Westminster Re-Cap – French Bulldogs, Patty Hearst and Unfair Hair Cut Advantages
Well, the judging is done, and yet again the Frenchie got overlooked for a frou frou poodle. C’est la vie. Apparently a poofy haircut counts for extra super duper bonus points. Actually, I don’t have a clue how good the poodle really is, since poodles are one of those breeds that all look startlingly similar to me (sorry Jan!).
It was good to see yet another of Cody Sickle’s lovely Bulldogs place well in group. Bullies, like Frenchies, are at a natural disadvantage in a group over run with spring loaded, fluffy coated yappers, so I always root for the Bulldog, in lieu of the Frenchie. I mean, take a look at the photos of this year’s Non Sporting group placers –
Notice anything? Yeah, that’s what I thought. Fluffy haircuts will get you to the big ring every time…
French Bulldog Best of Breed was taken by Ch Windmark’s What a Guy, who also won BoB in 2007. He was handled by Jodi Ghaster, who also handled Best of Opposite Sex winner Ch Shann’s Legally Blond (call name Diva). I’m apparently obligated to mention that Diva is owned by Patty Hearst (now Patty Hearst Shaw). She has owned French Bulldogs for quite a few years, so it’s old news to Frenchie people to hear that she has a dog in the ring. It’s big news everyplace else, though – the name “Patty Hearst” was one of Google’s top search terms today.
Isabella, also known as Ch Absolut’s Ooh LaLa V Amron, didn’t do anything in the breed ring, but she did make the final cut, and with 32 other Frenchies in the ring, that’s a pretty respectable showing for a 14 month old pied. I’d like to also point out that she was the only pied in the final line up, and one of only two that I can see of all the judging photos Wayne sent me. The ring was awash with creams and brindles, but the more esoteric pieds were rare, and the other colors were missing altogether.
Here’s a photo of Isabella gaiting for her handler, James Berger, for owner Toni Perone. Next year, guys…
Wayne Kovacs, co owner of Dixie and owner handler extraordinaire, was at the Gardens, and took tons of photos. You can see the entire collection here, or Isabella’s photos here.
Thanks again, Wayne!
Westminster Week Approaches
I had made plans to attend Westminster this year, as I was supposed to be in New York City for work, but the best laid plans go out the window when one is dealing with dogs.
Instead, I’ll be sitting at home and watching it on television, as I have to spend the week running Journey and Paris back and forth to Owen Sound for insemination and timing tests.
Paris has surged, so her insemination is set for Tuesday morning, bright and early. Ironically enough, Paris is being bred via frozen semen to Rebel – Ch Bullmarket Versace.
Rebel won breed at the Gardens (and a nice, hard look in the group) in 1997. We had his semen frozen shortly after that, and it’s that collection, eleven years later, that we’ll be using on Paris.
Dog showing might not be my favorite thing in the world – I’m too cynical to believe it’s the pinnacle of achievement I used to see it as – but there’s no denying the rush that you get from seeing your dog win in the big ring at Madison Square Gardens.
I promptly burst into tears, much to my everlasting shame, and my friend Charlotte’s amusement. I fully believe the stories I’ve heard of owners fainting or going into hysterics when their dogs are pointed to for the big, big ribbon.
My lovely boy Rebel passed away in 2006, and is dearly missed by all who knew him.
Westminster this year is especially bittersweet for Barb.
Champion Absolut Ooh LaLa V Amron, with owner Rita Perone, will be showing at the Gardens. She’s out of Barb’s ‘Dark Lola’ – Pinetree’s Absolut Lolita.
Lola is out of Roseanne, the very first dog that Barb ever got from me, and the beginning of our partnership. Roseanne passed away from cancer two years ago, and Lola was Barb’s last and youngest remaining Rosey daughter. Barb didn’t keep anything from Lola’s first litter – the litter that produced Isabella – because she figured she had lots of time before having to worry about doing so.
Unfortunately, Lola developed a health issue, and has been spayed and placed into a great pet home. She lives with Lauren and her ‘little brother’ Tucker (Bunny’s puppy) in New York City.
Watching Isabella in the ring will be Barb’s last chance to see a direct descendant of Roseanne showing at the Gardens.
Ironically enough, Roseanne’s first litter was the first litter Rebel ever sired. On Tuesday night as I watch the group judging on television, I’ll be holding Paris in my lap, and hoping that Rebbie’s next generation is successfully preparing to make its way into the world.
(BTW, you can follow along with the breed judging on the WKC’s website — here’s the link for Frenchies)
ESPP Fridays – It's another Solo Video
It’s ESPP Friday, and that means it’s time for a Solo video!
Here he is playing with his toys, with Sean, with his ‘brother’ Dexter, and with his Aunt Ellie (who can’t wait for him to leave, and would prefer it if he took all the other dogs with him).