Perfect Pooches

What a night at Westminster! For the first time, an Affenpinscher won Best in Show. And an adorable little guy he is, too. Meet Banana Joe.

Remember the movie "As Good As it Gets"? Yep, the dog Jack Nicholson grew to love was an Affenpinscher. This breed's face is said to resemble a monkey's. I really don't see it. I do, however, see a perfectly delightful pooch. Congrats to Banana Joe.

Meanwhile, today my own "perfect pooch" is featured on Coffee With a Canine. Please hop over to visit It's a perfect place for dog lovers...and writers.

Speaking of which, with no distracting dog shows, tonight I will be writing, and writing, and writing some more. It's about time, too. I have merrily ignored deadlines far too long. Bad me! It's time to sit and stay until I catch up.

Psssst. If things go well, I know where to find a stash of treats!

Best in Show

I have to admit it. I'm a Westminster groupie. All year long I look forward to watching the two-night extravaganza. Dogs, dogs, and more dogs. Who could ask for more?

Last night the toy group, hound group, and nonsporting group competed. I loved the jaunty way each dog pranced around the arena, looking like he/she knew the eyes of the world were watching. Fluffed, buffed, and manicured to the Nth degree, these critters were really putting on the dog. Many of them looked so different from their living room family dog counterparts, they might as well have been a separate species.

In case you haven't heard, here are last night's winners and their names:

Toy group-Affenpinscher (Banana Joe)
Hound group-American Foxhound (Jewel)
Herding group-Old English Sheepdog (Swagger)
Non sporting group-Bichon Frises (Honor)

Tonight we'll see the working group, terrier group, and sporting groups compete. Then (drumroll) the top dog in each group will compete for the title of Best in Show.

Personally I'm partial to the terrier group, which in fact has produced more Best in Show winners than any other group in AKC history. It would be cool if the Miniature Schnauzer could prevail. However, I have to admit as with the other breeds, that poofed up beautified show-dog Schnauzer doesn't look at all like Indy.

Hey, Mom! I don't compare you to those red carpet ladies or Sports Illustrated bathing suit...

Okay! I get it. Never mind any of those picture-perfect pooches, Indy. You'll always be my best in show.

Westminster 2010

Image courtesy American Kennel Club website


Last night I indulged myself in a guilty pleasure. I'm doing it again tonight and I can't wait.

No, I'm not researching a new romance novel. Instead the television is on while I sip hot chocolate and watch the show of shows...Westminster. It started Monday night and resumes the action tonight, where one dog will be chosen Best in Show.

There is something simply fascinating about watching gorgeous dogs groomed to the max prancing (and they do prance) around the ring. Though canines are all one species, it's amazing to see the variety of sizes, shapes, colors, and coats.

If you get a chance, check it out. You might figure out what blueblood ancestors make up your Heinz 57 pup.

"Look at that, Marge! I'm sure our Rover must be a Puli-Harrier-Afghan-Dalmatian mix!"

The Pedigree company is also running ads campaigning for shelter dogs that are sure to tug your heartstrings.

And the Winner Is...

AP/Reuters Photo

You can almost always count on Westminster for drama. First, Tuesday night's group winners were crowned:

Sporting Group-Sussex Spaniel
Working Group-Giant Schnauzer
Toy Group-Brussels Griffon

Then the most unlikely dog of all, the Sussex Spaniel, was chosen Best in Show. As "Stump", pranced the victory circle with his handler, the crowd went wild. And why was Stump the unlikely winner? Retired from the dog show circuit in 2004, Stump nearly died of a serious illness. His survival was described as miraculous. In December, Stump turned 10 (that's 70 in people years), and one week before Westminster, his owner decided to give him a final opportunity to compete in the prestigious show. Stump blew away everyone by taking best of breed, best of group, and then best of show. He becomes the oldest Westminster best in show winner, and the first Sussex Spaniel ever to take the title. Way to go, Stump!

I guess there's hope for "old dogs" after all!

Westminster Night One

Westminster packed the usual stiff competition and poignant moments into night number one. "Angel on a Leash", a pet therapy program started four years ago by the Kennel Club introduced a young war veteran who lost both of his legs and a little girl fighting a devastating diagnosis. Both had interacted with Uno, last year's Best in Show, who recently earned therapy dog certification. The crowd stood to applaud their stories, while Uno looked on, tail wagging like crazy. I'm sure more than one person swallowed past a lump in their throat.

On to the show. Monday's group results were as follows:
Winner of the Herding Group: Scottish Deerhound
Winner of the Terrier Group: Scottish Terrier
Winner of the Non-Sporting Group: Standard Poodle
Winner of the Herding Group: Puli

Tonight we'll see the Sporting, Working, and Toy groups compete, followed by the competition for Best In Show. I can't wait!

Who Let the Dogs Out?

The Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show

Look out American Idol. My favorite reality show begins its annual two day run tonight. The World Series of the pure bred dog world is the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show, broadcast from Madison Square Garden in New York, for the 133rd year. Only dogs who have earned the title of champion can compete, and the competition is by invitation only. Don't expect to see your next door neighbor's Poodle here. The primped and meticulously coiffed dogs are examples of the perfect breed standard, down to an elaborate (and sometimes) over the top hairdo. It's fascinating to see just how many shapes and sizes a canine can assume.

Each champion dog will first compete in best of breed (i.e. dalmation against dalmation) until the best in chosen. The winner from best of breed will compete against best of its group (i.e. sporting dogs, working dogs, etc.). The winner of each group will then compete for the coveted title of Best in Show. Last year a local dog, Uno, an adorable beagle, was Best in Show winner.

For tonight, starting at 8pm Eastern on USA, you'll see the following groups compete: Hound, Terrier (my favorite), Nonsporting, and Herding.

For more information about the show, check out the Westminster website.