What began with over 2,800 dogs competing in the 2019 Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show at Madison Square Garden in New York City, culminated last Tuesday with the crowning of the Best in Show. Fittingly, a wire fox terrier named "King" (GCHB CH Kingarthur Van Foliny Home) took home the crown. It was the 15th time in the show's history that the breed had been named top dog. It also continued the dominance for terriers overall as they have won Best in Show … [Read more...]
Slugger Ready to Take a Swing at Westminster
February 2, 2019 by
The 143rd annual Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show begins next weekend. Breed judging will be held on Monday and Tuesday, February 11th and 12th. There are 2879 dogs entered and 203 different breeds represented this year. In last week's post (2019 Westminster Dog Show - A Closer Look), I wrote about how the competition works and the list of breeds participating. And before that, I presented a Dog Show Primer with a look back at past winners and a … [Read more...]
Is Holistic Care Right for Your Pet?
March 7, 2017 by
When my little Chihuahua, Carl was quite young, my vet said he probably had a liver disease. He assumed this due to high enzymes in Carl’s routine blood work taken prior to his scheduled neutering. He told me I should immediately get an ultra-sound; Carl may only have six months left and he may need lifesaving invasive surgery. At the time Carl was, by all accounts a healthy pup, no symptoms at all. My husband and I decided as long as Carl acted normal we … [Read more...]
Is This Great Dane the World’s Tallest Dog?
July 30, 2016 by
A three year old Great Dane named Major is in the running for recognition by the Guinness Book of World Records as the tallest dog in the world. He stands over 7 feet tall on his hind legs and and 4 foot 3 from paw to shoulder and weighs 168 pounds (17 stone). Major and his owners Julie and Brian Williams from south Wales, England will find out next month but there is competition. Two other Great Danes measure over 7 feet tall - four year old Freddy … [Read more...]
Are You A Pack Leader?
May 24, 2016 by
Recently I added one more dog to our pack. I wasn’t planning on another dog but this one needed some loving care. He is a sweet senior Chihuahua I took home from the shelter because he was quite sick. He has since recovered and is doing well. Adding another dog to a good sized pack can be a challenge. People often ask me if my dogs all get along. I say, yes, they have to! I’d like to think that is because I am a confident and consistent pack leader. The … [Read more...]
Dog Breeds, Then and Now
March 11, 2016 by
Recently I came across a photo of a champion Chihuahua from the late sixties. I was surprised at how different the dog looked compared to champion Chihuahuas today. The breed has certainly changed and evolved over the years. The Chihuahua was first recognized by the AKC in 1904. The first champion, “Beppie” was registered in 1908. The first registered Chihuahuas were long coats. The two coat varieties were recognized in 1952. Chihuahuas of … [Read more...]
Tips For Including A Dog In Your Wedding
July 30, 2015 by
I have attended two doggie weddings. Each was complete with a bridal party, flowers and cakes for dog and human guests. Both involved Chihuahuas. One was quite formal, the pretty Chihuahua bride was dressed in a lovely, long white gown and the groom looked quite smart in his tuxedo. The other wedding was a bit more casual. That wedding was for my oldest Chihuahua, Carl’s parents, BamBam and Baja. My dear friend, Barb, the owner of the happy couple … [Read more...]
DOGS 101: What is a Chihuahua?
January 22, 2015 by
I am often asked questions about the Chihuahua, the breed I know and love. Maybe I can answer the most common inquiries, so here goes with Chihuahua 101. Like many dog breeds there are many theories as to where the Chihuahua originated. According to the “The Complete Dog Book” (The official publication of the American Kennel Club), most theories point to ancient Mexico where carvings and remains of small dogs have been discovered by archeologists. These … [Read more...]
Do Dogs Go To Heaven?
September 11, 2014 by
Will Rogers once said "If there are no dogs in heaven, then when I die I want to go where they go." I believe dogs go to heaven, how could there be a true heaven without dogs? Last week my beloved dog, Jack passed away suddenly. I am completely devastated. Words cannot express my sorrow. I first met Jack when he was five months old. I remember seeing him for the first time at a friend’s house. He came over to me and begged to be picked up. He had … [Read more...]
Rocky wins again at Lehigh Valley shows; Finishes year as second ranked Smooth Coat Chihuahua in Pennsylvania
December 18, 2013 by
The Lehigh Valley Kennel Club and The Delaware Water Gap Kennel Club always have their shows around Christmas time. The atmosphere is festive and fun. Unfortunately the entries were very low this year. There were only four Smooth Coat Chihuahuas entered. Rocky won breed both days which was nice. It was very pleasant not to have to travel very far, the shows were ten minutes from my house. The weather was also quite snowy. … [Read more...]
The Harvest Cluster
October 24, 2013 by
The leaves are turning to bright red and gold. The air is crisp and it is time for the shows in Sussex County, N.J. On Saturday, October 12th, I traveled to the beautiful hills of northwest Jersey with my handsome boy Rocky to the Palisades Kennel Club show. It was a glorious fall day! But again the numbers were down. Entries were low for most breeds especially Chihuahuas. Rocky won breed which was good for another grand championship point, that was … [Read more...]
Eight Chihuahuas and a Chin
April 25, 2013 by
I live with eight chihuahuas, a Japanese chin and a mutt. As much as the chihuahuas would like to think they run the show, it's simply not true. Yoshi, the chin is boss. I call her; The Benevolent Dictator. Whenever there is a conflict, Yoshi comes to the rescue! Everyone must get along. She does not allow discord. Penny Lane, the mutt loves Yoshi, because she will play with her when the others won't. Chihuahuas are clannish, but not the chin! … [Read more...]
A good day for chihuahuas and other dogs
March 30, 2013 by
It was a glorious spring day, a very good day to be a chihuahua. Today all the dogs went outside to lay in the warm sun and sniff the air. Penny wanted to chase a squirrel but she is not allowed since she does not play well with them. We call Penny a "chihuahua mix". The truth is we don't know what she is, but there is some terrier in her for sure. The "real" chihuahuas would never dream of chasing a squirrel, they only chase each other on occasion. … [Read more...]
‘The Morning Call’ reviews book on insider look at Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show
February 27, 2013 by
South Whitehall woman's book gives insider view of Westminster dog show On Monday morning, Connie Newcomb will be having the time of her life at one of the most prestigious sporting events in the nation — the 137th Annual Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show in New York City. At 9:15 a.m., Connie and Bill, one of her champion Chihuahuas, will prance around a show ring at Pier 92, hoping to convince judges that Bill is the best little guy of his … [Read more...]
Seattle Times pets columnist Ranny Green reviews “Dog Show Confidential” for Seattle Kennel Club
February 6, 2013 by
We are so pleased that readers are enjoying our book! The Seattle Kennel Club recently included it in their 'Picks of the Litter.' Ranny Green, a Seattle Times pets columnist and feature writer for three decades, was kind enough to post this review on the Seattle Kennel Club website. Congratulations as well to Mr. Green on his induction into the Dog Writers Association of America's (DWAA) Hall of Fame. The road to Westminster is paved with more potholes … [Read more...]
Two Weeks until Westminster
January 28, 2013 by
Two weeks from today the Toy dogs will be shown at Westminster. There are 33 Chihuahuas entered. Unbelievable! There have never been so many. I am wondering who is going to show up. So many of my friends are not going because of all the changes. No one wants to travel 25 blocks from the hotels across the West end Highway to the piers. I don't either but I only have one little dog. I am really not happy about any of it. Since the show is no longer … [Read more...]
Bill wins Breed at Sussex Hills
September 2, 2012 by
Sunday, September 2, 2012, the summer is almost over! Off we went to N.J. for the Sussex Hills Kennel Club show. The show was indoors and air-conditioned, which was great because it was hot outside. Bill was pretty good on the table for Mr. Berg who was the judge. He gave Bill a big smile. My little champion walked beautifully and won the breed over a top ranked dog! Go Bill! I'm happy Bill seems to improve with each show and is very relaxed in the … [Read more...]