The Gossip Column: June 6, 2025

In my haste to report on the 2026 WESTMINSTER KENNEL CLUB JUDGING PANEL, I mentioned the very well-deserved announcement of DAVID FITZPATRICK as the Best in Show judge. DAVID has owned or co-owned two Westminster Best in Show winners and one Reserve Best in Show winner. In total he has bred, owned, co-owned or handled nine group winners over his storied career in purebred dogs. Thanks, TIM and LESLIE. ...

SHOW-SAFE — the organization that is growing in popularity and helping our youth navigate today’s world both in and out of the sport — will be holding JUNIOR EDUCATION for those ages nine through 17 at the upcoming ANN ARBOR KENNEL CLUB dog show on July 3 in Monroe, Michigan. They will also have a booth at the shows on July 4 and 5. To learn more about this event and other helpful information, visit www.show-safe.org. ...

Well, it’s getting time to welcome another new breed, the ALASKAN KLEE KAI, to the Miscellaneous Group as of June 25, 2025. For those unfamiliar with this breed, it was developed in the late 20th Century by LINDA SPURLIN in Alaska. It’s a dog that looks like a smaller Alaskan Malamute and Siberian Husky, and comes in three varieties: Toy, up to 13 inches; Miniature, over 13 inches and up to and including 15 inches, and Standard, 15 inches up to and including 17 inches. Sounds like a Kluster of Klee Kais. Welcome aboard! ...

The AMERICAN KENNEL CLUB has announced that it is taking applications from parent clubs for its AKC EDDY AWARD, which encourages breeder-education efforts like websites, workshops and mentoring “that provides information beyond the expected in an interesting and unique manner.” The winners will be selected by three American Kennel Club employees: ASHLEY JACOT, director of education; MARI-BETH O'NEILL, vice president of sports services, and GUY FISHER, manager of club development. There will be eight winners, and they will be recognized at the AKC NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP dog show in December. Submission forms will be provided to each parent club to be returned by the September 1 deadline. For further information, visit www.akc.org/breeder-programs/breeder-education/akc-eddy-award. You should get an award for just typing the url correctly. ...

Sad news with the passing of DOTTIE DAVIS, best known as “THE CANDY LADY.” DOTTIE regularly stewarded dog shows, and her judges table always had array of candy for those exhibiting in her ring or any passerby who needed a little sugar rush. Kind, sweet and friendly, she will be missed by those who knew and loved her. All of us at DOG NEWS send our deepest sympathies to her children and their families.