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NYT’s Westminster woof-out correctly spots the business of dog shows
By Gina Spadafori
February 14, 2010
The New York Times has run so many dog-related stories lately I gotta wonder if it’s not the result of some focus-group action. Doesn’t matter, I guess, since they’re generally pretty good, although few are as spot-on as the one in today’s editions, about what it takes to make the grade at the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show, which starts its two-day run Monday in Madison Square Garden.
The NYT — and other newspapers in areas where one’s social ranking was once very, very important — used to cover dog shows as sporting events, and for years, the NYT sent one Mr. Walter R. Fletcher to cover the most prestigious dog show in the country. Mr. Fletcher had the best seat at the media tables, a plaque with his name and affiliation making sure no one else took his seat. Long after a few of us started showing up with strange little contraptions that were the progenitors of today’s ubiquitous notebook computers — TRS-80 Model 100s known in the newsrooms as “Trash 80s” or “RatShacks,” with 8K of memory, 8 lines of black on gray display and acoustic couplers that went over the ear- and mouthpieces of old-fashioned phones to transmit our datastreams — Mr. Fletcher pounded out his story at ringside on a manual typewriter, with copy boys assigned to relay half-sheets of updates back to his editors.
Aside from working many layers below an editor who insisted on using a manual typewriter more as an affectation than anything else (the big man’s secretary would then type his words into the newsroom computer system), Mr. Fletcher’s annual efforts were the first, last and only time in my professional journalism career that I ever saw anyone use a manual typewriter. (I’m sorry, but I can’t drop the “Mr.” when it comes to Mr. Fletcher any more than I would have dared to sit in his chair at the Garden.)
The very idea of using a manual typewriter now is every bit as quaint as covering Westminster like a real sporting event, instead of as a business with bad ROI that’s really a beauty pageant. And that’s exactly what the New York Times did this year:
The bucks. They are the not-so-secret key to success at this and other top dog shows held every year. On Monday, when Madison Square Garden in Manhattan hosts the 2010 Westminster Dog Show, the most prestigious event on the thoroughbred canine calendar, money will quietly play a role in determining the winner, just as money quietly shaped the field of contenders — and just as money shapes almost every nook and cranny of the dog show business.
Among breeders, owners and handlers, it’s understood: you can’t just turn up with the paradigm of the breed, if such an animal exists, and expect a best-in-show ribbon. To seriously vie for victory, a dog needs what is known as a campaign: an exhausting, time-consuming and very expensive gantlet of dog show wins, buttressed by ads in publications like Dog News and The Canine Chronicle.
(Actually, a Thoroughbred is a horse, not a dog, and the word the writer was looking for was “purebred.” This same factual error in a puppy sales ad is one of those things that’s a red flag that you may well be dealing with a puppy-mill, just so you know.)
The story focused on an outgoing man named Raymond “Tray” Pittman and his partner, the quieter Paul Flores. The two men live (when they’re not on the road, which they usually are) not 10 miles north of me, but the first time I met them was at the Crufts dog show, in England. Pittman had taken a Bichon Frise owned by a nice New Jersey couple to a win in the toy group, eliciting a great deal of mumbled resentment from the locals, who had for generations owned an unparalleled home field advantage owing to a non-negotiable six-month quarantine for rabies that had recently been altered. (The PaRay crowd did not win the top honor that year, but strangely enough, another professional handler, Larry Fenner, who also lives about 10 miles from me but in the other direction, would be the human half of the first American team to win at Crufts a few years later with an Australian shepherd, which is really an American breed, despite the name.)
I bumped into Pittman in the bar at the Hilton across from the National Exhibition Centre that year he was there with his New Jersey Bichon, making a quick mental note that on his wrist was a watch worth more than my car. He had just gotten off the phone with Flores to tell the latter to hop a jet immediately to get the grooming on the Bichon for Best in Show. (Flores is so good that, as the NYT notes, if he weren’t grooming dogs he’d be a sculptor.)
When I expressed amazement at the cost of a last-minute booking for a flight from SF to London, Pittman shrugged.
“It’s not my money,” he said.
And not mine, either, of course. Because although I do pay a wonderful couple to handle my own dogs at shows when I’ve got a dog actively showing, which isn’t often or for long, my dogs have pageant careers that end when their championship is awarded, which is the point at which the Big Dogs of the show world start their “campaigns.”
Even if I had the money, I haven’t the heart for that game. I don’t even like my dogs gone for an overnight, much less for the year or two a top “special” will be living in kennels and motor homes with one of the top professional handlers and their legions of assistants.
I haven’t quite known what to make of the PaRay partners since. When I do see them, they are unfailingly friendly and chatty, even when busy, and there’s no doubt their dogs are well-cared-for even if not particularly cared about as dogs. The men work hard and have made their way in a niche world with its own quirky reality.
There is change coming — already here, really — in the world of dogs, and heaven knows I welcome anything that breaks the genetic bottlenecks and bizarre blueprints that have made messes out of many breeds. But I don’t have a problem with dog shows, per se, and I find a fair amount of the criticism of “fat matrons” and snidely veiled asides about gay men and lesbians in the show world to say more about the writers’ own issues than their true concerns about the dogs.
I guess the bottom line is that my problem with dog shows is one of degree, not their very existence. A lot of the top show dogs really love the attention, and when you’re around them, you can see that. If I had to choose, I’d rather have their life than the lives of a million bored backyard dogs in this country. (Of course, I’d rather have the life of an active, trained and well-socialized dog who goes out everywhere with a beloved owner, but if we’re talking extremes, the show dog life ain’t that bad.)
And the pageants themselves are wonderful places to watch — the people even more than the dogs. Which is why I’ll probably end up at both of these big shows again — in New York and in England – and enjoy the experience very much, as I always have. Although not this year for either.
Image: Raymond Pittman and Sloan, by the New York Times.
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Oh God, I remember those Radio Shack computers. The word processing program was called ScriptSit, but a more accurate name would have involved inserting an “h” in a strategic location.
Comment by Susan — February 14, 2010 @ 4:14 pm
Gina, great column - great writing, and I share your point of view, so of course that is also great. :)
I do believe the top show dogs have a rich and exciting life, for the most part. Just sayin’.
Comment by Paula — February 14, 2010 @ 4:26 pm
“I guess the bottom line is that my problem with dog shows is one of degree, not their very existence.”
yes, this. You said something I’ve been trying to put into words for a while.
Standard Poodles are my heart breed and are, of course one of the first breeds Joe Public thinks of in dog shows. Yeah, they’re pretty, but they are so much more than that and I wish these televised dog shows found some way of showing that.
Comment by thetroubleis — February 14, 2010 @ 5:16 pm
I have to say that I find Westminster dull to watch after about half an hour.
I wait until a breed I love is on, then I turn off TV. I try to remember to turn the TV on to catch the last few minutes to see the Best in Show.
Hmm, y’know, the movie ‘Best in Show’ was hilarious, but that was because the characters were built up so well. Your blog above did that for me regarding Pittman.
If I knew more about the backgrounds of the Westminster show handlers and dog’s owners then Westminster would be thrilling.
Gina, have you done or considered live blogging from Westminster, ala’ the live bloggers who rocked the debut of the iPad or the live blogging for NY Fashion Week?
I would LOVE LOVE LOVE to read a live blog giving me the inside scoop on a handler, a breed, or the individual dog’s saga.
Comment by ericka — February 14, 2010 @ 5:55 pm
A live blog would be a GREAT idea!! Because the personalities are what make it interesting after - like ericka said - the first half hour or so.
Even though we show our own dogs, I get easily bored watching conformation classes. But if I know a lot of the people and dogs it is so much more fun.
Not as much fun as watching a day of agility, but a nice way to spend a day nonetheless.
And I do agree about the life of a show dog… the majority of “class dogs” - the ones that aren’t champions yet - are pets for whom going to a few shows every month is a nice change of pace. For the “Specials” who are actively campaigned, if they aren’t kept happy and comfortable they sure aren’t going to win.
Comment by Barb — February 14, 2010 @ 6:11 pm
Dogs shows, especially Westminster, are for snobs.
Comment by Marcy — February 14, 2010 @ 6:27 pm
Yeah, Marcy, they’re snobs. Not at all like the kind of people who sell “vegan fur conditioner” and other overpriced nonsense, as you do.
Puh-lease. I’ve had it with the “you’re not a real dog-lover unless you rescue a dog” meme.
We all love our dogs. All of us. And lots of “dog show snobs” rescue more dogs than you do.
Comment by Gina Spadafori — February 14, 2010 @ 6:59 pm
Ericka … been there, done THAT. Was first to offer results in real time on the internet, back when the Westminster folks couldn’t fathom why I needed a line for a “modem,” whatever that was.
Every person in the dog show world joined AOL that year because we had results and no one else did. The next year, everyone did.
Life goes on.
Comment by Gina Spadafori — February 14, 2010 @ 7:11 pm
Dogs shows, especially Westminster, are for snobs.
Comment by Marcy — February 14, 2010 @ 6:27 pm
Well, isn’t that a well thought out, logical post???
Thank you so much for pointing this out and bringing me to my senses. I shall quit immediately (I DON’T THINK !!!)
For pities sake if that’s all you can think of to say why bother ?
I shall continue to enjoy shows with my dogs as an extention of my pride and love for them.
Alison
Comment by Alison — February 14, 2010 @ 8:05 pm
I’ll be interested in watching conformation dog shows again when the AKC et al put the health and welfare of the dogs first.
Say, when the breed club allows pointer outcrosses to dalmations. Or the pug and bulldog standards are changed to require longer muzzles so the dogs can breath properly. Or when German Shepherds don’t look like furry, crippled frogs anymore.
Thanks to this blog and the excellent information that has appeared about this issue here, I’m not holding my breath.
Comment by Susan Fox — February 14, 2010 @ 8:18 pm
Whether people like to think of it as a sport or not, there’s nothing quite like walking out onto that carpet as a breeder/owner/handler. It’s terrifying, awe-inspiring, and humbling all that the same time.
It takes more than just ‘good looks’ for a dog to deal with the noise, the crowds, the lights, and the nerves coming down the lead from ‘mom’ not to mention staying at the hotel PA and dealing with the crush in the lobby, having to potty on saw-dust in the poop room,etc.
What the article fails to mention, as well, are the hundreds of breeders/owners who spend the day on the ‘Bench’ taking the time to educate the public on their breeds, responsible dog ownership, rescue, etc. Westminster is more than just rich people and parties.
Comment by Carolyn H — February 14, 2010 @ 8:41 pm
I love it, Gina…asking for a ‘line for a modem.’ funny~!
Actually, providing the results in real time must have been great.
But, I am really Joe Public here… I don’t know much about the zillions of breeds or their past show experience. And listening to the TV commentators boring coverage of the show (so PC, never witty) is, well, dull.
I would really love to read a live blog by someone with experience who gave real-time comments (good and bad) and real time photos. The results are important too. But I am not a score keeper, I just like the game. I am only dreaming here, and I know it is a bit lowbrow … but hey, I’m blogging my wish list. All dream do not come true.
IF ALL dreams came true, (I’m like a dog who wont let go of the stick) I’d like to read a live blog which went something like:
(insert photo 2010 Thor)
“Rumples Thor, the Shar-pei who was obviously nervous in 2009 (insert photo from 2009 of Thor turning his head to look at judge - a no no!- ran her finger through the loop of his curly tail) when the judge checked the ‘coin’ curl of his tail, has shown up this year ready to shine. Thor has just finished being looked over by the judge - no head turning- and his handler is pleased as Pei.(pun)”
(insert photo of Thor running 2010)
“Now we wait and see if he is good enough for the Best in Breed.”
—-
I picked Shar-pei as my example ‘cuz I love this breed. My two are from a great breeder in OR. Her dogs have those glossy ads in the Chinese SharPei Club of America publications, which the NYT article above referred to, and my pups lineage was strong. I had them flown from Portland to Orlando for the Eukanuba Show six years ago. Going behind the scenes in the grooming area for a few hours and seeing the great care the breeder took with her dogs and my pups (even in the hotel room where they stayed) was an amazing experience. I just wish there was someone to spoon feed me more on the days of the Westminster Show.
Rambling…
Wish list: ‘saucy blogger’ who knows their Westminster data backwards and forwards, gives real time photos, and comments real time with witty and pertinent information about the dogs, breed info, and handler background. Entertaining with class and intelligent comments. But also witty. Basically I want Ellen to stop doing American Idol and instead blog about Westminster.
Comment by ericka — February 14, 2010 @ 9:31 pm
I’ve been to Westminster several times and enjoyed parts of it and hated others. However, even if I had a top show dog - which I won’t because I don’t do conformation shows any more - I would never take a dog to Westminster.
It’s way too crowded and the conditions for the dogs and their owners/handlers in the benching area is horrible.
The rings are crowded and often way too small. Many of the dogs don’t even have enough room to gait properly.
So yes, Westminster has the prestige and the media coverage but it’s far down my list for favorite shows. Not that anyone has ever asked me or ever will! smile….
Comment by Liz Palika — February 14, 2010 @ 9:47 pm
Yes, I could see how an article from a live blog would be fun—but I agree with Liz, having one from a benched show wouldn’t be the venue to have one (you are kind of stuck to your little assigned area and that is where you sit). A bit boring. But there are so many funny things that happen at shows. At the last show, one of the professional handlers (guy) came out the ring yelling “Where’s my bitch?” and no one seemed offended. Only at dog shows.
Comment by Dollie — February 15, 2010 @ 6:00 am
Having played the dog show game for many years, including Westminster, I came to realize the judging (and the winning) had very little to do with the quality of the dog. Kind of a deal breaker for me.
Comment by YesBiscuit — February 15, 2010 @ 6:59 am
I am struck by the similarities between high end dog showing and the Olympics. I love the figure skating (also gymnastics) and clearly there is athleticism and artistry there. But is it really a sport? Certainly in past years the winners of the ice dancing was all but preordained when the glided onto the ice…
And just as I don’t want my puppy to “special” I certainly wouldn’t want any child of mine battering her body on the unevens.
Sigh.
Comment by schnauzer — February 15, 2010 @ 7:10 am
I wouldn’t put either myself or my dog through the ordeal of Westminster, either. Madison Square Garden is just too small, and they show really ought to move, but tradition is tradition, I guess.
I far enjoyed Crufts more, to be honest. The show is spread over four days, the venue is so big it there’s no feeling of claustrophobia and there’s room for lots and lots of vendors.
Comment by Gina Spadafori — February 15, 2010 @ 7:31 am
I loved the NYT article. It was so spot on. If you read between the lines, there is even more information.
I stopped showing dogs for a lot of reasons, but mostly because of the comment the handler made about the judging, where she thought a judge overwhelmed by the number of dogs in the ring would look for the handlers. “By showing up, judges seem to say, ‘Thank God you’re here because I don’t know what to pick,’”
Yeah, uh… Right.
And the judges judge based on what criteria? Who got them the assignment mostly.
Or this: “Nobody thinks the outcomes are rigged.”
OK, if you say so….
Comment by Linda Kaim — February 15, 2010 @ 7:54 am
I watch Westminster on TV and have gone to see it “live” several times.
“Best In Show” is a very funny movie, especially because it’s about the people, but my all time “breed show” favorite is the Fryeburg Cattle Show in Maine on PBS.
Comment by Paul — February 15, 2010 @ 8:01 am
I loved that cattle show docmentary! There were others in that series, and they were all very well-done.
Comment by Gina Spadafori — February 15, 2010 @ 8:09 am
Great piece, Gina. On the occasions when I have tuned in to Westminster, it’s been to catch the hounds. It always strikes me as strange to watch them in the ring, though, because the foxhounds showing at Westminster aren’t really intended to ever see a hunt field—just as hunting packs show their hounds in Master of Fox Hounds Association shows intended for working hounds. It always seems odd to me to see foxhounds that are designed for showing rather than hunting. I don’t know that much about the technicalities of hound conformation, but someday I’d like to find out whether MFHA hound show judges (Masters and huntsmen) have different view about it than their breed-show brethren. It would also be interesting to compare pedigrees to see how much the two sets of hounds, working v. show, have in common, and how far back. You’d think that somewhere back there in the origins of Westminster the foxhounds (and beagles, too) must have shared players and pedigrees.
Comment by Glenye Oakford — February 15, 2010 @ 8:45 am
Dear Doggers,
I met Gina, Carol Benjamin and Cap Haggerty at my first Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show as well as many lovely dog showers and some cartoon character AKC and Westminster Kennel Club officials. On balance, I came out well ahead.
I attended a second Westminster and a banquet for top dogs of the year.
Figured that was enough.
Crufts was much less arrogant, better for the dogs, smarter about dogs and more fun.
Neither was as worthwhile or dog friendly as our county fair dog show where the most important class is “Best Child’s Pet” and every kid gets a bright blue ribbon.
Donald McCaig
Comment by Donald McCaig — February 15, 2010 @ 9:08 am
I found “The Standard of Perfection: Show Cattle,” and the same for show cats on Netflix. Are there others?
Comment by H. Houlahan — February 15, 2010 @ 9:10 am
Donald: I sure remember that year! I loved meeting you. Someday, we’ll do it again, but in Virginia.
Heather: I seem to remember one on poultry, too, but maybe I’m confusing something else I saw. You know, it happens. :)
Comment by Gina Spadafori — February 15, 2010 @ 9:45 am
I used to love watching dog shows because I love dogs – and dog shows are one of the few places one can see so many different dogs. But the reality of the downside of dog shows and their influence on the health of pure bred dogs has over taken the good for me and I can no longer enjoy them without cringing.
Let’s take the Bichon Frise, shall we? Corn starch? Um, no – more likely it’s clown makeup. And those dark little eyes wouldn’t stand out nearly as well if it weren’t for the black eyeliner applied by the handler and/or his/her assistant - along with a ton of hair spray and powder and/or just the right hair color/whitening shampoo (but please – stay away from too much bluing as that will be obvious and ugly). But these are just cosmetic things – and they all come out in the wash, right? Unlike de-barking – that’s for life. As are pemphigus and calcium oxalate stones, both problems in the breed and problems show breeders/owners/handlers routinely cover up/hide/deny exist in their lines, often in the most interesting, convoluted ways. And why not? Dog shows aren’t about health. They’re about “business,” and we all know cheating and lying and winning is what matters in business.
It would be nice if the NYT would include a discussion of the health and health problems of pure bred dogs in its Westminster coverage. Inbreeding, line breeding, popular sire syndrome, closed registries, and the consequences of the loss of genetic diversity in purebred dogs – Westminster is the perfect context for such a discussion. But that’s not how it works….
Last year’s NYT’s article about the nonsporting group winner, standard poodle Yes, could have/should have contained such a discussion (http://www.nytimes.com/2009/02.....rozen.html). Yes was sired by 25 year old frozen semen from a popular sire, Snapper – a known producer of Addison’s disease. (See Eaton Affirmed in http://www.poodlehealthregistr.....dison.html)“In June, Yes will be in season again, and those who shepherded her into this world are planning. No decisions have been made, but they are talking about impregnating her with frozen semen. Snapper has not been ruled out as a sire.” My head explodes every time I read that….
Am I going to watch Westminster tonight and tomorrow? Probably – for as long as I can stand it. But it breaks my heart to know what the “show” does to the dogs.
Comment by Miki — February 15, 2010 @ 9:54 am
Cat shows are interesting because the judges have to explain their decisions.
Comment by Paul — February 15, 2010 @ 10:45 am
I think it’s fair to say that, at the breed level, it’s often quite possible for owner handled dogs to win, if - and this is a big if - the dogs and handlers are both skilled and well presented.
Less so, as things progress onwards from there.
I’ve had AOM and BOB wins, and trust me - we’re not flying dogs around in private jets.
I think that a lot of people are also unaware of the undercurrent of charitable events which take place over Westminster Week. Take the Lead, the AKC Charitable Fund, and other worthy groups have literally MILLIONS raised for them, thanks to side line events and auctions which are held before the ‘big show’.
I’d like to see more judging on health related issues, as well, but judges don’t exist in a vacuum - I think we’ll see more of that eventually, and it will inevitably filter up to Westminster.
Comment by FrogDogz — February 15, 2010 @ 11:15 am
Update: Sloan, the dog Raymond Pittman is shown with in the picture, was edged out for Best of Breed this morning. It’s over for her at Westminster this year.
http://www.westminsterkennelcl.....chonf.html
Comment by Gina Spadafori — February 15, 2010 @ 1:26 pm
I just goes to show, depsite the hype it all comes down to a single opinion. The judge for Bichon’s was Andrew Brace who writes the “Brace Yourself” column for Dog News (the major weekly publication for show dogs) amongst others.
Comment by Carolyn H — February 15, 2010 @ 2:07 pm
The German Shepherd winner is another roach-backed Jimmy Moses-handled train-wreck. If any other dog had pasterns like that you’d ask if it were a birth defect:
http://www.westminsterkennelcl.....95003.html
Some historical perspective. Long way from Horand, the dog called the foundation of the breed.
By the way, I have a picture of a English woman with four flat-coated retrievers from between the World Wars, by the looks of her clothing. The dogs wouldn’t even rate a glance for being that different from the breed today.
Comment by Gina Spadafori — February 15, 2010 @ 5:14 pm
He DOES have a birth defect, Gina. That’s the problem.
Comment by Miki — February 15, 2010 @ 5:27 pm
Here’s the GSD bitch as a pup, “gaiting.”
http://www.kridlersgermansheph.....8.8.07.wmv
And standing in profile looking weird and contorted:
http://www.gretchanya.com/Meg.htm
The judge’s and owners’ assessments are dispatches from Bizzaro World.
Moses will burn in Hell with his best buddy, Andrew Hunte.
But truth be told — I’ve seen worse.
Comment by H. Houlahan — February 15, 2010 @ 5:33 pm
I have a friend with a book on Labrador Retrievers in England from around the turn of the century.
It’s historical value is relevant not only for tracing the lineage of the yellow dogs, but the photographs of the dogs considered to be the founders of the modern Lab.
Those dogs more closely represent today’s field dogs than the dogs seen in the show ring.
All of the hoopla about the transformation into the “show” type and the “field” type, it is clear what, or who came first.
Comment by Linda Kaim — February 15, 2010 @ 5:42 pm
Cat shows are interesting because the judges have to explain their decisions.
Comment by Paul — February 15, 2010 @ 10:45 am
****Response. That’s what so great about specialty shows (I have Rottweilers) the judges do a verbal critiqe as they go over each dog, and as they’re watching them move. They can be seriously BRUTAL !
The German Shepherd winner is another roach-backed Jimmy Moses-handled train-wreck. If any other dog had pasterns like that you’d ask if he had a birth defect:
By the way, I have a picture of a English woman with four flat-coated retrievers from between the World Wars, by the looks of her clothing. The dogs wouldn’t even rate a glance for being that different from the breed today.
Comment by Gina Spadafori — February 15, 2010 @ 5:14 pm
****Response. Yes, sad isn’t it.
There are a few (and I do mean FEW) breeds which as far as I am concerned are an embarassment to pedigree dogs, and I cannot defend them, unfortunately all the other breeds tend to get tarred with the same brush as far as the public opinion goes.
Comment by Alison — February 15, 2010 @ 5:55 pm
But truth be told — I’ve seen worse.
Comment by H. Houlahan — February 15, 2010
Too bad at Westminster you don’t see BETTER.
Houlie, I do not know why our spam filter likes you so very, very much.
Comment by Gina Spadafori — February 15, 2010 @ 6:39 pm
I put two links in a comment again.
Bad Houlie. No Scotch for you.
Comment by H. Houlahan — February 15, 2010 @ 7:40 pm
Shar-Pei came in second in Non Sporting Group! YEAH!! My dogs were clapping their paws.
Comment by ericka — February 15, 2010 @ 8:13 pm
There was one about ferret show called Ferrets: In Pursuit of Excellence. It’s at the Ferret Buckeye Bash in Columbus.
Comment by retrieverman — February 16, 2010 @ 8:19 am
Flat-coats aren’t that different from their original form, but goldens and Labs are very different in their show form.
Comment by retrieverman — February 16, 2010 @ 8:23 am
A Canadian bred French Bulldog won Group First - this is, to my knowledge, the first time that a Frenchie has ever won group first.
By the way, French Bulldogs are another breed that has changed very, very little since its inception. The winner of the first Specialty would still be competitive today.
Comment by FrogDogz — February 16, 2010 @ 11:21 am
In was so happy to see the so-called “uglies” get top spots in the Non-Sporting group: Frenchie, Shar-Pei (my beloved dog) and Bulldog.
You go girlfriends! Oh, I mean, “You go Doggies!”
Comment by ericka — February 16, 2010 @ 11:34 am
There was one about ferret show called Ferrets: In Pursuit of Excellence. It’s at the Ferret Buckeye Bash in Columbus.
Thanks, it and the cattle one are by the same director who did The Natural History of the Chicken and a much more widely-known documentary about cane toads. In my queue now.
Comment by H. Houlahan — February 16, 2010 @ 12:01 pm
Well, there ya go: I wasn’t crazy. I thought I saw one about chickens.
Comment by Gina Spadafori — February 16, 2010 @ 12:29 pm
I’m sure he’s a very sweet dog, but seriously, does this look at all like a dog who can hunt all day?
http://www.westminsterkennelcl.....57104.html
What on EARTH possessed Labrador show people to go in this direction? Zombies eat their brains?
Comment by Gina Spadafori — February 16, 2010 @ 8:13 pm
I’m still annoyed that only black and white standard poodles seem to compete at high levels. In a breed with so many colors, it seems a shame.
Comment by thetroubleis — February 16, 2010 @ 8:17 pm
I do not believe that the toy poodle is always the best dog in the toy group—regardless of color.
Comment by Lis — February 16, 2010 @ 8:27 pm
I missed this way up in the thread:
Basically I want Ellen to stop doing American Idol and instead blog about Westminster.
Jeez, the last thing we need is freakin’ Ellen hanging out at Westminster. She’ll bring home ten more dogs she’s not equipped to handle, and dump them all when the camera ops wear off.
Hey, Ellen! We STILL want to know what happened to Pig, your French Bulldog.
Comment by FrogDogz — February 16, 2010 @ 8:28 pm
44. That’s a lab? OMFG. Maybe it’s just my monitor but he doesn’t even look like a lab to me.
Comment by schnauzer — February 16, 2010 @ 8:33 pm