LIVING A DOG'S LIFE

            If you are wondering why we didn’t post a column last week the answer is simple: We were living a dog’s life!

            Our son, David and our daughter-in-law Barb flew out to take part in the United Kennel Club Washington Classic dog show held at Auburn, Washington, over the Fourth of July weekend.  Dave is a professional UKC judge and he, along with five other professional judges, was flown out to judge the event. Since he and Barb live in Cincinnati, Ohio, this was the perfect opportunity to get together. Also, it was the first professional dog show either my better-half and I ever attended.

            The show was held on a 20-acre site designed especially for dog shows. Called “the Argus Ranch,” it was sponsored by the Puget Sound K-9’s. The ranch has hosted the event for the past 11 years and along with the Washington Classic they a

Winning  Firsr Place Blue Ribbon in the Sub-Junior
  Division is Lucas Merrill, 5,
of Portland, Oregon and his English Bulldog

lso hold training and dog competitions that attract over 3,000 attendees annually said Holly Leale, owner of the facility.

            The event covered three days and attracted over 250 exhibitors as far away as Texas, Colorado, California, Idaho, Utah, Oregon, Montana and Canada. It was one of the most interesting and fun-filled events I ever covered. Having our son judge in the event was even more exciting.

            Dave and Barb own “Aircastle Kennel’s,” and specialize in breeding, training and showing standard poodles. In addition both are also professional groomers and judges. Barb judges for the American Kennel Club. There is a big difference in participation and philosophy between the two clubs.

            The UKC is the second oldest dog registry in the United States and includes members from all 50 states and 25 foreign countries. It was founded in 1898 by Chauncey Z. Bennett who believed that other existing registries placed too much on “show” rather than the dog. Consequently he formulated a registry that places emphasis on a dog’s performance as well as quality of breed.

            The dog show hobby is known chiefly as a sort. But like many other sports it attracts those with big bucks. Bennett also believed that clubs as the American Kennel Club puts too much emphasis on confirmation only (dogs looks) than a dogs performance. That's when he came up with the idea of “the total dog.” In addition it is the owner who shows their dog in the ring unlike the AKC that features professional dog handlers.

            In addition there is also the “sub-junior” program that has handlers as young as four-years old (assisted by an adult) show their pups in the ring. “These are the future trainers and handlers of the future,” said JoAnne Mulligan, secretary of the event.

            Bennett’s idea took root and today The UKC shows are designed to promote a dog’s intelligence, working ability as well as its conformation of breed. Their events include not only the quality of a breed but also how it performs in events as obedience and agility. Programs include rally obedience, weight pull events, jumping and obstacle trials among other specialty programs.

            But what is special about the club’s events is many programs allow mixed breed dogs to compete as well.

            The obstacle trial event is a classic example. The course is laid out with jumps, a tunnel shaped in a “U”, a swinging bridge and slide and a row of poles that require the dog to run through them from left to right. Missing a pole is a disqualification. The run is timed and a dog must hit every obstacle perfectly to gain points. What was remarkable was the first dog to perform was a five-time champ of mixed breed. He went through the course like lightning. “Well, there’s the winner,” I thought. Several other dogs also ran the course and some didn’t finish as hoped by their owner.

            Then, the last to perform was a little white poodle.

            The other dogs were mid-size and this little guy was a lot smaller. What chance did it have? A couple of minutes later we found out! The pup shattered the time and didn’t miss one obstacle winning first place.

            With dogs as large as Great Danes to Chihuahua’s small enough to put in a women’s purse, there were other breeds commonly known to everyone. Terriers, retrievers, Sheppard’s, bull dogs and others that you couldn’t pronounce their names. The Best of Show included a long-hair Chihuahua and Basenji pup from Africa.

            So how much is spent for one of these dogs? It was reported one show dog that was  purchased in China went for $30,000! When you take in the cost of an animal that expensive you also have to take into account the upkeep and vet bills. Our son who owns 11 standard poodles along with Barb’s Dobermans, they spend up to $4,000 a month on feed and veterinarian bills. Fortunately both are groomers and can prepare their mutts for show themselves.

            For dog lovers shows like this are a must. The people were great and everyone was encouraging and the dogs themselves seemed to be having the time of their life. Frankly I didn’t know how interesting such an event would be but I will tell you one thing. We can’t wait until next year!