Westminster 2007- update pg 8 post112*REPLAY 2/13

[critter crazy]

I voted for the PBGB (I think that's what they call it - shounds like heebee jibee's ). But at one point I saw James and I thought "what a beautiful dog". I'm glad he won. He was on Today this morning and he was pooped. He's had a busy past few days.

its actually PBGV-Petite Basset Griffon Vendeen

[Daisy and Delilah]

CONGRATULATIONS BEAUTIFUL JAMES!!! What a gorgeous boy he is. I didn't envy the doctor making the choice. It had to be next to impossible for him. I thought the Poodles were just illustrious. Both of them. I liked all the dogs but James was a good choice.

[Kalei]

Oh no Westminster is over And it was such a great year too My favorite of last nights was the Borzoi...which was stunningly beautiful, and the German Shepherd! I loved that German Shepherd.

I hope someday that the Wippet Vivi is found.

[cassiesmom]

One more question - dog people, I hope you don't mind

The announcer said that two of the three poodle categories were in the Best in Show judging. They're each in a different group. I noticed that their coats were groomed the same way. Is that a special grooming they get for shows? It's so elaborate. I wonder why they're groomed that way, does it allow the judge to see characteristics of the dog better? I only know one person who has a poodle, and he came from a shelter so he's probably a random breed. She couldn't tell me why the purebred poodles are groomed in that style. Her dog just gets a basic treatment for pets at the groomer. (He still looks cute to me!)

thanks,
elyse

[cassiesmom]

Diamond Jim glitters at show
Certified therapy dog beats Cosby entry, takes top honors at Westminster event


By Ben Walker
The Associated Press

February 13, 2007, 11:45 PM CST

NEW YORK -- An English springer spaniel with a preference for chicken-and-garlic treats prevented America's top dog event from turning into "The Cosby Show."

Diamond Jim jumped into handler Kellie Fitzgerald's arms after being chosen Best in Show on Tuesday night at the Westminster Kennel Club.

Dressed in a glittering copper top that perfectly matched her brown-and-white pet, Fitzgerald cuddled the 6-year-old certified therapy dog.

"I'm over the moon," she said.

Diamond Jim beat out a Dandie Dinmont terrier co-owned by entertainer Bill Cosby, as he did at the big AKC/Eukanuba event in December. The springer was the nation's No. 2 show dog last year behind Cosby's entry. Fitzgerald also repeated, having won it all at Westminster in 2000.

"Bill Cosby and I are good friends," she said. "We're both competitive. We both wanted to win."

Cosby's run of bad luck on the green carpet at Madison Square Garden continued. He'd lost with several top dogs in the past and avoided coming this time to stave off the jinx.

Judge Robert Indeglia said he wished he had ribbons to give to all seven final contenders. Yet with only one top prize, he pointed to Diamond Jim.

Diamond Jim beat out the Dandie Dinmont, a pair of poodles and a Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen, plus an Akita and a Bouviers des Flandres that pitted a husband and wife against each other. Larry Fenner handled the Bouviers and Laurie Jordan-Fenner guided the Akita.

With a few dogs barking and baying backstage, Diamond Jim was chosen out of the overall 2,628 entries in 165 breeds and varieties.

The dog, commonly called James, earned more than the silver bowl trophy—he also got to chow down. Fitzgerald said he didn't eat before the show. Once it was over, he snacked on goodies that fell on the floor.

This was his 51st Best in Show victory, and his last. He's retiring from the show world to live the life of a therapy and obedience dog. He's already worked with Alzheimer's patients.

Fitzgerald said James' win illustrated that Westminster is more than a beauty pageant for primped and pampered pooches.

"They're working dogs," she said. "He's not going to be just a couch potato."

This was the 100th time that Best in Show was presented at Westminster, and the sixth time that an English springer spaniel won.
Copyright © 2007, The Associated Press

[borzoimom]

One more question - dog people, I hope you don't mind

The announcer said that two of the three poodle categories were in the Best in Show judging. They're each in a different group. I noticed that their coats were groomed the same way. Is that a special grooming they get for shows? It's so elaborate. I wonder why they're groomed that way, does it allow the judge to see characteristics of the dog better? I only know one person who has a poodle, and he came from a shelter so he's probably a random breed. She couldn't tell me why the purebred poodles are groomed in that style. Her dog just gets a basic treatment for pets at the groomer. (He still looks cute to me!)

thanks,
elyse

Per the Akc "(b) Clip-- A Poodle under 12 months may be shown in the "Puppy" clip. In all regular classes, Poodles 12 months or over must be shown in the "English Saddle" or "Continental" clip. In the Stud Dog and Brood Bitch classes and in a non-competitive Parade of Champions, Poodles may be shown in the "Sporting" clip. A Poodle shown in any other type of clip shall be disqualified".. And here is the akc link http://www.akc.org/breeds/poodle/index.cfm

[cali]

the original poodle clip was to protect vital organs, the chest part covers the rib cage, the head part covers..well the head lol the puff on the feet protect the joints, the rosetts protect the kidneys and the tail was some sort of joke or something lol the origianl though was nothing like what you see in the show ring, the orginal was not bald in any area, there was a light laying all over and the area's that were protected were just cut a little thicker. what you see in the show ring today would never in a million years hold up to working conditions, and it is purley for looks.

[cassiesmom]

Poodle Did You Know?


The denominations Standard, Miniature, and Toy are used to describe size only. All the Poodles are one breed, governed by the same standard. (I did because the commentator said that. )


The Toy Poodle is known for superior intelligence and exceptional learning ability. (No, I didn't!)


The Poodle clip is not merely decorative (though it may seem that way now); it is in fact a necessary clip meant to protect the joints and vital organs in cold water. (Thank you borzoimom and cali, I do now!)


The Toy Poodle achieved great popularity in France and was known worldwide as a "trick dog." They were court favorites during the reign of Louis XVI and Queen Anne. (No, I didn't!)


The Toy Poodle, like all Poodles, possesses wonderful swimming ability; the coat is adapted to water, and will cord if left to grow naturally. (Didn't know that either!)


Grover Cleveland owned a Poodle (although some reports say it was a Pekingese). (I know that many dogs have lived at the White House.)

[borzoimom]

Interesting little facts on Westminster http://www.nbc4.com/family/10922166/detail.html
And " Dog Show 101" http://www.nbc4.com/family/10903773/detail.html and this one was good too- " Want a show dog?".. http://www.nbc4.com/family/10974927/detail.html

[Freedom]

Hey, did any of you catch the comment re the borzoi who made it to the group level - loves his Starbucks latte!!!

[borzoimom]

Hey, did any of you catch the comment re the borzoi who made it to the group level - loves his Starbucks latte!!!

Yea- and " I would like to see how tall that dog is on his back feet..." lol..(btw- Hottie is just as tall- and Zubin is a little taller..lol)

[3GSDMom]

The show was AMAZING!

I met and photographed a lot of the dogs. Also got my picture taken with a few

As for the question regarding GSDs, American lines tend to have more exagerated angulation than other lines. American lines breed for looks rather than utility. They have strayed far from the original SV standard. German lines tend to stick closer to Von Stephanitz original idea of the German Shepherd. Though the German Showlines are starting to turn out like the American lines. In German Working Lines you won't find a lot of angulation (which is prefered).

Hope that made sense.

I took over 300 pictures. Expect to see pictures and video clips tomorrow!

[cali]

those porr GSDs made me sad, I noticed in the video one even fell over on the go around, and the one that took BB bunny hopped the down and back. then when they were taking the pics the one had to sit, he looked like he could not hold up his rear, and that AOM winners rear legs were wobbling all over the place, they finally had to spary something on her feet to help keep them steady I couldnt belive those handlers and owners were actually PROUD of this

[3GSDMom]

Yes, Im not fond of the American lines at all. I dont find them very appealing. That Geneva (The one that won out of the GSDs- Bred by James Moses, Kaleef dogs) is not a very pretty dog at all. A lot of people find her "stunning" but I find her quite the opposite. However, the GSD that placed second, Ch Rowland's Cezanne Of Imp-Cen, was gorgeous!. I had the pleasure of meeting him and I'm in love!

[borzoimom]

Jimmy Moses is a wonderful man!!! I know him well..