Westminster Recap – Scottish Deerhound Wins!
Monday, February 21st, 2011
Hickory, Best in Show 2011
The finalists at Westminster
At Brandy and Val, LLC, we were SO excited that Hickory, a Scottish Deerhound, won this year’s Best in Show at Westminster. It always seems like the pretty, fancy, fru-fru dogs take home the prize leaving those of us who love the larger, home-style dogs waiting till next year. Hickory loves the country life, chasing squirrels and whatnot and Brandy and Val love this. While the best in group winners are usually dominated by the pretties, anything above 40 pounds seems to be a sure-fired loser. Point of fact: the last five winners of the show were:
2010: Scottish Terrier (Scottish winners back -to-back!) Sadie
2009: Sussex Spaniel Stump (so cute!)
2008: Beagle Uno (an all-time Westminster fav)
2007: English Springer Spaniel Diamond Jim (the closest for hitting the 45 lb mark!)
2006: Colored Bull Terrier Rufus ( a likeable kind of guy)
Some big pups - Mastiffs on show
It seems forever since Josh, the 155 lb. Newfoundland, won Best in Show. It was 2004 and he was the largest dog ever to take home the prize. Could it be that the Bull Mastiffs or St. Bernards are just plain too drool-y? Or the Shar-pei too wrinkle-y (although he won best non-sporting group this year)? Or the Goldens and Labs just too darn friendly and happy all the time that they’d never think to get depressed if they lost out? We’re not the only ones who thing the jolly giants or almost giants don’t get enough respect. Even the lab owners who show their pups at WKC’s premier event take a rather resigned attitude to the whole thing. For example, one states that hers “…..had spent the morning playing in Marine Park. Her owners, Micki Beerman and Linda Pensabene, did not bother to give her a bath, let alone trim her whiskers or toenails…’We just made sure she didn’t have any more sand on her face…’”
What’s your opinion as to why the more popular breeds don’t take home Best in Show?
This was my second time seeing the show first-hand and I just loved going around, watching the breeds and seeing the dogs back-stage. A zillion magnificent dogs in one place. What’s not to love? It’s a terrific experience that if you have a chance to go, is highly recommended. The folks at Westminster make a point of letting everyone know that none of the dogs were obtained through puppy mills and their primary sponsor, Pedigree, encourages adoption through their “dogs rule” campaign and charity, The Pedigree Foundation. Also made mention of the fact is that 25% of dogs in shelters are pedigree, pure breeds. So if you are looking for a pure-breed to adopt, they are out there in the shelters and through pure-breed rescue organizations. If you are not looking to adopt, why not volunteer?
At Brandy and Val, LLC 100% of BRANDY AND VAL’S SPECIAL STORY goes to the rescue Brandy and Val were adopted from. A portion of ALL other sales is donated to animal sanctuaries throughout the country.
No playing in the mud today
Where's the snow
Mom loves the Clumber Spaniels
