Question of the Week

Fran Reisman

Baldwin Harbor, New York

Angie Diehl

Los Angeles, California

Still in a state of suspended belief. Bo passed away Wednesday, and it still feels as if I could just jot off a quick note to him, and he'd respond quickly, as he always did, with good advice and certainly more good questions. His presence and influence on our breeding program, our choices and our future homes were profound.

But my favorite memories of him now will be these — smothered by Whippet pup antics and kisses. Here, our Viggo x Epic puppies of Viggo's very first coupling. Viggo had just gone NSBOS to our Moxi at the Tennessee national, so we were especially ebullient that the combined pedigree was also so rewarding. Many champs and a Best in Show winner in this litter.

I'm going to miss his missives, always informative, sometimes thought provoking, never dull. Even more, I will miss our get-togethers and these moments of utter glee and joy.

Simon Parsons

Ashford, Kent, England

Bo’s in-depth knowledge of the history of the international dog world was quite unique, as was his ability to communicate that knowledge in a fascinating, readable way, combined with photos from his amazing archives. His books on the Whippet, the breed to which he contributed so much, plus his astonishing Best in Show, are masterpieces. He is genuinely irreplaceable. All our thoughts and love are with Paul; their partnership was something special.

Francine Reisman

Baldwin Harbor, New York

If I were one of Bo’s Whippets I would be so well mannered. I wouldn’t bark too much, I’d never jump up on anyone. Bo was a very good teacher!

He and I would take long walks every day. I’d even get to run free in a big park or sometimes on the beach.

During the afternoon I would rest and watch Bo work, writing everything about Whippets and sometimes other breeds. After dinner I’d lie on the couch next to my hero and we’d watch television. Later, Bo would work some more. When he finished I’d gather my toys and get in my warm, soft, fluffy bed and dream of tomorrow’s walk.

I was loved! 

Dr. Barbara Henderson

Laurel, Maryland

When I saw the message from Paul, I thought, it can’t be possible. I soon came to realize that was Bo. Passing away at what he loved, on the computer opened to the Whippet page. We have lost a true icon of the breed. Not only breeding beautiful Whippets but a historian of the breed, journalist, judge, etc. 

My history with Bo began in the ’70s when in talking [we found] we had similar English Whippet bloodlines.

He had recently returned from a judging assignment in England and told me about a lovely Whippet he had judged owned by Mrs. M. Bennett. I contacted Mrs. Bennett (Hardknott), and she said she had a young male of the same breeding that we could have, Hardknott Maestro. He quickly became Ch. Hardknott Maestro of Bohem, better known as Max.

Max was instrumental in both our future breeding programs. Max lived with me except for a short time with Bo in California.

When I used to visit Bo and Paul in California, Paul would always tell me, you two talk Whippets, I am going for a run!

Farewell, dear friend, until we meet again.

My heartfelt condolences to Paul.

Lydia Hutchinson

Middletown, Maryland

I first met Bo when we were both judging at the summer shows in Medina, Ohio, held on Maxwell Riddle's property. I don't even remember how long ago that was, but we both had a keen interest in Poodles, and whenever we ran into each other after that we always discussed that breed, especially the effect the Scandinavian dogs were having in the U.S. (I don't think he was living in our country when we first met.)  The last time we were together was when we judged together in Moscow. I believe that was in 2019.

He was a top-notch authority on many, many breeds. And he left his mark as a superb breeder of the Bohem Whippets. I will miss reading his excellent writings.

Tom Bradley

Watertown, New York

For me, Bo heads a very short list of top breeders of any breed. Generation after generation of beautiful Whippets.

He was a friend of more than 50 years. I will miss our conversations and learning from his expertise in hounds. Another sad day.

Roberta Young and Brent Hunsaker

Escondido, California

We will always remember Bo watching every class at every show he attended and how keenly he studied the dogs. We will always treasure the compliments he gave our dogs, which were worth more than a ribbon. As newcomers to Whippets he welcomed us into the “Whippet world” and encouraged us in our breeding. 

May his memory be a blessing, 

Pat Trotter

Carmel, California

Bo Bengtson was the epitome of the true gentleman as well as the great dog man. His work since coming to California from Scandinavia decades ago has contributed greatly to the wonderful world of dogs both in the United States and internationally.

A breeder, an author, exhibitor and judge of great personal integrity, Bo's respect among his fellow Whippet breeders was more than well deserved. His legendary book “Best in Show” is foremost of those within easy reach in my office.

A great friend, one who was easy to both love and respect, he will be missed by us all. RIP, dear Bo, and know how much your contributions will always be appreciated.

Our lives are better because you were in in them.

Nancy Talbott

Quartz Hill, California

Bo Bengtson was not only a revered teacher, but a tireless learner. His own expertise in Whippets was enthusiastically shared with anyone who had an interest, and his essays on purebred dogs were always thorough and informative. 

What I remember very clearly is how avidly he sought information on other breeds. Years ago, when I was giving a seminar on Goldens, Bo approached me at a break with pen in hand and a frown of concentration. He asked for clarification on the correct eye shape (not defined in our standard) and expression, and then asked if I wouldn’t mind pointing out an excellent example when we got to the hands-on portion of the seminar. Attentive to the content of the seminar, and a brilliant questioner with an eye to specifics, his focus on the details of breed character was sincere and his obvious passion for recognizing excellence stood out. A scholar and a teacher — a gift to purebred dogs. 

Denise Flaim

Sea Cliff, New York

So many memories: the ups and downs of the search for Vivi the “JFK Whippet,” as he shuttled between coasts and I covered the blur of sightings for Newsday. (No, they never found her.) Sitting beside him at the Garden press table, marveling at his encyclopedic knowledge of the dog sport. His bewilderment when we asked to resurrect the Sighthound Review name, because “no one will remember it.” (How wrong he was.) The great respect with which his Sighthound expertise was received around the world, and all that his beautifully researched and written stories taught me. His immense devotion to his beloved Whippet breed and, of course, to his longtime partner Paul Lepiane, another outstanding dog man in his own right. Bo's great pleasure when we finished the latest update of his Whippet book and the proof was so glowingly received at the national. I took it as a point of pride when I convinced him that Ridgebacks could indeed be beautiful, and he began to genuinely enjoy judging them. We were just corresponding the day before he died about a story he had written for Dog News. Little did I know it would be our last exchange. I am sure I have left something vital out, and he is composing a correction. Godspeed, Bo. And to Paul, my deepest condolences.

Allan Reznik

Eureka Springs, Arkansas

I have known Bo and Paul for probably 50 years, through Afghan Hound Review. Fast-forward to 2002. Within a year of my relocating to Southern California to become Editor-in-Chief of Dog World and Dog Fancy, Bo and Paul realized that their wildly successful new all-breed magazine, Dogs in Review, had outgrown their resources, so the magazine changed hands: Bo became the Editor-at-Large, I inherited my third magazine, and we retained our brilliant monthly columnists like Anne Rogers Clark and Rick Beauchamp, with many more illustrious contributors added to our stable over the years.  I believe Bo’s global vision of the sport, and by extension the magazine, inspired other American dog publications to include more international content. 
Bo was a meticulous researcher and historian, and a master breeder. A friend and colleague whose quick emails — he always signed off, “In haste, Bo” — always brightened my day. I will always treasure the memories of sitting in the front row of the press box at Westminster over many years, with Bo, Denise, Pat Cruz, Gene, Brian Cordova and Dan Sayers. Those were the days, my friend. Rest easy, Bo.

Julie L. Mueller

Tulsa, Oklahoma

There really are not enough pages in Dog News to begin to honor Bo. 

His depth of knowledge in all breeds was endless, and he gifted the world with this knowledge through his publications, writing, judging and conversation.

This photo by Dan Sayers is blown up as large as possible, mainly because of Bo in the background, and it hangs in my home. One of my most cherished photos.

He is loved worldwide and without a doubt, one of the most respected breeders of Whippets. God bless Bo and all those whose loved him.

Richard F. Sedlack 

Middlefield, Ohio 

The first time I met Beau, we were on a panel together. He was such a warm and gracious man. He spoke with you as if you had known him a lifetime. 

Steven Herman

Wesley Chapel, Florida 

Bo was a true dog icon. He published great magazines. When I received my copy of Sighthound Review, I would devour the entire magazine in one sitting, no matter the time of day. The articles were stimulating and educational.

What a font of information he was. To date he was writing deeply researched articles about various canine subjects. He was always available and would take the time to look into inquiries I made. I once sent him a candid photo of a woman and a well-bred dog in a city setting. As he didn’t recognize either, he published the photo and accumulated the contributions of others to solve the little mystery. No subject was too large or too small for him to get involved.

And we haven’t even talked about his accomplishments in dogs! An avid dog lover as a young man in Sweden, he fulfilled a dream to come to America and immerse himself in the sport here. He was a successful breeder and winner with Whippets at shows along with his partner who showed the dogs. He was sought out to judge Sighthounds worldwide.

You might think I was a friend of this man, but I never met him in person during my 40-plus years in dogs. However, his impact on me was considerable nonetheless. To me that speaks loudly of Bo.

Condolences to his family and friends. I am certain he will be missed.

Iva Kimmelman 

Stow, Massachusetts 

Bo Bengtson was one of my early friends and mentors when I moved from Seattle to Southern California in the early ’70s. I was in love with Whippets, having discovered them in 1964.

Susan Vargas introduced me to him at either a show, or Judith Donaldson's birthday party in Santa Barbara. (It was a long time ago!)

All we ever did was talk pedigrees and dogs. I casually commented on loving his Ch. Bohem Mome Rath, from a picture in a Swedish Bladet, given to me by another mutual friend, Magnus Hagstedt, and that was my ticket into a new world. 

Over the years he introduced me to many interesting dog people in the dog world, not even knowing one would be another current dear friend, his partner, Paul Lepiane, a publisher at the time.

Just sitting ringside with him (and Paul) at dog shows, Crufts, Westminster, our nationals, other Sighthound shows, I learned more in each session than I realized at the time. And his books! His magazines!

This was a man completely devoted to dogs. And sharing with people who loved them too.

We were real friends because we disagreed a great deal, but with love and mutual respect, we lasted all these years. I saw him last at our national in April, and he was still strong and stoic, but I knew he was on a path.

His value to the dog world, worldwide, is impossible to measure, but he left a lasting legacy that I personally will take to my grave.

It is so fitting that he died doing something he loved. Looking at the Whippet Archives on his computer.