With less than 10 minutes left in what appeared to be a flawlessly-executed AKC/Eukanuba National Championship event, the TV clock in Best in Show broke down! I asked Bob Forsyth, the Best in Show judge, how he reacted, and he said, “not well at all” or words akin to those. Having failed to look at his own watch in advance, he was happy to see the clock working again after a minute or two. Quite frankly, this was the only time throughout the proceedings that I saw any glitch whatsoever. From the moment we entered the large, spacious and fully-used Long Beach Convention and Entertainment Center, the feeling of smoothness and competency exuded was apparent. AKC has come a long way in the five short years (this was the sixth such Invitational) since the event began. Each year has been an improvement upon the previous, and I must say, I do believe that somewhat of a permanent home has been found at this very superior venue. Personally, I'd like to see the event held mid-week so that it is not in competition with other AKC-licensed shows, and I would like to see it head the circuit rather than culminate it. But let's face it, arguments can be made for both sides of this question. What cannot be argued, however, is the unmitigated success of this year's proceedings on virtually every level. From the convenience factor to the ring sizes to the grooming space for conformation people, nary a legitimate negative word could be said. The Meet the Breeds was outstanding, with over 145 breeds represented. Agility and Obedience were well housed and received, and concession stands seems amply crowded, certainly for the last two days.
We arrived early on Thursday, having missed the Dandie Dinmont go BIS the precedingWednesday. Thursday, the PGBV was the BIS winner in a lineup I considered to be exceptionally fine. As a matter of fact, that night had some of the strongest groups of the weekend. Friday night was the Toy Poodle's turn, which was the only exhibit to sweep its group four consecutive days. What a tribute to both this bitch and Kaz Hosaka, his handler. True, certain dogs were only exhibited for the National; nonetheless, the four-day sweep belonged to that dog only. The crowds the first two days of all-breed were not the largest, but the atmosphere in the arena was becoming more and more anticipatorily electric awaiting the big National. As the momentum grew, so to did the crowds.
Weather began to play a factor, as the Midwest was clobbered with wintry storms that hit airports nationally. Fortunately, the pattern was such that most people were unaffected directly, although some were considerably inconvenienced. On that score, flying out after the show was difficult, due to the sudden drop in temperatures in the Midwest. And from what I hear, United was particularly tough on dogs flying into colder climates. This notwithstanding vet certificates to the contrary. One problem, of course, in flying dogs in wintry conditions is the differential that exists among states in their health certificates permitting dogs to fly. What's good for getting a dog out of Illinois, for instance, and into California does not necessarily apply going from California to Illinois.
Come the big first day, and the atmosphere in the building had come to new heights. The handlers were dressed just a bit better, the floral arrangements more profuse, and the crowds knee-deep but negotiable. The first breed results were greeted with reverberating cheers, but I must say I find most disconcerting some of the cheering for individual breeds whilst the judging was going on. The hooting, as though at a horse show, is just downright unacceptable. The breed judging in some breeds at the National on Saturday I found not necessarily to my liking, but then again, that's a ringside observation.
Prior to the beginning of the Bred-By group competition, I went and visited the very crowded and popular Meet the Breeds setup. More impressive than ever, this adds a dimension to the event that cannot be matched at any other show in the country. Probably, it could stand on its own, if properly merchandized, in many other cities as well. (Oh dear, there’s that ugly word “merchandising” being used.) Agility goes its own successful way, as does Obedience, too. Groups the first night saw the PGBV, the Toy Poodle, the TT (which won two prior groups during the week), and the English Springer advance. The ESS, having not been shown at the threeall-breeds. The show was over at 8PM, having started at 5PM PCT. The crowds in the sold-out arena were not filled to capacity, probably because of the timing and the fact that many people who came during the day with those paid-in-advance tickets did not stay for the later-on festivities. The TV broadcast went very well and was superior to most other dog TV broadcasts, I am told. The intermissions duringTV ad time for the seated audience was both boring and long and something must be done to fill in that time for the live audience.
Sunday morning came too early—judging was at 9, not 8AM, as it was the prior day. Even larger crowd on Sunday, I thought. One of the great things about the venue is the proximity of the Hyatt Hotel and the comforts of being able to take a break there. I was particularly impressed with the fact that so many people from all over the country supported the show. The East Coast, except in the case of Old Santa Barbara, is notorious for not coming West, but this, with certain notable exceptions, was not the case at this National, for sure. Virtually every major player with his orher dog was there in force! The first two groups to be shown were the Working and Terrier—the Portuguese Water Dog and the Sealyham Terrier were awarded first. Then came the Best Bred-By award, which went to Laurie Jordan with her Golden Retriever. She garnered $15,000 for that win! Interesting, of course, was the fact that Susie Kip and Marge Callea were in the line-up as well. That made for at least three professionals (two handlers and one photographer) who were competing for Best Bred-By. Who says, notwithstanding that some of the dogs were co-owned, that professionals can't be breeders too! And speaking of breeders, I forgot to mention how, on the previous night, the coveted and unique Breeder of the Year awards were handed out. The ultimate winners of Breeder of the Year were the very popular Doug and Michaelanne Johnson.
Now onto the Herding Group, awarded to the GSD, thence the very touching and moving ACE Awards, and lastly to BIS. Bob eventually selected the English Springer Spaniel, shown by Kellie Fitzgerald (Owners Theresa and Allen Patton and co-owner Ruth Dehmel and Diana Haskell), bred, of course, by the same Theresa Patton and Ruth Dehmel. He is called Ch. Felicity's DiamondJim. Yet another ESS shown so magnificently by Kellie. Her conditioning of this breed is in a class by itself, as is her knowledge and presentation. Worth $50,000-plus was this win, and most deserving, too, I may add.
Well, that's it for now. Very impressed was I by all the goings-on. Forgot about Juniors, too, which played a major role. Some overall observations were having a rep for every two rings to help out with the variance in procedures for judging. The field reps were simply terrificin helping out in their respective jobs. A final thanks to Ron Menaker, Dennis Sprung and Kuno Spies, without whom none of this would have been possible. And, of course, Paula Spector from AKC, without whom anyone could get from Point A to Point B without her help.
One final note to the Delegates who insisted they were entitled to the Eukanuba breed prize towels awarded to winning exhibitors. This because, and I quote, “we are the AKC.” I hope you never get those towels! You just did not earn or deserve them. The only real mar on the entire proceedings was the attitude of these people. Otherwise, it was a near-perfect scenario. See you next year, allthings being equal.
One other thing. In last week’s issue, I wrote that the NAIA is an “anathema” to me. I meant to use the word “enigma.” My apologies to all concerned, particularly Patti Strand. •