It`s that time of year again, when we`re all watching some sort of sports. Well, my human is watching the 2010 Winter Olympics, while I watch the 134th Annual Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show. This year`s all around winner: a bitch named Sadie, the Scottish Terrier! I have to admit, she really was top dawg (sorry red-hair, I still love you!). The Proud Princess was crowed last night, and has begun making the various laps to promote her win. She`s already appeared on CBS`s The Morning Show, The View, and apparently was off to meet Donald Trump today. Ah, it`s a dog`s life after all, bitches!

Highlights!

In case you missed yesterday`s show, here`s a round up of highlights.

What stars, what class! These pooches are practically perfect! All that hard work really pays off.

Want To Become A Show Dawg?

Many of my pals want to know just what makes a show dog a show-off! The American Kennel Club has a great listing of info, for the new dawg and old, alike. Here`s the low down on how to get started (courtesy of the AKC):

The best place to start is by joining a local kennel club, whether an all-breed kennel club or a breed-specific specialty club. A listing of clubs by state can be found on The American Kennel Club Club Search page or through their customer service department by calling (919) 233-9767.

Local clubs will have information on training classes for the show ring, and for obedience and agility classes. It`s a great place to start the doggie/human relationship, and to practice with your other pooch pals. Handling your dog is an exceptional and enjoyable experience. From the grooming table to the show ring, you and your dog will develop a bond. While training classes offer the best hands-on way to practice for the show ring, attending shows and observing your breed is also a great way to gain understanding of what judges and other competitors do. If you do not wish to handle your dog yourself, or have a friend or family member do it, you may contact a professional handler who charges a fee for showing your dog.

Tips For The First-Time Exhibitor

• Make sure your dog is registered with the AKC.
• Be sure your dog is current on all inoculations.
• Learn the proper techniques for grooming and for presenting your dog in the ring.
• Join your breed Parent Club, or a Local Specialty and or All-Breed club in your area.
• Become familiar with the AKC rules and regulations for dog shows.
• Attend some dog shows to observe your breed being judged and how others present your breed.
• Get a Judging Program at the show to find out ring number and judging time.
• Use the knowledge of your breeder.
• Don’t be afraid to ask questions.
• Attend handling classes with your dog.

Tips For The First-Time Spectator

• If the grooming area is open to spectators, visit it and talk with professional groomers to get tips on keeping your dog looking his best.
• However tempting, do not pet a dog without asking for permission first. The dog may have just been groomed in preparation for being judged.
• At each dog show, you will find vendors and information booths. Many club booths offer helpful information to the general public.
• Wear comfortable shoes – you will be doing a lot of walking. Unless you bring a chair or arrive early, be prepared to stand most of the time, as seating is usually limited.
• If you are considering getting a purebred dog, talk to the breeders and exhibitors – they are experts in their breeds
• If you bring a baby stroller to a dog show, be careful that you do not run over any dog tail, and that your child does not grab or poke the dogs it can reach. Avoid having them near ring entrances, which are especially crowded. Some shows prohibit baby strollers.

Dog Show Terms

Angulation – Angles created by bones meeting at their joints.

Baiting – Using liver or some treat to get the dogès attention and have him look alert.

Bench Show – A dog show at which the dogs are kept on assigned benches when not being shown in competition, so they can be viewed and discussed by attendees, exhibitors and breeders.

Exhibitor – A person who brings a dog to a dog show and shows it in the appropriate class.

Fancier- A person who is especially interested, and usually active, in some phase of the sport of purebred dogs.

Gait – The way a dog moves, movement is a good indicator of structure and condition.

Groom – To brush, comb, trim or otherwise make a dogès coat neat.

Handler – A person or agent who takes a dog into the show ring or who works the dog at a field trial or other performance event.

Heel – A command to a dog to keep close beside its handler.

Match Show – A usually informal dog show at which no championship points are awarded.

Miscellaneous Class – Transitional class for breeds attempting to advance to full AKC recognition.

Pedigree – The written record of a dog’s family tree of three or more generations.

Points – Credits earned toward a championship.

Soundness – Mental and physical well-being.

Stacking – Posing the dog’s legs and body to create a pleasing picture.

And there you have it, yapalots! Think you have what it takes to be Best In Show? Go for it! I will be watching for you… And remember, winning is not everything. Sometimes you just have to laugh:

Love you like ham, Buster