Westminster: The working group and best in show
By Kim Campbell Thornton
February 12, 2008
Because of technical difficulties, I’ve had to revert to the basic tools of my trade: pen and paper.
Judge Constance M. Barton is judging the Working Group. Most of the dogs probably weigh more than she does. The Working Group has several new or relatively new breeds: the Black Russian Terrier, the German Pinscher, the Anatolian Shepherd, the Tibetan Mastiff and the Neapolitan Mastiff. There are now 25 breeds in this group.
The Black Russian Terrier bears a resemblance to the Giant Schnauzer. Clive mentions that he’ll be judging them for the first time in about six weeks, and I ask about the relationship between the two breeds. The Giant Schnauzer and the Doberman were used by the Russian army to create the BRT, for use as a guard dog in climates with extremely cold temperatures.
The Tibetan Mastiff draws murmurs of awe and then huge applause when he walks out to be judged. His mane is quite distinctive. He makes the cut, but the Akita wins.
I told my nephew the other day that a Poodle would probably take Best in Show. With two of them in the BIS lineup, it seems as if my prediction has a good chance of coming true.
The Toy Poodle, Ch. JP Smash Win a Victory, has won the Group two years in a row here at Westminster. At least three of the breeds here have never won BIS at Westminster: the Beagle, Weimaraner and Australian Shepherd.
BIS judge J. Donald Jones is going to mark his book. He’s been sequestered in a hotel, with no access to television, up until about an hour ago. To prepare, he says he went out and bought a new tux. The best dog will stand out, he says.
THE BEAGLE WINS!
Can Gina call ‘em or what?!
Comment by The OTHER Pat — February 12, 2008 @ 8:56 pm
Honestly, I scare myself sometimes. I have picked the winner something like eight out of the last 10 years. And that’s choosing BEFORE the show starts, not looking at the final line-up.
I was watching the Sporting Group out of the corner of my eye, talking to my brother on the phone. “Oh, the Weim will win it,” I said, offhand.
The Weim made the cut and then took the group.
“Geez,” says my brother. “How do yo DO that?
What can I say? It’s one of life’s pretty worthless little skills.
Kim, THANKS! for the on-the-scenes reporting. I enjoyed every bit of it.
UNO! UNO! UNO!
My pal Anthony “The Source” Sorci is a happy man tonight.
Comment by Gina Spadafori — February 12, 2008 @ 9:24 pm
Yes, thanks Kim! It’s been fun to follow the show with someone close to all the action.
Comment by Susan Fox — February 12, 2008 @ 10:36 pm
Happy to see the Beagle win but disappointed to see him “strung up” by his handler on the move.
Comment by slt — February 13, 2008 @ 6:24 am
Yeah! Now the Cubs will win for sure next year! Reading your posts on the show has been a lot of fun. Your commentary is much better than the yahoos on TV.
Comment by 2CatMom — February 13, 2008 @ 8:00 am
First beagle to win in 132 shows? What does it mean? What are the odds? There were 39 judges, 140 breeds. How does this effect the future of beagledom? The author does not have the answer. Because comment space is limited if you are interested in a more complete breakdown of the process with other comments you can visit http://www.petmonologues.com/p.....-odds/859/
Are there any analogies out there?
Comment by PetMono — February 15, 2008 @ 4:19 pm