatolian that was in the showing is a Triple Winner of 3 shows. I just watched the video. I just wish there was a long haired, white one like Max in the group.

I also just watched the Neapolitan video since Jake has a lot of Neapolitan in him. I just love their squooshy faces.

[vanillasugar]

aaah! This is on tonight in Canada, on OLN (outdoor life network). It starts at 8pm, and I have CLASS until 8pm, so I'll miss probably the first 40 minutes :( Anyone want to give me the scoop on what I'll miss?

I love watching Westminster.

[savethebulliedbreeds]

Yay, I am happy that the Amstaff got 4th...I was also happy to see the Akita win....what I gorgeous dog!!!!!

[MafiaPrincess]

aaah! This is on tonight in Canada, on OLN (outdoor life network). It starts at 8pm, and I have CLASS until 8pm, so I'll miss probably the first 40 minutes :( Anyone want to give me the scoop on what I'll miss?

I love watching Westminster.

You and me both eh.. We've got Rally O till 8.. be like 830 when I get home... :(

[showpug]

aaah! This is on tonight in Canada, on OLN (outdoor life network). It starts at 8pm, and I have CLASS until 8pm, so I'll miss probably the first 40 minutes :( Anyone want to give me the scoop on what I'll miss?

I love watching Westminster.

Anything you miss you can watch at www.westminsterkennelclub.org along with breed judging etc. :)

[BostonBanker]

The Welsh Terrier got a nice snap in - yikes. It looked like the bulldog grabbed the handler's hand as well, although he may have been going for a treat.

Here's a question for all of you who are familiar with the show world. I know that each dog should be judged against their own standard, not each other. So...are poodles really more likely to fit their personal standards, or is there another reason they always seem to win? I've watched Westminster every year since I was a kid, and it seems there is always at least one, sometimes two in the BIS. Obviously they are a very "showy" breed, but it just seems like it's a given most of the time. All other things being equatl, will a great S. Poodle beat a great Chow every time?

Tonights group are my favorites - herding and the sighthounds!

[showpug]

The Welsh Terrier got a nice snap in - yikes. It looked like the bulldog grabbed the handler's hand as well, although he may have been going for a treat.

Here's a question for all of you who are familiar with the show world. I know that each dog should be judged against their own standard, not each other. So...are poodles really more likely to fit their personal standards, or is there another reason they always seem to win? I've watched Westminster every year since I was a kid, and it seems there is always at least one, sometimes two in the BIS. Obviously they are a very "showy" breed, but it just seems like it's a given most of the time. All other things being equatl, will a great S. Poodle beat a great Chow every time?

Tonights group are my favorites - herding and the sighthounds!

The bulldog was going for a treat. They aren't very graceful and quite forceful when they want something. lol ;)

With Poodles, I say it's politics. At that level of competition, all the dogs are of top quality. The poodles are very showy and a good handler/groomer can sculpt the dog to look anyway he/she feels like. I think they are just an eye catching breed for the judge, but frankly, I am sick of seeing them always win.

[Laurelin]

RIP Kirby boy. Run free.


I was so sad to hear he'd passed last night. What an outstanding dog and what a crappy story he had. He'll be missed.

[otch1]

Hi all... was disappointed the Dobie didn't get pulled in group, but the Akita was truly outstanding. Not suprised at all that Vicki (toy poodle) won, she's been cleaning up and is a beautiful poodle. Was suprised too, Showpug, by the Pug. Had 2 friends with dogs who made it to group, but didn't get pulled in top 4, still excited for their BOB wins. Kohl didn't care for the Dalmation for some reason and started barking at t.v. Maybe he thought he knew her? Tonight should be exciting!!

[tempura tantrum]

With Poodles, I say it's politics. At that level of competition, all the dogs are of top quality. The poodles are very showy and a good handler/groomer can sculpt the dog to look anyway he/she feels like. I think they are just an eye catching breed for the judge, but frankly, I am sick of seeing them always win.

In all honesty, I have to agree as well. Those of us in Shibas just roll our eyes in exasperation at the fact we got stuck in the Non Sporting Group in the first place. By their very NATURE Shibas are NOT supposed to be ostentatious and showy- they are supposed to be beautiful in a sober and natural way. Go figure we get stuck in the group with not one but TWO poodles, AND the Bichon. All 3 dogs that can be sculpted and sprayed to perfection versus a breed that is only supposed to receive a bath and a good brushout.

Westminster competitors are truly some of the best in the nation, so really, it's not like there's a higher percentage of fantastic poodles out there. One of the big problems is that people are openly admitting to judging dogs on showmanship at this level...but where is that in ANY breed standard?

We had an article about just that in one of our breed quarterlies. It should come as no shock that we're seeing an influx of flashy, coaty, hyper, and Golden Retriever-esque Shibas in the ring lately...

Nevertheless, I'll openly admit that I think Vikki (the toy poodle) is really quite beautiful. She's fabulous looking. I'm not as huge a fan of the standard (liked his grandfather, Treson, better), and I DID like the mini poodle (who is a big favorite of one of my friends who shows this breed). For whatever reason, the minis don't seem to do as much winning as the standards and the toys, and I found this mini really lovely.

I just like it when Westminster is a tiny bit less predictable.

I was so sad to hear he'd passed last night. What an outstanding dog and what a crappy story he had. He'll be missed.

Between finding out about Kirby, the tribute to Annie Clark, and all of those truly emotional Pedigree adoption drive ads, both my sister and I were about ready to bust out the Kleenex and Haagen-Dazs!

I knew Kirby had kind of a bizarre back story, but for the life of me can't remember what it was. Was it something to do with ownership rights between his handler and his breeder?

[Laurelin]

I am tired of Vicki winning, personally. I thought Musashi showed fantastically and Harry and I couldn't be prouder. Of course instead of talking about Musashi, they talked about Kirby dying when the pap was showing. I understand why, but it's a never ending fight for non-Kirby kids to place at Westminster. Nemo usually takes paps. Nemo just wins too much, as horrible as it is to say especially with Kirby's passing. Kirby was gorgeous. Nemo was not my type. Too exaggerated and overangulated for my taste.

I still wish Cando would've showed. That's one awesome papillon.

Okay, I have to admit, I prefer the Japanese lined dogs over the Americans.

[Laurelin]

OMG, this just in: My friend's brittany just took breed. Keep your fingers crossed for Tango to do well! :p

[BostonBanker]

My friend's brittany just took breed. Keep your fingers crossed for Tango to do well!

I usually don't pay much attention to the sporting, but I will tonight. The springer is owned by a woman who posts on one of the horse forums I read regularly. I'll hope for one of the two to get the group;) .

Thanks for the poodle answers. It was about what I assumed. Sad to know the dog show world is as political as the horse show world.

[tempura tantrum]

Oooh! Happy to see that the ACD winner is CH. Reddenblu's Howdya Like Me Now. I am absolutely in love with this dog, and in a perfect world, will have a puppy by him in the future.

I watched the breed judging and really did like him the best. He was a wild thing in the breed ring- lots of jumping, and a ton of spunk.

Something about him just really captivates me...and I was always a big fan of his sire, CH. Reddenblu's X-Files Agent.

[wehkah]

Ooooh sporting group is up!!

[rabbitsarebetter]

all three of my fav groups are one tonight! :)

[wehkah]

Well Smoky City's Devil May Care didn't place but she did get honorable mention. The weim that's in group right now is really nice too. It's Bzyfeet's American Idol. Very nice. I think a nice breeding would be the two dogs together. Of coarse I'd like to see the pedegrees for both, I'm not fond of interbreeding. A little is okay but some dogs just have too much!

[wehkah]

It's rigged I swear! Why does it seam that the springer spaniel wins all the time in group?? I really did like the Vizsla though.

[vanillasugar]

GAH! I screwed up the broadcast times :( We're not getting to see it until the 17th! Not fair at all :(
I turned on the tv when I got home from class and it wasn't on... so I checked the website for the network:
2007 Westminster Dog Show February 17 and 18 on OLN
at 7 pm ET / 9 pm PT.

[Baxter'smybaby]

ok--am I the only one who loves the hound group?? They are so fun to watch--big ears floppping around! Love the bloodhound!:p

[jason_els]

Puli sighting! Great-looking OE sheepdog.

[Brattina88]

BIS . . . I wonder who's going to take it :popcorn:

Can they drag it out any longer? :o

[chinchow]

BIS, I'm pulling for the Akita myself. :)

[dr2little]

The Springer....they're all winners!!

I too loved the Akita.

[chinchow]

James did so well at Eukanuba, I guess I should've expected this win! But man, what a letdown for the Akita bitch. She was just gorgeous and I was pulling hard for her.

[Toller_08]

I really liked the Akita and was hoping she would win (I also liked the PBGV), but the Springer was a beautiful dog aswell.

[tessa_s212]

I wasn't exactly pleased with the Springer winning at all. Was greatly dissapointed in some of the group placements as well. :(

[chinchow]

I would be more impressed if James had some working background, but I've never heard of such from him.

So few of the working dogs have any working titles, it's just getting more dissappointing every year to watch them flash their names and acheivements on the screen and not seeing any work being done.

[wehkah]

I would be more impressed if James had some working background, but I've never heard of such from him.

So few of the working dogs have any working titles, it's just getting more dissappointing every year to watch them flash their names and acheivements on the screen and not seeing any work being done.

I agree with you Chin. However I think that they do more showing in the year than field training. It's sad though. If it were me I would be looking for the best confirmation and field work in a dog. Sadly many breeds are getting to be either one or the other and you rarely get one that excels in both. That would be the ultimate and very busy dog! :D

[otch1]

Thought the Dandi Dinmont had it for sure. All outstanding dogs. Jason, how'd you like Anne's Puli ("Dancer") that's the boy I showed against all year in 2005/06. We didn't stand a chance! Lol . Love that dog.

[wehkah]

I thought I was experencing deja vu!

http://animal.discovery.com/convergence/eukanuba/akcchampionship/about/about.html

James double dipped on TV venues! I also remember the PBGV and the Dandie Dinmont from the Eukanuba Championship being in the ring for BIS too. It all looked so familliar. I could have sworn that I saw it all before... :rolleyes:

[AusCatDogs_4Ever]

Noooo, I missed it last night!! :(
Is it continuing tonight?
I hope I didn't miss the herding group!

[jason_els]

Jason, how'd you like Anne's Puli ("Dancer") that's the boy I showed against all year in 2005/06.

Very impressed! Dancer has what I call, "the ballgown sweep," which makes it look like he's not running under the cords (think of a woman in a ballgown who looks like she's just floating over the floor). He has charisma alright. John's Qunicy looked STUNNING. Soon as I saw him I knew it was John's. I always cheer for the Pulik and the Koms. Hungarian livestock dogs always seem to not have much of a chance. Westminster seems generally biased to the terrier-types. Maybe when the pumi reaches full status they'll have a shot?

I can always dream! :D

[Laurelin]

I still wanted fairchild to win. You couldn't find a more adorable dog. I also love love love Harry.

Kinda sad most the winners were very predictable.

[showpug]

I still wanted fairchild to win. You couldn't find a more adorable dog. I also love love love Harry.

Kinda sad most the winners were very predictable.

I agree. He is SO showy! I thought it was his night for sure. He owned the ring!!!

[BostonBanker]

So, another showing question (that I'm assuming I know the answer to). I noticed there was a lot of variation in the condition of the breeds. For example, the sighthounds, of course, were very lean. There were some other breeds that looked like they were in fantastic condition - the Vizsla, the Weim, some terriers and herding dogs. And then there were some that looked...heavy. I know someone who does conformation and agility with her dog, and she won't compete in agility when it is hot because the dog needs to carry so much weight to be competitive in conf.

I had assumed it was similar to horses. Horses that are shown "in-hand" (at least in my discipline) tend to be pretty heavy. Partially because a lot of people equate weight with health in animals, and partially because it can cover some faults;) . But why are some breeds shown so fit, and others very heavy? After all, Vizslas and Labs are both hunting dogs, but the show Labs I've seen look too heavy to go out and work. Is it all just fads within the particular breed?

Thanks for answering some novice questions!

[showpug]

So, another showing question (that I'm assuming I know the answer to). I noticed there was a lot of variation in the condition of the breeds. For example, the sighthounds, of course, were very lean. There were some other breeds that looked like they were in fantastic condition - the Vizsla, the Weim, some terriers and herding dogs. And then there were some that looked...heavy. I know someone who does conformation and agility with her dog, and she won't compete in agility when it is hot because the dog needs to carry so much weight to be competitive in conf.

I had assumed it was similar to horses. Horses that are shown "in-hand" (at least in my discipline) tend to be pretty heavy. Partially because a lot of people equate weight with health in animals, and partially because it can cover some faults;) . But why are some breeds shown so fit, and others very heavy? After all, Vizslas and Labs are both hunting dogs, but the show Labs I've seen look too heavy to go out and work. Is it all just fads within the particular breed?

Thanks for answering some novice questions!

I agree with you on the labs. I think they are shown way too fat! Pugs are another breed that are overweight in the ring a lot of the time. I would never maintain or breed a pug while it is holding "show" weight. In fact, I recently got tired of keeping Alice on the "thicker" side and got some weight off of her. Then she started winning. Go figure:rolleyes: Anyway, some of the time it's a fad within the breed and sometimes it's truly for function like in the case of the whippets etc. Since pugs are suppose to be "cobby", I think a lot of people put extra fat on them to make them appear "cobby" when they really are not...

[Psyfalcon]

With labs, the standard pretty much calls for a solid built dog, which has been bastardized into FAT. This one was pretty good, I saw another one on tv, Eukanuba or Crufts where I could only describe the dog as mildly obese.

Working, weight would hurt the Visla more, since Labs are not supposed to cover distance like a pointer, so a fat pointer would be a serious detriment.

[Laurelin]

With labs, the standard pretty much calls for a solid built dog, which has been bastardized into FAT. This one was pretty good, I saw another one on tv, Eukanuba or Crufts where I could only describe the dog as mildly obese.

Working, weight would hurt the Visla more, since Labs are not supposed to cover distance like a pointer, so a fat pointer would be a serious detriment.

Well, you have to remember that at Crufts it's mainly European dogs and European dogs tend to be stockier than Americans to begin with.

[chinchow]

I prefer a more solid Lab. MANY of the leaner field Labs I see are mostly in the more southern areas, places where it doesn't get nearly as cold. The further north I've looked, the more I see that it is sometimes a location difference. Stockier dogs, not necessarily fat, seem to handle the cold better than the thinner field Labs, which are often being bred TOO lean for the breed. They end up looking more like Pointers than Labradors.

[Psyfalcon]

Certainly, a lab can be too thin, and some of the upland, flushing dogs are. All the retrievers, including the water spaniels have some thickness to them, but the Labradors seem to be getting a little mastiff like.

No matter what the standard though, I think a working (sporting) dog needs to be fit. :) It cant be good for the dog to keep putting weight on for shows, and then taking it off for agility or even hunting.

[chinchow]

No matter what the standard though, I think a working (sporting) dog needs to be fit. :) It cant be good for the dog to keep putting weight on for shows, and then taking it off for agility or even hunting.

Definitely agreed!

[Cassie Abbott]

I didn't get to watch (no tv) but I just watched the Neo breed judging on the site (hehe, my pick got first ;) ). I'm so excited that the Neo is recognized, it gives me hope that the Cane Corso will be recognized soon! *crosses fingers*

[Laurelin]

Haha, look at Tango's BOB picture:

http://www.westminsterkennelclub.org/2007/photos/breed/SR01567807.html

We were all having a good laugh about that one. Stick it to the judges! :p

[Jynx]

well I missed most of it,,those darn herding dawgs are on so late, I fell asleep! LOL..


So I missed it about Kirby??? He passed away?? How old was he anyhow?

My sister's papillon is a Kirby grandson, looks just like him..
diane

[Laurelin]

16 or so. He won the PCA National in 2005 at the age of 15 years I believe.

[Jynx]

gosh I didn't realize he was that old,,I wonder if he was still with John his handler?

My sister's was with John for about 5 months, until they "thought" he was going to go oversize,,now they are kicking themselves in the ya know where, cause he is absolutely 'perfect'..oh well, he's neutered and ripping up agility courses..

diane

[wehkah]

Haha, look at Tango's BOB picture:

http://www.westminsterkennelclub.org/2007/photos/breed/SR01567807.html

We were all having a good laugh about that one. Stick it to the judges! :p

Ooooh so handsome!!

[DanL]

The handler for that English Springer is from my area. She's had him for 2 1/2 years and he goes home to the owner next week. There was an article in the paper today about them. She does therapy work with him too.

[Kimmers]

I don't know a lot about conformation but I was rooting for the Dandie Dinmont last night, which surprised me because I've never liked them before. His tail never stopped wagging and he looked like the most excited and happiest little thing out there. How could you not love him?