Sussex Spaniel!

Best in show winner!  It must be very hard to choose a the best of the best especially when they are all different breeds.  Best in Breed seems to be easier and more equitable.  In this case, the long haired hotdog trotted around the ring and won the 133rd show.

I was rooting for the Sussex Spaniel as soon as I saw it.  Something about how it waddled around the ring made me favor it.  I was happy that the strangely shaven Poodle did not win.   

This trip was a surprise for my Partner who while showing St. Bernards and Alaskan Malamutes, had never been to Madison Square Garden to see the acclaimed event.  So needless to say I had a lot to learn and had no idea what to expect.  Firstly, we had assigned seats, but were allowed to sit anywhere until you were bumped by he seat holder.  Also, you were able to go onto the judging floor!  It was so cool sitting by a ring feeling the breeze as the handlers and dogs ran by.

The Benching Area…

AKA “Back Stage” for most events, you are allowed to be in the area where all of the dogs are crated.  Dogs are required to be in the Benching Area in order to compete so it was cool to be able to see the dogs and be able to talk with the handlers and owners.  

Grooming also took place in this area.  Besides being a great photo op, some handlers let you pet the dogs.  Was cool seeing them get trimmed, washed and blown dry.  

Dog vs Bitch

When Patrick mentioned that they were showing dogs, I was like duh, we are not at a horse show.  I then learned that “Dogs” are males and “Bitches” are females.  That seems a bit sexist to me…but then again, that is also tradition.  I believe the equivalent ought to be “Stud” as in other animals.  

Spending 2 days at the show I got to see so many dogs and especially enjoyed the Working Group.  The St. Bernards, Bernese Mountain Dogs, Komondor (Mop Dogs), Alaskan Malamutes, and New Foundland’s were my favorite from this Group.

I also liked the Irish Water Spaniel from the Sporting Group, the Old English Sheepdog from the Herding Group, and the Soft Coated Wheaton Terrier from the Non-sporting Group.  

The ugliest dog I saw…the Chinese Crusted.  Matt Lauer from the Today Show was showing one as the cast was featured last evening as a crowd pleaser.

Check out my photo gallery next week.  I have about 1800 photos to go through and will post the best ones online with information about their breed.

My choices for a pet are…..

• Soft Coated Wheaton Terrier
• Irish Water Spaniel
• Old English Sheepdog
• Komondor
• Tibetan Mastiff
• St. Bernard
• Alaskan Malamute

As you can tell I really like the big dogs.  This was fine when I owned my own house, but living in an apartment which currently does not allow dogs and many having a 50 pound limit will pose a big problem.  Hmmm…think I need to look into buying a house again.  Perhaps playing the lottery will help!

Opening a can of worms..

Patrick was surprised and thrilled by the trip, but did warn me that I opened a can of worms.  He signed up for the AKC Gazette and 2009 should be filled with trips to local dog shows and tickets to the 134th show!