What's the most recent item you purchased your for one of your household menagerie? In my case, it was a lunge whip for my puppy/Energizer Bunny impersonator Lola. Tie a white plastic bag to the end (all the better to lure-course with, my dear), or any squeaky toy, and let your pooch chase to her heart -- and legs' -- content.
I might quibble with you that dancing with dogs -- formally called Canine Freestyle -- is a sport.
All I know is, watching Emily and Henrietta will make you laugh -- www.youtube.com/watch?v=xlyN0L4IMck. Just don't ask me who is who.
Among dog folk, the Canadian province of Ontario has the dubious distinction of having passed a draconian law outlawing pitbull terriers.
Last week, a superior court judge struck down portions of the law -- specifically, the definition of a pitbull and a provision that allows vets to prove that a dog is a pitbull -- calling them unconstitutional.
Indeed, deciding just what is a pitbull makes an interesting parlor game.
Still, the bulk of the law still stands, and pit bulls are still to be leashed and muzzled while in public, and cannot be sold, bred or imported into the province.
Penalties for breaking the law include a $10,000 fine, six months imprisonment, financial compensation to any victims, and/or impoundment or euthanasia of the dog.
Bill Ross photo for Newsday
From today's email: <<My name is Linda Bauer. My sister Donna was involved in a serious car accident Sunday night, March 11, between exits 41 and 42 on the Southern State Parkway. She had her two dogs with her. One ran away. My sister was driving on the westbound side. She was cut off by another car, lost control, flipped three times and ended up on the eastbound side of the Southern State. She suffered multiple broken bones, surgery and amazingly will be OK. According to witnesses, her Maltese ran across to the westbound side. Family and friends have been to the site looking for her and have posted signs in the neighborhoods on both the west and east sides of the Southern State. The ASPCA, local vets, etc., have been notified. The dog's name is Chloe. She’s two years old, the tip of one of her ears was amputated, and she’s all white and does not have a chip or identification on her collar. She has letter charms on her collar that spell out her name. If you should find her or have seen her please call Linda Bauer. Thank you for your help. Home #516 796-6863 Work #516 365-4240 (9-3)>>
With Saint Patrick's Day approaching, the American Kennel Club sends on this recap of breeds originating on the Emerald Isle:
Glen of Imaal Terrier—Glen of Imaal, which is a valley in the Wicklow mountains, is the region in Ireland after which this hardy breed is named. Longer than tall and sporting a double coat of medium length, the “Glen” possesses great strength and conveys the impression of a dog of good substance. This is a working terrier, which must have the agility, freedom of movement and endurance to do the work for which it was developed. Like its Irish counterparts, the Glen is also courageous, and always ready to give chase. When working it is active, agile, silent and intent upon its game. Otherwise, the Glen can be docile and a companion for families with older children. Recognized by the AKC in 2004, the Glen of Imaal is one of the newest AKC breeds.
Irish Setter— Green may be the color of the Irish, but deep mahogany is the color of this four-legged beauty. The Irish Setter was recognized by the AKC in 1878 and is part of the Sporting Group. Irish Setters have rollicking personalities and require a good amount of exercise to fulfill their breed instincts; they are tough and tireless field retrievers. They are also loving companion dogs who enjoy the company of children. It takes about three years for this breed to fully mature into adulthood, so if you’re considering bringing an Irish Setter into your home, you should be prepared for an active, fun-loving dog.
Irish Terrier—This breed will be featured in the upcoming movie “Firehouse Dog,” where it has been cast as a canine hero. Not surprising, considering that Irish Terriers were used to transport messages between troops on the front lines in World War I. Their bravery and spirit make them incomparable pals, and they possess great tenacity. Loyal and friendly, Irish Terriers hardily adapt to any situation, and they are deeply committed to their owners. Irish Terriers served as longtime mascots for the Notre Dame Football team, providing halftime entertainment for adoring crowds. The Irish Terrier was first recognized by the AKC in 1885.
Irish Water Spaniel—This breed has been referred to as the “Shannon Spaniel,” the “Whip-Tail Spaniel,” and the “Rat-Tail Spaniel.” Distinguishing characteristics are a topknot of long, loose curls, a body covered with a dense, crisply curled liver colored coat, contrasted by a smooth face and a smooth "rat" tail. First recognized in 1878 by the AKC, this ancient breed is a natural water dog. Irish Water Spaniels are devoted to their family and cautious around strangers. They are impressive dogs and possess an endurance quality which makes them equally agile in the water and in the field.
Irish Wolfhound—While Irish literature refers to this ancient breed in many ways, including “Big Dogs of Ireland,” Irish Wolfhounds were documented in Rome in the year 391 A.D., where they were presented to the Roman Counsel as gifts, which “all Rome viewed with wonder.” No wonder-- they are the largest and tallest of the galloping hounds. Males should be a minimum of 32” tall and weigh 120 pounds; females should be a minimum of 30” tall and weigh 105 pounds. This is a swift breed which hunts by sight, and needs an ample, fenced in yard to accommodate its full gallop. As in early times, Irish Wolfhounds possess an extraordinary social temperament, as well as the intelligence to separate friend, family and foe. The Irish Wolfhound is featured on the cover of the current Irish-themed issue of the AKC Gazette. To read the Gazette story of the Irish Wolfhound entitled “Comrade to Chieftains,” visit: www.akc.org/pubs/monthlyfeaturedarticle/
Kerry Blue Terrier—The “Kerry Blue” hails from the Irish county of the same name; he had been pure-bred in that section of Ireland for more than a hundred years. Known for his superior working and hunting skills, the Kerry Blue is used for hunting small game and birds, and for retrieving from land as well as water. Size doesn’t matter, for he is an unsurpassed watch dog and herder of flock. In some instances in England, he has even been used for police work. The breed was first recognized by the AKC in 1922, and came into the national spotlight when CH. Torums Scarf Michael won best in show at the 2002 AKC/Eukanuba National Championship.
Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier—A truly Irish breed, the “Wheaten” has a special connection to St. Patrick’s Day, having first appeared in the show ring at the Irish Kennel Club Championship on March 17, 1937. The name of this breed describes the characteristics of the coat—soft, silky, with a gentle wave, and of warm wheaten color. Underneath is a formidable dog that enjoys plenty of exercise every day. Most Wheatens are natural greeters towards people, and extremely alert in their surroundings. They are quick learners and love to travel with their owners. The Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier was first recognized by the AKC in 1973.
Irish Red & White Setter--An up and coming Irish breed in America is the Irish Red & White Setter, which is currently listed in the AKC’s Foundation Stock Service (FSS). The FSS records the pedigrees of dogs applying for AKC recognition. This breed is thought to have emerged at the end of the 17th Century in Ireland, and is red and white in color, as opposed to the solid red Irish Setter.
DENISE FLAIM
After more than seven years, I am heralding the arrival of a new puppy into my household. (Actually, I bred the 8-week-old Ridgeback who I hope will grow up to be a successful little show dog like her mom and dad, so she met the world in a whelping box at the foot of my bed, along with her 13 siblings.)
For those who might be anticipating the arrival of their own new four-footed family member, here are some important puppy-parenting resources:
Crate. Forget your reservations about these pseudo-dens being "prisons." Your puppy's crate is a sanctuary, a place where he can retreat from obnoxious kids (not yours, of course), other critters or just the day-to-day bustle. It's also imperative that puppies learn to accept crating in the event they are ever forced to travel or evacuate.
Getting a puppy to like its crate is easy: Feed every meal in there. As with a crying baby in a crib, never let a barking puppy out of a crate - wait until the complaining stops or you will just invite more.
Buy a crate for the size that your dog will be in adulthood. Since puppies should just be able to stand up, turn around and lie down (anything roomier encourages pooping and peeing in a far corner), displace any extra space by putting an appropriately sized empty cardboard box in the back of the crate. As the puppy grows, replace with ever-smaller boxes until they are no longer needed.
Do not use wire crates for small puppies, which can catch jaws and limbs in those unforgiving bars. Instead, use a plastic travel crate until at least six months for large breeds, and never place any dog in a wire crate without removing its collar.
Like anything, crates can be abused. No dog should be crated for more than four hours at a stretch. Also, remember that puppies have roughly one hour of bowel control for every month of age. So, if you cannot take your 3-month-old pup out every three hours, you need to hire a puppy walker.
Kong. My list of suitable chewables is a pretty short one. Marrow bones can crack and fracture teeth. Compressed-vegetable chewies can get impacted in the intestines. Rawhide is a no-go unless it has been processed in the United States. (Read the label closely: Just because the cow was American doesn't mean the plant that cured it is here.)
Dehydrated animal parts, from lamb lungs to cow tendons, are safe, but in addition to the gross factor (those popular bully sticks are the, er, manliest part of the steer), they can get expensive.
The biggest no-brainer is the Kong, which is hollow, made out of heavy-duty rubber and bears a striking resemblance to the Michelin Man. It can be stuffed with yummy treats (peanut butter or Velveeta are perennial favorites) and then frozen to make them last even longer.
Dremel. I stopped clipping nails long ago in favor of this hand-held rotary tool. Use the sandpaper attachment, never the grinding stone, as the latter gets too hot. Take care with long-coated dogs, whose tresses can get caught, resulting in a serious case of the ouchies. For big breeds, forget the cordless models; they just don't have enough juice.
Doberman people are masters of the little black stubby nail. The best Dremeling tutorial on the Net resides at DoberDawn.com.
Puppy kindergarten class. The 8-week mark is generally accepted as the earliest time a puppy should be separated from its mother and siblings, since important social skills are learned during those crucial weeks. (Toy dogs usually stay well beyond that, as long as 12 weeks.)
Once it is home, expose your puppy to as many different stimuli as possible, including new people and dogs at "socialization" classes. Remember, however, that not all classes are born equal; attending one before you plunk down your cash is always advisable. Look for trainers who use positive reinforcement (treats and toys) instead of negative (collar jerks and pops). If you feel uncomfortable about a trainer's technique, there is probably good reason.
A good library. For a deep understanding of how dogs learn and why they react like they do, devote shelf space to anything by Jean Donaldson (including "Dogs Are From Neptune" and "The Culture Clash") and Patricia McConnell ("The Other End of the Leash: Why We Do What We Do Around Dogs"). Brenda Aloff's very visual "Canine Body Language: A Photographic Guide" is another must-read. For training books, dogwise.com offers the best of the best.
A good vet. Many people choose their veterinarians based on proximity. I'm of the mind that diagnostic and clinical skills, commitment to continuing education and an ability to listen are far more important than how much mileage you save.
Make sure your vet is not overvaccinating by comparing his or her vaccination protocol to the canine guidelines recently updated by the American Animal Hospital Association (aahanet.org).
And if you can't talk to your vet about these issues, that's likely a sign that a replacement is in order.
WRITE TO Denise Flaim, c/o Newsday, 235 Pinelawn Rd., Melville, NY 11747-4250, or e-mail denise.flaim@newsday.com.
Dr. Robert Indeglia wasn't so wild about Harry.
At a Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show that was notable for its prodigious giant-slaying, Indeglia, a cardiac surgeon who was officiating in the Best in Show ring, passed over "Harry," the Dandie Dinmont terrier and number-one dog co-owned by Bill Cosby, to give top honors to an English Springer spaniel named James.
Champion Felicity's Diamond Jim, the number-two dog in the country, was the sixth Springer to garner Best in Show honors at the Garden. Though the majority of Westminster wins have been taken by terriers, a Dandie has never won at the vaunted Manhattan show.
Harry's handler, Bill McFadden, knows all about how the phoenix can rise again: After his much-hyped Kerry Blue, Mick, won the Terrier group but failed to snag Best in Show in 2002, he came back to earn the coveted ribbon the following year.
Can Harry hope for a similar comeback? Stranger things have happened.
The Garden continued to surprise today: In the Herding Group, "Smokin'," last year's Group winner, got dumped in the breed, as we like to say.
Two other favorites emerged unscathed, though: The number-eight dog in the counttry -- Champion Celestial's Cj's Jolly Fairchild ("Fairchild"), the petit basset griffon vendeen (just call her a PBGV and get it over with) -- and number two -- James the English springer spaniel (listed in the catalog by his formal name, Champion Felicity's Diamond Jim) -- won their breeds handily, and are headed to their respective group rings.
Look for James to give Harry the Dandie Dinmont a run for his money.
For this fancier, the only ring that mattered today was the Ridgeback ring, which burst at the seams with the day's largest entry of 50 dogs. And the winner was family to me -- literally: Mafu (Champion Kimani's Aires Above the Ground), who is the sire to my current litter of 14 puppies.
You pick your favorite. I've already got mine.
This is my idea of wiling away a Monday night … watching the Groups at the Garden. Part conformation analysis, part tarot-card reading, it’s an exercise is suspense and showmanship.
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What happened? Who’s hot? Here goes:
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Love me, love terrier
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Maybe he won’t be a bridesmaid this time around.
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No joking: Comedian Bill Cosby has backed dozens of show dogs in the last three decades, co-owning them with fellow Navy alum Col. Jean Heath of Pleasanton, Calif. Some have placed in, and even won, Groups at the Garden. But that is where their winning has ended.
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Now there’s Harry.
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As the pundits predicted, New Zealand-born Champion Hobergays Fineus Fogg vanquished the Terrier group tonight, beating the Sealyham terrier named Ben, who was his stiffest competition. Now all he has to do is go Best in Show tomorrow night.
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As for Cosby, he was most definitely not in the reviewing stands. (That would have been a sure way of deflecting attention from where it belongs -- on the dog, stupid.)
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“Mr. Cosby thinks it’s bad luck to be in New York,” says Harry’s handler, Bill McFadden, who knows from winning at Westminster – he won in 2003 with Mick the Kerry blue terrier. He added that he hopes to prove his boss wrong.
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Standing in for Cosby was his 40-year-old daughter Erinn, who scooped Harry up in the arms of her poofy Giants jacket and hugged him till his big dark round eyes – a signature of his breed, by the way – nearly popped.
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Why did Harry win the competitive Terrier group, over the aforementioned Sealy, second-place smooth fox terrier, and fourth-place Staffordshire bull terrier (a breed, by the way, that is banned in the judge’s home province of Ontario)?
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“He just asked for it,” said Group judge Dr. Richard Meen.
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Don’t they all.
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Yo, you pointin’ at me?
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Go, Lawn Guyland!
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The first Group up at the Garden tonight was Working dogs, and it was won handily by an Akita -- the aptly named Ch Redwitch Reason to Believe, also known as “Macey.”
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Macy is owned by local real-estate mogul Roger Rechler, who is perhaps best-known for his Afghan hounds, bred until the kennel name Grandeur.
Preferring California climes, Macey lives with her handler, Laurie Jordan-Fenner.
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After Macey took her all-important Group-winning photo, Rechler’s 11-year-old son, Bill, hugged the 3-year-old English import. (Sure-fire way to elicit awwwws from reporters.)
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The Alaskan malamute took the second-place ribbon, followed by a Newfoundland who is the son of Josh, the 2004 Westminster winner. Fourth place went to the Kuvacz. (It’s OK if you don’t know what it is: It’s fleecy, it’s white, and it looks like what might result if dogs and sheep were chromosomally capable of procreating.)
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Poodles, poodles everywhere
No surprise in the Toy group: Vikki the toy poodle (Champion Smash Jp Win a Victory), piloted by Kaz Hosaka won handily, despite a judge who was rumored to prefer Pekes.
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Vikki ended 200 as the number-five dog in the country, and the top toy.
And in the last group of the evening, Non-Sporting (otherwise known as the "We Don't Know Where Else to Put Them" Group), the standard choice -- the standard poodle took the blue ribbon.
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The poodle in question, Champion Brighton Minimoto, is the daughter of Champion Ale Kai Mikomoto on Fifth -- a two-time Westminster group winner himself.
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Another giant falls
The Boxer ring was abuzz today when the nation's number-three dog, Champion Bayview Some Like It Hot, better known as "Monroe," lost to the number-two boxer, Champion Ein-Von's Just A Rumor, whose friends call her "Jasmine."
Still-another fall from grace echoed in the Airedale ring, where the number-six dog last year, Champion Evermay’s High Performance, forfeited the Best of Breed ribbon to a girl named Champion Huntwood’s Waltzing Mahtilda.
Such tumbles from once-lofty heights are pretty much standard fare at the Garden, which one long-time judge affectionately calls "the day for losers."
To relive the torturous ups and downs, visit westminsterkennelclub.org, which is offering streaming video of the breed competitions. (Do it soon, though: It's free for now, but in a week you'll have to pay for the privilege.)
No kidding around
The youngest handler competing in the Juniors competition is a homegrown Long Islander: Jayme Baum, 9, of Huntington, made the rounds accompanied by her elkhound Royce, her mom Janet and beaming uncle Donald Sturz, an AKC judge who judged the Hound group at Westminster last year.
Juniors competition is intended encourage participation by youngsters in the sport of dogs; unlike the rest of dogs shows, in Juniors competitions, it is the handlers who are judged, not the dogs.
Jayme is a third-generation dog-show person: Her grandmother, who was also at the Garden today, started in golden retrievers. Jayme's arsenal for tempting 7-year-old Royce tomorrow night? Chicken, steak and hot dogs -- not necessarily in that order.
The legs have it
Westminster is a stage, and many attendees are happy to dress the part, from rhinestone-studdede jackets to breed-specific bling-bling. (Speaking of breed-specific, as in legislation, many of the bullie-breed owners were sporting purple ribbons, to protest New York City councilman Peter Vallone's recent proposal to ban pitbulls in the city.)
But the biggest satorial statement on the floor of the Garden today was made by Graham Mocklow of Bermuda, who wore -- what else? -- Bermuda shorts to show his Shipperke, "Nam." (For his part, "Nam" was the oldest dog entered in the show, at a sprightly 13 1/2.)
How do Bermuda shorts look with black socks and dress shoes? Just about how you would expect.
In a world where things change as rapidly as Britney Spears' gestational status, it's comforting to have a constant like Westminster.
The carpet is always green, the benching area always cramped, the jostling omnipresent.
In the press room, the insane phone calls come in with regularity, fielded by Eric, who speaks both Cantonese, Italian and Spanish (a benefit of growing up in Little Italy).
Every third call is for someone demanding to speak to David Frei, the show's tuxedoed emcee and the literal face of Westminster.
Ring, ring. Finally, a media person looking for someone other than Frei.
"Someone wants to interview Bill Cosby," says Erich Menendez, holding the phone to his chest.
Cosby, of course, owns the top-winning dog in the country, a Dandie Dinmont terrier named Harry. He (Cosby, not Harry) does not make it a habit of hanging out in the press room -- and according to show chairman Thomas H. Bradley 3rd,the famous comedian will not be at the Garden for Best in Show tomorrow night if Harry wins the Terrier group.
Ring, ring. "New Mexico -- Land of enchantment?"Eric says to a reporter calling to ask if any Albuquerque fanciers are entered in the show. "I know where that is --West Side, right?"
Out on the floor, things are equally as frenetic. Commandeering well-positioned seats that belong to others is a well-practiced sport, and just this morning I was shooed from mine by the handler belonging to real-estate heiress and poodle fancier Karen LeFrak, who was being assiduously filmed by PetStyle.com. (Karen, ever the lady, apologized profusely. Hey, it was the best seat I ever squatted in -- I deserved it.)
Amid all this, there was time for watching dogs. In the pug ring, "Tucker," the number-one pug and number-two toy dog last year, went down in flames, losing to a female named Cherry. Cheery's breeder, Machiko Nomura, pretty in pink and pearls, happening to be sitting in front of us, and all she could do was put her hands over her mouth as tears slipped from the corners of her eyes.
That's what Westminster's about -- the possibility.
Tucker, for his part, earned an Award of Merit -- dogdom's version of "runner-up" -- and left the ring sprawled on his owner's shoulders, languidly -- and perhaps appropriately -- belly up.
Westminster doyenne's absence felt
By Denise Flaim
STAFF WRITER
Before the terriers trot in front of the cameras tonight, the lights at Madison Square Garden will dim in memory of the woman who was to have judged them: Anne Hone Rogers Clark of Greenwood, Del.
With a commanding presence (she was 6-foot-2) and literally encyclopedic knowledge of dogs (she co-wrote a dog bible), "Annie," as she was referred to by those who knew her well and those who wished they did, was the grand-dam of dogdom. She died in December of cancer at age 77.
A descendant of early 19th century New York City mayor Philip Hone, Clark was a self-proclaimed "stock market crash child" whose mother bred English cockers and poodles and operated a midtown grooming shop called Dogs Inc. Passing up a scholarship to vet school, Clark became a top professional handler. As a judge, she was known for her no-nonsense demeanor and tendency to give handling instructions in the ring, especially when an inept exhibitor jeopardized a good dog's chances at winning.
Never once missing Westminster since she first attended in 1941, Clark was the only person to have judged all seven groups and Best in Show at the champions-only show. She was also the first professional female handler to win top honors there, with a toy poodle named Champion Wilbur White Swan in 1956.
Everyone has an Annie story, and I am no exception. In only my second time in the ring, I ran around with my frisky, galloping puppy, cooing encouragingly, until she called me back. "Take that collar, put the ring under her neck, give it a pop and stop making those ridiculous noises," she barked. "She thinks you are playing with her."
I did as I was told, my puppy magically settled down, and I earned my second-place ribbon.
Goodbye, Mrs. Clark.
Two-legged competitors are driven to show their four-legged champs at the Garden
By Denise Flaim
STAFF WRITER
Maybe to you, they look like a bunch of liver-throwing, crate-hauling, blowdryer-brandishing weirdos.
But they're dog family to me.
Today, the 131st annual Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show engulfs Madison Square Garden, rolling out an emerald-green carpet where the Knicks usually tread, constructing a backstage maze of yellow wooden benches where dogs lounge in their off time to greet the thronging public, and where even perfect size 6s cannot pass without perennial excuse-me's.
Westminster is dogdom's mecca. For fanciers, handlers and breeders, the annual pilgrimage to "the Garden" is a chance to connect with far-away people we know best through the furious click of computer keys. It's where rumors are fanned and gossip is doled. It's the venue to see the big winners in the flesh, and decide if they live up to their hype.
But for the "pet people" - sorry, that's what we call you - who wend their way through the Garden's tight (and, near the sawdust-strewn potty areas, aromatic) backstage quarters, this is a subculture that can bear more than a passing resemblance to Barnum & Bailey. Indeed, the dog-show life has a bit of the carny to it, especially for those who make it more than a hobby. The cities, and often states, change every weekend, but the people never do, caravanning in motor homes and minivans packed with stainless-steel water buckets, squeak toys - and limitless ambition.
So, taking our attention off the dogs for a moment, here are some frequently asked questions about that most fascinating - and misunderstood - breed of all: the dog-show fanatic.
Are these people doing it for the money? In a word: no. If you win at Westminster, you leave with a silver trophy (plated, no less), a streaming rosette and bragging rights. You'd do better holding up a liquor store.
While theoretically, a Westminster winner could charge exorbitant puppy prices and stud fees, the truth is that even the most libidinous dog would be hard-pressed to recoup a fraction of the cost it took to get him on the map in the first place.
Piloting a successful show dog to the pinnacle can't be done on a shoestring. Champion dogs that are "campaigned" or "specialed" - that is, shown with the goal of securing a top spot in their breed or group rankings - are advertised in slick show magazines and sent off with professional handlers for umpteen weekends on the road. The price tag for all this publicity and visibility can easily surpass five digits, if you are serious - and deep-pocketed - enough.
People show dogs for the same reason they play golf: It's genially - sometimes not so genially - competitive. It's a bug they inexplicably catch and cannot shake. And nobody really wants to add up what it costs them between show entries, gas, mileage and sundry supplies, because nobody really wants to know.
What's with these, er, zaftig ladies running around in polyester? Rather than decrying their sartorial shortcomings, I encourage you to look at such fashion failures as walking - or, when they are running around the ring lacking the proper foundation support, jiggling - evidence of the great democracy of dog shows.
It is easy to spot the professional handlers, those who are paid to condition, present and show dogs for owners who are too clumsy, shy, busy or disinterested to do so themselves. They exude polish and poise. If they are women, they know to choose the chignon over the ponytail, the tailored suit over the gauzy peasant dress. If they are men ... well, as with everything else in the world, no one cares what they wear.
The pro handler's counterpart is the owner-handler - a person who shows his or her own dog. (If they also bred the dog at the end of the lead, they get an extra hyphen and are called breeder-owner-handlers.) Some owner-handlers are so polished as to be indistinguishable from the pros. Others are dead giveaways, from their less-than-graceful locomotion to their choppy responses to a judge's subtle gestures in the ring, to the presence of the dangling "bait bag." (Eschewing any method of treat storage that even hints of a fanny pack, professional handlers stash their motivating pieces of baked liver in discreet pockets or under the rubber band securing their numbered armband in place.)
"I find dog shows an incredible blending of cultures and backgrounds," says Carol Reisman of Baldwin, a dog-show person for 40 years and an AKC judge who judged the Hound group at the Garden in 2003. "You can have heiresses running with their own dogs behind people who don't have enough money to feed their kids. And all socializing, to a degree, together. The dogs are your common ground."
Indeed, I have competed in the ring against country-and-western saloon owners, nuclear-plant workers, thoracic surgeons and at least one board member of the NRA. And too many lawyers to count.
Why are most dog-show breeders women? Dog shows skew disproportionately female, though the higher up the pyramid you go, the less the gender disequilibrium.
When Westminster was founded in the late 1800s, dog shows were dominated by wealthy white men, and some vestiges of that remain today: The club still does not accept female members, though having two X chromosomes certainly does not prohibit you from competing at its high-profile show. (Before you get all suffragette on me, there are also long-standing women-only dog clubs - including the Long Island-based Ladies Kennel Association, which presumably has concluded that men will not look good in the billowy hats and white gloves that are its required dress code on show days.)
Today, women are overwhelmingly in the trenches, breeding the dogs that go on to win big. But when it comes to handlers in the ultra-competitive Group and Best in Show rings, "there are usually more men in the line," says Chris Walkowicz of Sherrard, Ill., an AKC judge and onetime bearded-collie and German shepherd dog breeder. "Ahem."
Is it really like "Best in Show"? Dog-show people don't like answering this question because if we get all huffy and start talking about things like breed type and adherence to the standard and the objective evaluation of breeding stock, we sound defensive.
And if we say yes, we sound stupid.
Perhaps the best answer is this: That mockumentary offers archetypes found at virtually every dog show, from dawg-loving good-ol' boys to swishy handlers to latte-sipping A types.
After all, everyone I know has had a "Busy Bee" moment.
That said, these days being a dog-show handler has an air of cachet. "When I went to my high-school reunion, people were like, 'Oh, my God, I saw you on TV,'" says Kimberly Pastella-Calvacca of Westbury, a third-generation dog person and professional handler who will show her homebred miniature pinscher, along with other breeds like a Doberman and boxer, at the Garden.
What do dog show people talk about? We use the "B" word a lot, because "dog" is taken to mean only a male specimen of the species. Immunity to the repeated utterance of that five-letter word - including on the USA Network telecast - is recommended.
We talk about our frustrations - the breedings that didn't take, the pet owners who return their babies to us to be shown with 10 extra pounds and untrimmed nails that resemble eagle talons. We talk about our aspirations - the promising new dog - and share tips and advice, from nutrition to training to grooming. And no matter how long they are involved with dogs, no one tires of a cute puppy story - provided you only tell it once.
Likely topics of conversation this year will be The Times' recent Sunday magazine story about "designer dogs," and the decision by a prominent breed club to grant membership to the nation's biggest puppy broker. (If you have to ask who, then it's probably too much inside baseball for you, anyway.)
And, of course, there's the inevitable scatology. Housebreaking issues loom large, as do observations about the amount, appearance, consistency and prognostic qualities of, er, output.
"Talk to dog people long enough," says Reisman with a grin, "and it always turns to crap."
Tall, dark strangers - not.
This trio of low-riding, economically sized dogs - a Dandie Dinmont terrier named Harry, a Sealyham terrier nicknamed Ben, and a Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen called Fairchild - needs no introduction to dog fanciers. Last year, they were among the biggest-winning show dogs in the nation. And tomorrow and Tuesday at Madison Square Garden, they will be among the hottest contenders at the Westminster Kennel Dog Show, even if much of the general public has never heard of their respective breeds.
"These are not dogs you see on the street every day, and they are not dogs everyone should own," says American Kennel Club judge Patricia Cruz of Coram, noting the hound's independence and vocalness, and the terriers' scrappiness. "Even though they can be small, terriers are tough - they come by their reputation honestly. It's a lot of fun to see them, but to own one is quite another story."
(See Pat's judging of entrants in Newsday's Virtual Dog Dog at newsday.com/virtualdogshow.)
No matter who wins the purple-and-gold Best in Show rosette Tuesday night, the exposure these charming little dogs get at the Garden might very well increase demand for them. And that's a double-edged sword, Cruz reminds, as increased popularity brings with it incentive for the less-than-scrupulous to overbreed and cash in.
When it comes to winning at Westminster, perfection counts - a simple misstep can knock a dog out of the running. But so does personality. AKC judge Carol Reisman of Baldwin thinks all three dogs have built-in audience appeal, with their reputation for showmanship and clownishness.
"All three have a sense of humor, and the crowd loves that," she says, thinking back to 2004, when a personality-packed Newfoundland named Josh charmed the audience with his exuberant bark. "There are people who say that's when the dog won Best in Show."
Champion Hobergays Fineus Fogg
Dandie Dinmont Terrier
"Harry," as this Australian import is known, was the No. 1 dog in the nation in 2006. Not bad for a breed that's so rare a whopping 84 puppies were registered last year.
The only breed named after a literary character - Dandie Dinmont was a farmer with a pack of terriers in Sir Walter Scott's 1814 novel, "Guy Mannering" - this densely built fellow was bred to hunt vermin on the punishing terrain of the English-Scottish border country.
Six-year-old "Harry" is owned by Jean Heath of Pleasanton, Calif., a Navy colonel and veteran terrier breeder, and comedian Bill Cosby.
The two met long before Cosby was famous, when he was convalescing in a naval hospital and took a fancy to Heath's miniature-schnauzer puppy, Clipper.
Since the mid-1970s, Cosby has financially backed dozens of Heath's show dogs, many of them Lakeland terriers.
Heath says she persuaded Cosby to sign on to the Dandie by sending him a head shot of the wise-eyed terrier with the distinctive silky topknot, inscribed with the words, "Hi, Mr. C. My name is Harry - and I'm hot."
Harry is assured a spot in the Terrier Group tonight, as he is the only Dandie entered.
Champion Stonebroke Right On The Money
Sealyham Terrier
Another earthdog, "Ben Low" was the No. 4 dog in the country last year, and No. 2 terrier, right behind Harry the Dandie. The top-winning Sealyham of all time, the 4-year-old captured terrierdom's most prestigious win in October: Best in Show at the Montgomery County Kennel Club.
Originating in Wales and named for Sealy Ham, the estate of Captain John Edwards, who developed it, the Sealyham was bred to quarry badger, fox and otter. Required by its standard to be "the embodiment of power and determination," the Sealyham is believed to have corgi, Dandie Dinmont, West Highland White terrier, wire-haired fox terrier and Bull Terrier in its lineage.
"Sealys are the sweetest, and their disposition is fabulous, especially with children," says Ben's owner, Linda Low of Scottsdale, Ariz., though they are often victims of mistaken identity. "People will say, 'That's not a white Scottie, is it?' Or 'The ears don't look right for a Westie.'"
Champion Celestial CJ's Jolly Fairchild
Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen
Say this breed's name three times fast. See? That's why everyone just calls them PBGVs ("pee-VEE-gee-VEE"). A deconstruction of the French name provides a good description of this rough-coated scenthound: "Petit" means small; "basset" means low to the ground; "griffon" is for wire coated, and Vendéen is the area of France where the breed originated.
"Fairchild," the nation's No. 1 hound and No. 8 dog overall in last year, has earned her fair share of wins: The 4-year-old won the Hound group at the AKC/Eukanuba National Championship in California, the nation's second most prestigious show.
Fairchild took the breed at the Garden last year, and her team hopes for a repeat this year.
Westminster doesn’t technically begin until the first champion canine trots into Madison Square Garden's spectator-rimmed rings at 8:30 Monday morning, but the parties started in earnest this weekend.
Sunday’s hot ticket was dachshund doyenne Iris Love’s annual soiree; partygoers left with a stuffed black-and-tan dachshund dressed like a jester to commemorate the 2006 passing of American/Canadian/Bermuda Champion Dachsmith Love’s Tyche Tyche. Hey, everyone mourns differently.
Over at the American Kennel Club headquarters on Madison Avenue, the late-afternoon cocktail party for local media and dog writers included chicken sate and sushi, leisurely viewing of the office’s socko antique oil paintings and an open bar in the board room (Sorry Cosmo lovers, no cranberry juice – there was genuine concern over the fate of the beige wall-to-wall.) Parting gifts were a set of Best in Show-themed dominos.
Some might have been tempted to break out those tiles at the Dog Writers Association of America annual dinner at the Affinia Hotel. (Dog writers eat there, but most can never afford to stay; even vaunted dog show judges bunk in threes and fours in the $400-a-night rooms.) Traditionally, it has taken hours for all the nominees’ names to be read and winners announced – all the while as restless natives threaten to storm the buffet dinner. This year, only winners were announced, and the whole affair took a mere hour and a half. Time went speedily at our table, which included a psychologist, search-and-rescue handler, a groovy PR chick with Dolce & Gabbanas perched atop her head, a chef who was writing a book about Italian Holocaust survivors (“I’m not one of you -- I don’t have a dog,” she whispered with not a little bit of concern), and two artfully smuggled bottles of Perrier Jouet.
Tomorrow, the dogs.
By Denise Flaim
Animal House
January 8, 2007
Writing a column in defense of pit bulls is sort of like writing in favor of suicide bombers, or a plan to build a nuclear reactor down your block. People see the P-word, and assume doggie Armageddon.
I am going to try, anyway.
First, the necessary disclaimers, for those who have been through a pit bull attack or know someone who has or -- the scenario that, rightfully, sends people over the edge -- are the parents of a child whose scars from such a terrifying incident are not physical as well as emotional. I am in no way trying to diminish what happened to them in that instance. And I hope justice was served, not just to the dog that inflicted the injuries, but more so to the human whose lack of responsibility was their root cause.
The impetus for this column, of course, is the pit-bull ban proposed by New York City Councilman Peter Vallone Jr., who called the breed "a danger to public safety." This kind of rhetoric isn't surprising in a municipality that bans ferrets, chinchillas and hedgehogs. But it's illogical at its core.
Simply put, dangerous dogs are not a canine problem. They are a human problem. Some dogs are born with the propensity for aggression to humans, but it takes an owner to nurture such a tendency, either through outright encouragement or benign neglect.
Dog fighting, for which pit bulls were developed, requires dog aggression, and many pit bulls are indeed hostile toward their own kind. But the great irony is that this breed was bred not to attack humans. To fulfill their raison d'etre, pit bulls needed to be especially people-friendly: A dog that mauled a human in the pit - even in the heat of battle with his canine foe - was worthless, and was dispatched from the gene pool on the spot with a bullet to the head.
Pit bulls that attack people are an aberration, not an eventuality. Indeed, considering the sheer number of pit bulls that are permitted to stray in city streets, or spend eternities tied outside, the frequency of attacks is miraculously low.
But breedism is a fact of life for the pit bull, whose reputation is tinged with racial and socioeconomic associations that no one is comfortable talking about, but invariably react to. My peers in the media -- most of whom can't tell a Chihuahua from a Catahoula -- take every opportunity to demonize them. Pit bull maulings always get ink.
This soon becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy: Every dog attack becomes the fault of a pit bull, even though the breed itself is a very diffuse one, with many different looks and styles. Sharpeis, bull mastiffs, even pugs or Jack Russells could conceivably be labeled pit bulls by disoriented victims who use reverse logic: "If it bit me, it must be a pit bull."
Are pit bulls ideal for everyone? Certainly not. They need strong, stable owners who can socialize them well to people and children, monitor their interactions with other dogs, and keep them exercised mentally and physically. But the same can be said to a greater or lesser degree for Rottweilers, German shepherds, Dobermans, Akitas, and Labrador and golden retrievers - virtually any dog of any breed.
The biggest problem with a pit-bull ban is that if those who want to mold aggressive dogs are deprived of one breed, they just move on to another. There are far more ferocious breeds that could take the pit's place. Then again, with enough careless breeding and focused mistreatment, your average spaniel could be transformed into, if not a killing machine, a very adept maiming one.
A pit-bull ban would create more problems than it solves:
What about pit bull mixes?
What about American Staffordshire terriers, which derive from the pit bull gene pool, but sequestered themselves long ago, and have lost the "gameness" required of a fighting dog?
Are legislators savvy enough to tell the difference between an American bulldog (really a Southern-style pit) and an English one (a breed that is about as aggressive as your average petit four)? If you toss everything with "bullie" in its name or background, kiss goodbye to such good-natured clowns as the French bulldog, the bull terrier, the Boston terrier and the boxer.
People are individuals, and so are animals. Fair laws treat them as such. Instead of addressing the symptom of a problem by banning dogs made vicious and dangerous by irresponsible owners, how about dealing with the problem by making those owners truly liable in the first place?
Nothing sums it up better than that popular cliche: Punish the deed, not the breed.
WRITE TO Denise Flaim, c/o Newsday, 235 Pinelawn Rd., Melville, NY 11747-4250, or e-mail denise.flaim@newsday.com.
Copyright 2007 Newsday Inc.
You might think that the reason I haven't been blogging much in recent weeks is due to the sheer absence of Vivi news -- the most to report is that there is not much to report.
Or maybe because of the hustle and bustle of the holidays -- homemade eggnog takes time, you know.
But in truth, most of the radio silence is attributable to the arrival of 14 new Ridgeback souls on Jan. 4. The first of the bunch saw fit to use my queen-size pillow-top bed to cushion his trajectory into this brave new world. (Note: When Sleepy's tries to sell you that Teflon-coated mattress protector pad, buy it.)
You read that right: 14. Five boys, nine girls. Eight black noses, six brown noses.
This is a repeat of my spring litter, and it is Diva's last foray into motherhood. Quite an encore. And this time I am keeping one.
Stay tuned for more news on the Fabulous 14, all of whom are wriggling, healthy and vocal!
Vivi blogger Mila Bennett sends this request:
<<Some of us Team Vivi members have been trying to help the owners of Ticket, a senior whippet that went missing in Georgia on October 1. Ticket's people live in Florida with their son living in Georgia, and Ticket escaped when they were all gathered for the son Jared's wedding.
Jackie Levin has posted today on your Vivi blog about Ticket and our request for help. The other bloggers have expressed a desire to help and we thought it might be helpful if you would post his lost flier on your blog.
Clicker here for Ticket's flier: Download ticket_flyer_11_06.rtf .
We have mailed hundreds of fliers to businesses and private residences in Cedartown, Ga. His lost information is aired daily by Clarence at the local radio station. (Jackie calls and Clarence is so kind and wants Ticket found and is happy to announce or have Jackie announce the information). A lost ad has been in the local paper for weeks, and there have been sighting calls coming in to Jared, but he works during the day and attends school at night so his following up on sightings is very difficult. He needs help. We would like to know if there are any bloggers or viewers in that area of Georgia who could lend a hand.
Can you help? I have attached his flier ... Isn't he a handsome fellow?>>
UPDATE: Beth has been found and is back with her foster mom. Thanks to all who may have spread the word about her being missing!
An alert that arrived via email:
<<Lost on Rolling Ridge in Jay, ME (on the Wilton town line) on Friday (11/24/06) morning during a hike. Beth is a 75#, black and rust, docked Rottweiler between 3-5 years old. She is a foster dog and doesn't know the area she was lost in. Beth is wearing a bright pink martingale collar with NERR&R tags on it. Beth is not fearful or shy, she is very gregarious and will be looking for people to be with.
Please call Beth's foster mom Tracy Arcari 207 577 8102 or the NERR&R hotline at 866 392 0102 if you have seen Beth.
We believe someone has this dog. She is very people friendly and would look for people. We are expanding the search to Kennebec County.
feel free to crosspost>>
Denise Flaim November 27, 2006Want a puppy? Now's not the time
Animal House
As the holiday season gets into gear - and visions of wriggly puppies under Christmas trees dance, sugarplum-like, in some conspicuous consumers' heads - here is a little reality check.
First of all, there could not be a worse time to introduce a living creature into your household than the holidays. The influx of people, the confusion and, yes, the stress of celebration are not the calm, level atmosphere needed to help your puppy adjust to an unfamiliar environment.
If that's an inconvenient thing to hear right now, as your Platinum Amex burns a hole in your palm, consider this:
While there are many ways to add a dog to your home, only two are optimal: Either obtain your new best friend from a shelter or rescue group, helping to chip away at the animal overpopulation problem. Or, if you must get a purebred puppy, buy one from a reputable breeder.
For overwhelmed puppy buyers, the definition of the term "reputable breeder" is sort of like that famous Supreme Court definition of pornography: You'll know one when you see one. But, in fact, there are four distinct things that characterize reputable breeders - a group that, in the interest of full disclosure, I like to think I am a member of myself. They are:
Reputable breeders do all the health screenings required by their breed club - and often more. (To find a particular breed club, go to Google .com and type in the name of the breed and the words "breed club." Usually there is just one authoritative entity, though some schism-happy breeds, like Cavalier King Charles spaniels and Australian shepherds, have more than one. Visit both.)
Reputable breeders require all pet-quality dogs to be spayed and neutered.
Reputable breeders have contracts that require you to return the dog to them, regardless of age or circumstance, if you no longer want him.
Reputable breeders give back to their breed community through participation in clubs, shows or performance events.
Find a breeder who fulfills those four requirements, and you can hardly go wrong. But find a breeder who does, and he or she will likely not have puppies available in December - at least not intentionally.
In truth, reputable breeders are annoying to the speed-dialing consumer. They think you should meet many representatives of a breed before you conclude it is the right fit for you. They require you to visit them in their homes. They might conclude (quietly to themselves, of course) that your inability to control your screaming children as they topple potted plants and crayon the walls will somehow correlate to a poor aptitude for controlling the four-legged version. They ask annoyingly pointed questions about where the dog will live, who will care for it and what happened to previous animals you owned. And they often have waiting lists that require you to wait months, if not as long as a year.
This is why God invented the pet store, although perhaps positing divine intervention in such an establishment borders on blasphemy. Pet stores exist in order to accommodate people who do not want to go through the trouble or time to find a reputable breeder.
Because there is such a high demand for puppies produced by reputable breeders, they have no need to broker them. No self-respecting breeder will hand a puppy off to a retail establishment to sell. Otherwise, how could they follow the progress of their puppies for the rest of their lives?
This is precisely the reason why pet stores will always exist. There is no way reputable breeders can fulfill the demand for the puppies they breed, nor would they want there to be. If a breeder thinks you are unsuited to their breed - for a variety of lifestyle reasons having nothing to do with your intrinsic worth - they will not sell you a puppy. The persistent find a way, and that way is the pet store.
Puppies from reputable breeders and pet stores cost about the same - that is to say, a lot. In the case of the former, you are paying for the knowledge that went into producing your puppy, the care and socialization with which it was reared, and - most important - the role of your breeder as a support system for the life of your dog.
In the case of the pet store, you are paying for the privilege of getting what you want, when you want, with no questions asked.
If you choose to opt for convenience and purchase a pet-store puppy, you need to understand that the overwhelming odds are that your puppy came from a puppy mill, likely in a rural state such as Missouri or Pennsylvania. Such puppies often are raised in a wire cage or pen, with little or no socialization. You will not see the sire or dam, not know his or her temperament or health history. You will be on your own, as tracking down the breeder will be all but impossible.
But you will get your sugarplum when you want it. The choice is yours.
Write to Denise Flaim, c/o Newsday, 235 Pinelawn Rd., Melville, NY 11747-4250; or e-mail denise.flaim@ newsday.com. Visit her blog at www.newsday.com/ animalhouse.
This email is making the Internet rounds. Keep your eyes open!
<<Stolen show dogs!!!!
I need everyone's help and prayers today. Yesterday on the way to a show in Greensboro, N.C., my handler stoped at a rest stop and took a Golden puppy out for a walk in the dog area behind the building. When he came back a window had been broken and the other seven dogs he had with him were taken. Three were mine and I am devastated for myself, one other client and my handler, as three were also his.
There were three Maltese. My 1-year-old female Nikki, my 7-month-old male (that I co own with my handler) Geno, and 8 month-old-male Peanut. Both boys were wrapped. Also in the van was my 1-year-old Pom Magic. He is 3 1/2 to 4 pounds, and is an orange sable with a lot of black, very dark.
The other three were Chihuahuas. All are smooth coats, two are fawn.
One of the fawns is the dam of a number of champions and is subject to seizures if she becomes stressed. She is bred and will require a c section. Her name is Ellie and she is very quiet and sweet.
One has unusual coloring. She is a silver color with black sabling. She has a black saddle and a silver blaze. She is microchipped; her # is Avid 095812321.
Please post and cross post this anywhere and everywhere you can think of and please pray for their safe return.
Thank you,
Darlene
You can contact me at this e mail address or on my cell phone 678-471-6912, and you can contact my handler Rob Storey at RStorey@BMNet.
Reposted with permission:
<<
Search coordinator Bonnie Folz emailed this morning to say:
<<Just got a call from the owner of Teddy, the Bull Terrier, he's been found!!!!!!
HOOORAY!!!!!!!
Teddy went missing on Sunday, his owner made up flyers and contacted all the veterinarians & animal hospitals in the area. Apparently, someone pick Teddy up on Monday and brought him to an animal hospital, the only one that Teddy's owner did not contact. One of the staff at the hospital saw Teddy's lost dog ad last night and contacted his owner. Teddy has been reunited with his family! I suggested Teddy be micro-chipped which the owner said he's going to do.
Teddy's owner was so grateful for having him back, thanked me for helping, wished me luck in finding Vivi and asked if he could make a donation to help us with the search.
He was one very happy owner, I'm so glad he was reunited with his dog.
Keep the faith!
Vivi's next to be found! >>
Took less than three hours for someone to start throwing sand in the sandbox. The blocking has begun. Keep trying me.
Denise
I've received about a dozen emails today asking for support for Duke, the bulldog puppy
