Winning Best of Opposite Sex in September at the Giant Schnauzer Club of America National Specialty was CH HiStyle’s Stone Crusher (“Flint”), who turned 2 the day of his National Specialty win. Shown as Special for just over three months, Flint already is ranked among the top 10 Giant Schnauzers.
Bred by owner Michael Rutkas of Yorkville, Ill., Flint was sired by CH Skansen’s An American In Paris out of HiStyle’s Acadian Princess. Don Powell of Fairbury, Neb., is the handler.
“Flint’s strength is his movement,” says Rutkas. “Lots of dogs look nice standing still, but Flint is a powerful, balanced mover. He always demands attention in the show ring, almost as though he is saying, ‘Hey, look at me.’ Flint is a big lover. He’s a housedog and a show dog, and we really enjoy him.”
Flint is fed Purina Pro Plan brand Chicken & Rice Adult Formula.

Chosen as the Best of Breed winner from more than 100 dogs entered at the Giant Schnauzer Club of America (GSCA) National Specialty in September at Purina Farms was the No. 1 ranked show dog in the country, CH Galilee’s Pure of Spirit.
Best known to the public as “Spirit,” this 3-year-old bitch has won 52 Bests in Show and 100 Working Group Firsts, setting a breed record. Spirit exhibits “phenomenal temperament and a high drive to show that has set her apart from the very beginning,” says co-breeder Maryann Bisceglia of Gibsonia, Pa. “She is built beautifully.”
Spirit is owned by co-breeder Mary Hayes of Middleburg, Va., and Joe and Carla Sanchez of Murietta, Calif. She is fed Purina Pro Plan brand Performance Formula.
Spirit was sired by CH Gloris Arizona Bill out of BIS/BISS CH Galilee’s Adeste Fidelis. Both Spirit’s dam and sire are exceptional. “Bill,” the sire, bred by Olga Seliverstova of Moscow, is the only Giant Schnauzer to earn four top European titles: World Champion, Champion of Europe, German National Champion and International Schnauzer Pinscher Union winner. Bill is a champion in 12 countries and the top-producing GSCA sire for the past two years. “Faith,” Spirit’s dam, is a GSCA top-producing dam, and she won Best of Breed at Westminster in 2004.
Spirit’s enthusiasm in the show ring is due to handler Taffe McFadden of Acampo, Calif., says Bisceglia. “Spirit picks her people. Taffe loves her, and they have an incredible rapport,” says Bisceglia.
Bisceglia, who has bred under the Ingebars prefix for 28 years, also bred the Best of Winners and Winners Dog. The Best of Winners was Ingebars Siasconset Rose, an 11-month-old female puppy co-owned by Bisceglia and Mike Reese of Forth Worth, Texas. The Winners Dog was Ingebars Prince of Darkness, a 2-year-old co-owned by Bisceglia and Rick Cali of Baldwin, N.Y.
Bisceglia and Hayes have co-bred Galilee Giant Schnauzers for eight years. They co-bred the High in Trial winner, Galilee Ingebar Inspiration, owned by Bridgette and Bernie Tuerler of Battleground, Wash.

A 3-year-old male Golden, UKC/AKC CH Malagold’s Stone Sour, OA, OAJ, RA, CGC, was the First Judge’s Award of Merit winner in September at the Golden Retriever Club of America National Specialty. Handled by breeder-owner Connie Gerstner Miller of Malagold Golden Retrievers in Kalamazoo, Mich., “Stoney” is co-owned by Miller’s daughter, Geri Gerstner Hart of Campbellsport, Wis., and Melissa Davis of Paw Paw, Mich. Stoney lives with Davis, who trains him for agility.
Sired by Ch Malagold’s Toast to Davenport out of Malagold’s Mimosa, Stoney’s pedigree includes Goldens from the Dewmist Kennels near Stockholm, Sweden. “Stoney is more blond than we are used to seeing in this country,” says Miller, who has bred Goldens for 48 years and who won her first National Specialty in 1970. “He also is fuller through the head and body, more of an English-style Golden. He has tremendous ring presence.”
Stoney is fed Purina Pro Plan brand Performance Formula.

Winning Best Puppy from the 6-to-9 Month Puppy Bitch Class in September at the Golden Retriever Club of America National Specialty was Wylwind Sin City Showstopper. “Vegas” was co-bred and co-owned by Ruth and Bruce Wylie of Delaware, Ohio. She was sired by CH Hytree’s Ryd-N-Out The Storm, SDHF, OS, out of CH Gangway Wylwind Say Goodnite.
“Vegas is a little pistol and very full of herself,” says Ruth Wylie, who handled the puppy. The Wylies, who have bred Goldens since 1976, feed Vegas Purina Pro Plan brand Chicken & Rice Puppy Formula.

In a single sweep, CH Toasty’s Treasure Island, the No. 1 Golden Retriever in the country, set a breed record, winning the “trifecta”
at the Golden Retriever Club of America (GRCA) National Specialty in September. More than 700 Goldens, including 100 Specials, competed at the National Specialty.
The trifecta consists of the parent club’s top three honors – the Top Twenty Award, People’s Choice Award and Best of Breed. The Top Twenty Award was decided by three judges – a Golden Retriever breeder, Golden Retriever judge and Sporting Group judge; the top 20 Goldens in breed and all-breed competition are eligible to compete. The audience voted for the People’s Choice Award. Judge Gloria Kerr of Sahuarita, Ariz., selected “Treasure” as the Best of Breed winner.
“Treasure just floats around the ring,” says handler Clint Livingston of San Antonio. “She’s consistent, no matter what. The timing of her gait is perfect. Judges always comment about it. Her conformation and proportions are ideal.”
The 4-year-old bitch is co-owned by breeders Jerry and Pam Oxenberg of Boca Raton, Fla., Carolee Douglas of Albuquerque, N.M., and Jane Bates of Montgomery, Texas. Treasure was sired by CH Happy Hour Highmark Toasty out of CH Toasty’s Josie.
Treasure has won several breed Specialties, including the Western and Central Regional GRCA Specialties, and five Bests in Show. She also won Best of Breed at Westminster this year. She is fed Purina Pro Plan brand Performance Formula.
Pam Oxenberg recalls choosing Treasure as a 5-week-old puppy. “From the beginning, Treasure had an outgoing personality and quick intelligence. My husband and I easily agreed she was the one we would keep. She loves to please, and it shows.”
The Oxenbergs first won the GRCA National Specialty 22 years ago with CH Toasty’s Royal Mercedes, OD, SDHF, a distant granddam in Treasure’s pedigree. Treasure’s paternal granddam, CH Briarwood My Hi Flyin Legend, OD, won Best of Breed at the 1999 National Specialty.

The Best in Futurity winner in May at the American Rottweiler Club National Specialty was Woodrott’s Belle of the South, a 6-month-old female puppy who was selected from 60 entries. Bred by Peggy Wood of Mechanicsville, Va., and Barbara Klotz of Richmond, Va., “Belle” was sired by CH Bernkastel B’Mer out of CH Woodrott Abbaz Perfectly Wicked.
“Belle is the perfect Rottweiler. She has personality, looks and excellent Rottweiler conformation,” says owner Leonard A. Dorrance of Dallas, Pa.
Lynda Hylton of Salisbury, Md., was the handler.
Belle is fed Purina Pro Plan brand Chicken & Rice Large Breed Puppy Formula.

Winning Best of Opposite Sex in May at the American Rottweiler Club (ARC) National Specialty was AM/CAN CH Cammcastle’s Ipso Facto, CGC (“Delta”), a 2-year-old female Rottie bred by Suzan Otto of Toms Brook, Va., and owned by Patrice and Greg McAllan of Manakin Sabot, Va. Lynda Hylton of Salisbury, Md., was the handler.
Sired by AM/CAN CH Clearwater’s Black Tie Affair, CD, out of CH Cammcastle’s X Equals One v QR, Delta finished her championship at 15 months with three five-point majors.
“Delta is an exceptional mover, and she has wonderful conformation,” says Patrice McAllan. “She is a lovely bitch, but what makes her special to us is that she is so sweet and funny. She has a good time wherever she is.”
Delta is fed Purina Pro Plan brand Selects Natural Turkey & Barley Formula.

A 3-year-old male Rottweiler sired by the top-producing male in history won Best of Breed in May at the American Rottweiler Club (ARC) National Specialty. BIS/Multi-BISS National Select 1 CH Gamegards Chisum, who closely resembles his famous sire, outperformed 259 Rotties to win top honors.
Bred by co-owners Victoria Weaver of Greensboro, Md., and Pamela Marsh of Dakota City, Neb., along with Robin Haden of Chicago, “Chisum” was sired by V-1 Sieger Multi-BIS/BISS Select CH Gamegards U.S. Marshall RN, CGC (“Cahill”) out of CH Fullhaus A Cha Cha v Gamegards. Both Chisum and Cahill made the final cut and were vying for Best of Breed.
Shown sparingly, both Gamegards male Rotties have impressive records. Chisum took Best in Show in July at the 898-entry Duluth (Minn.) Kennel Club Dog Show. He has four Bests in Specialty Show, five Bests of Breed, and five Group placements, including three Group Firsts.
Cahill, who is 7 years old, won Best Veteran Dog and Best Stud Dog at the ARC National Specialty. The sire of 100 champion offspring, Cahill was named the top-producing all-breed sire in 2007, a first for the Rottweiler breed.
Both housedogs, Chisum and Cahill live with Marsh. In choosing Chisum as a puppy, Marsh says, “I just knew he was the one. He stands out for his well-defined markings and very black eyes and mouth. Chisum has a beautiful rear, wonderful front assembly and moves effortlessly.
“Chisum and Cahill are best buddies. They are together all the time. They are extremely affectionate and loving. We could not be more fortunate.”
Both Chisum and Cahill are fed Purina Pro Plan brand Selects Natural Salmon & Brown Rice Formula.

The ASCOB (Any Solid Color Other Than Black) Best of Variety winner was CH Somerset’s Sweet Talkin’ Girl (“Charm”), who also took ASCOB Best in Futurity and Best of Winners in July from the 9-to-12 Month Puppy Class at the American Spaniel Club Cocker Spaniel Summer National Specialty. Bred and owned by Laurie Ferland of Pittsfield, Maine, Charm was handled by Mike Pitts of Knoxville, Tenn. The 10-month-old Cocker finished her championship at the show.
Charm’s littermate sister, CH Somerset’s Sweeten The Pot (“Kitty”), a black Cocker, was selected as the Best in Futurity winner. Kitty also took Best of Winners in the Black Variety. Owned by breeder Ferland, Kitty, who was handled by Linda Pitts, also finished her championship at this show.
Charm and Kitty were sired by Bubba, the sire of Best of Breed High D’Ho. “This litter was very consistent,” Ferland says. “At five weeks, they exhibited the quality and potential I expected. They are very true to type and possess the sportiness I want in my Cockers without sacrificing the femininity and elegance I like in bitches.”
Charm and Kitty are fed Purina Pro Plan brand Selects Natural Turkey & Barley Formula.

The Parti-Color Best of Variety winner, Multi-BISS CH B-Mac N Lil People Ragin Cajun (“BJ”), won Best of Opposite Sex in July at the American Spaniel Club Cocker Spaniel Summer National Specialty. Co-bred by Betty McClendon of Rosenberg, Texas, and Teresa Pascal of Takoma Park, Md., the 3-year-old male Cocker is owned by Beate Pruitt of Minden, La., and McClendon. Per Rismyhr of Granby, Conn., is the handler.
“BJ has the biggest heart I have ever seen in a show dog,” Pruitt says. “He will always try to give you 110 percent, no matter what. He is the total package – a true sporting dog with correct breed type.”
As a 1-year-old, BJ was shown at the 2006 World Dog Show in Poland, where he was awarded the Vize World Champion title. At this year’s Westminster Kennel Club Dog show, BJ took Best of Opposite Sex. BJ is fed Purina Pro Plan brand Selects Natural Salmon & Brown Rice Formula.

Representing the sixth generation of champion Silverhall Cocker Spaniels, CH Silverhall Seductive (“Cher”) won Best of Breed in July at the American Spaniel Club (ASC) Cocker Spaniel Summer National Specialty.
More than 280 dogs competed for the honor that was bestowed on the 18-month-old black-and-tan Cocker Spaniel bred and owned by Wilson and Bonnie Pike of Durham, N.H. Cher, the Black Best of Variety winner, was handled by Wilson Pike.
Sired by CH Coldry’s Sweet Sensation (“Bubba”) out of CH Silverhall Seventh Heaven, Cher was one of four puppies in the litter. She is one of three finished champions; the fourth littermate is close to finishing. A well-known sire, Bubba also produced the Black Variety Winners Bitch and the Any Solid Color Other Than Black (ASCOB) Best of Variety and Best of Winners.
“Cher has her sire’s outgoing attitude and easy temperament,” says Bonnie Wilson. “She is structurally correct and has free-flowing, proper Cocker Spaniel movement. She is an all-around correct Cocker Spaniel.”
An early standout, Cher won Winners Bitch from the 6-to-9 Month Puppy Class at the 2007 ASC Summer National Specialty. More recently, Cher won Best of Breed at the Niagara Cocker Spaniel Club Specialty and back-to-back Sporting Group Firsts at the Tonawanda Valley Kennel Club Dog Shows in Albion, N.Y. Cher is fed Purina Pro Plan brand Chicken & Rice Adult Formula.

The Best of Winners at the American Boxer Club National Specialty in May was Katandy’s Fast Forward. The 18-month-old fawn dog is owned by breeder Lee Morris of Davidsonville, Md., and was handled by Diego Garcia of Starlight, Pa.
“Frankie” was sired by CH Raklyn’s Stealin the Show out of CH Katandy’s Magic Pixie Dust. The dog is fed Purina Pro Plan brand Performance Formula.

Taking Best of Opposite Sex at the American Boxer Club National Specialty in May was CH Suncrest’s I’m the Man. The 4-year-old fawn dog won an Award of Merit at Westminster earlier this year. “Doc” is owned by Mario Quiroz of Leon, Mexico, breeder Olive Lee-Waters of Newbury, Fla., and Deb McCarroll and Mark Fagan, both of San Jose, Calif. The sire is CH Maxl’s Golden Boy, and the dam is CH Suncrest’s I’m a Knockout.
Doc was handled by Gary Steele of Riverside, Calif. “Doc is special because he is the breed type described in the standard,” says Michelle Steele, Gary Steele’s wife. “He has a beautiful mouth and an attitude like a toreador in the ring. He is confident and strong.”
Doc is fed Purina Pro Plan brand Performance Formula.

A 3-year-old Japanese-bred brindle bitch, CH Dramatic Story of Sherry Shoot JP, won Best of Breed in May at the American Boxer Club National Specialty. “Jane” outperformed more than 550 Boxers.
Bred by owner M. Hanabusa of Japan, Jane is also co-owned by Dr. and Mrs. William Truesdale of Seekonk, Mass. The sire, CH High-Tech Johnny J Boxerton, is a three-time National Specialty Best of Breed and stud dog winner. The dam is a Japanese bitch, Appea Line of Sherry Shoot JP.
Jane was handled by Kimberly Pastella-Calvacca of Westbury, N.Y., who also handled her sire “Johnny” for the Truesdales. At the 2007 National Specialty, her first American dog show, Jane captured Winners Bitch. She went on to finish her championship with three back-to-back majors and Group Firsts.
“Jane is the overall package,” Pastella-Calvacca says. “She’s a beautiful Boxer in type who excels in movement.”
Jane is fed Purina Pro Plan brand Performance Formula.

A 10-month-old black Toy Poodle bitch, Smash JP Mamamia, won the Toy Best of Variety in April at the Poodle Club of America National Specialty. Bred and owned by Yukiko Omura of the famed Smash Kennels in Fuji, Japan, “Mamamia” is the first black Toy Poodle Omura has campaigned in the United States.
“Smash has been breeding and showing blacks for years, but they were based in English lines, which are too big to be shown in the United States. It has taken Yukiko 10 years to produce a black toy to campaign here,” says Kaz Hosaka, who handled Mamamia.
Mamamia was sired by Smash JP Best Beat out of Smash JP Never Say Never. She is fed Purina Pro Plan brand Performance Formula.

The Miniature Poodle Best of Variety winner at the Poodle Club of America National Specialty in April was CH Surrey Sweet Spice (“Jamie”). The 2-year-old black bitch’s dam, CH Surrey Spice Girl, won Best in Show at Westminster in 2002. Bred by Kaz Hosaka of Greenwood, Del., and owned by Ron Scott and Debbie Burke of Dillsburg, Pa., Jamie also won Best of Variety earlier this year at Westminster.
“Jamie is the fifth generation of all-breed Best in Show winners, which is really remarkable,” says Hosaka.
Sired by CH Random Wind in your Dreams, Jamie recently won her first Best in Show; she has 20 Group Firsts and two Specialty Bests of Breed. The Miniature Poodle is also a third-generation PCA Best of Variety winner; her dam Spice Girl won in 2001, and her granddam, CH Surrey Sweet Capsicum, won both the Variety and Best of Breed in 1995. Jamie is fed Purina Pro Plan brand Performance Formula.

A 5-year-old black Standard Poodle bitch, CH Randenn Tristar Affirmation (“Yes”), sired by longtime top producer CH Eaton Affirmed (“Snapper”) in a frozen semen breeding, was named Best of Breed in April at the Poodle Club of America National Specialty. More than 640 Poodles competed for the honor.
Breeders Dennis McCoy and Randy Garren, both of Apex, N.C., persisted in breeding their bitch, CH Randenn Tres Chic, to Snapper though the first attempt using quarter-century-old semen failed; the second try was successful. Co-breeders are Joe and Joan Lacey of New York. Toni and Martin Sosnoff of New York are the owners.
“Yes was a singleton puppy from one of the last vials of Snapper’s frozen semen,” says handler Timothy Brazier of Bothel, Wash., owner of Snapper. “Only a few sperm were viable. Dennis and Randy were determined to breed to Eaton Affirmed.”
The winner of 68 Bests in Show and 16 Specialty Bests of Breed, Yes is ranked No. 1 in the Non-Sporting Group. She won the Non-Sporting Group at the 2007 AKC National Championship and received Awards of Merit this year at the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show and in 2007 at the PCA National Specialty. She is fed Purina Pro Plan brand Chicken & Rice Formula.

Multi-BIS/BISS CH Daybreak’s Awesome Blossom won Best of Opposite Sex in the Wirehaired Variety at the Dachshund Club of America National Specialty in April. Deborah Krieg of Raymond, Ohio, is the breeder-owner, and Carlos Puig was the handler. The 3-year-old wild boar bitch, called “Kate,” was sired by CH Raydachs Great Balls of Fire out of Daybreak’s Painted Daisy. Kate is fed Purina Pro Plan brand Performance Formula.

CAN CH/AM DC Stardox Twist and Shout was the Smooth Dachshund Variety Best of Opposite Sex winner in April at the Dachshund Club of America National Specialty. Owned by Elizabeth “Sandy” Patterson of Jackson Center, Pa. the 4-year-old red standard dog was handled by Tara Hartman of Stroudsburg, Pa. Bred by Lorraine Genieczko-Simmons of Boyce, Va., and Melissa Wynings of Florida, “Woody” was sired by CH Apple Hills Benediction out of Dual Champion Stardox Penny Lane V Melwyn. Woody is fed Purina Pro Plan brand Chicken & Rice Formula.

CH Briardach’s Uncle Sam won best of Opposite Sex in the Longhaired Dachshund Variety in April at the Dachshund Club of America National Specialty. Co-owned by breeders Monika and Paul Martin of Marshall, Va., and Janine Finnell of Arlington, Va., Monika Martin handled the 2-year-old red standard dog. Sired by CH Walmar’s Casanova out of CH Briardach’s Garden Party, “Sam” is fed Purina Pro Plan brand Performance Formula.

Capturing Best of Opposite Sex to the Best of Breed winner at the Dachshund Club of America National Specialty in April was a 4-year-old red standard Longhaired bitch, CH Solo’s Drag Queen. More than 400 Dachshunds took part in the National Specialty.
The Longhaired Best of Variety winner, known as “Morgan,” was owner-handled by Carlos Puig of Round Lake, Ill. Wayne L. Heikes of St. Michael, Minn., is the co-owner. Bred by Paula Carter of Oakdale, La., Morgan was sired by CH Homar’s Havana Joe out of CH Seidach’s White Diamonds.
“Even as a puppy, Morgan was the ‘show dog’ of the litter, always pushing her way through her littermates to be the one in the limelight,” says Carter. “Puig brought out every ounce of her potential.”
Earlier this year at the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show, Morgan placed second in the Hound Group. Ranked No. 1 in all systems and consistently ranked among the top 10 hounds in 2007, Morgan is fed Purina Pro Plan brand Performance Formula.

Winning Best of Opposite Sex in April at the Colonial Rottweiler Club Specialty was the Best Veteran Bitch, CH Cammcastle’s Quantum Leap Year. Bred by owner Suzan Otto of Toms Brook, Va., “Launa” was handled by Michelle Starry of Latrobe, Pa. Doreen Tietjan handled Launa to her Best of Opposite Sex win.
Launa is shown occasionally and had not been shown since the 2007 Rottweiler Club of America National Specialty. Otto says she brought the 8-year-old to the Specialty “to have a good time.”
“Launa’s showmanship is pretty marvelous,” Otto says. “She really puts herself out there. She has wonderful breed type and temperament.”
Launa was sired by CH Crystal’s Topaz v Ponca, CD, out of CH Cammcastle’s Hazmat v Ironwood. She is fed Purina Pro Plan brand Performance Formula.

A semi-retired, 5-year-old show dog, Multi-BIS/BISS AM/CAN CH Avatar Luck of the Draw, CDX, RN, outperformed more than 150 Rotties to win Best of Breed in April at the Colonial Rottweiler Club Specialty.
Owner Patty Terrio of Hartland, Mich., describes “Ace,” her first show dog, as “the smartest dog I’ve ever owned.” Breeders Johann Emedi and Roxanne Robertson, both of Charlotte, Mich., and Debbie Uren of Metamora, Mich., brought Ace to Terrio two years after her husband, Dr. Bruce Terrio, commented that he wanted a beautiful dog. At his first weekend dog shows as a 9-month-old, Ace garnered three majors.
Ace was sired by CH Von Boylan Antonio Banderas, and the dam is CH Von Drivers No Speed Limit. The Best of Breed winner at the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show in 2007, Ace received Awards of Merit at Westminster in 2005, 2006 and 2008. In 2006, he was the No. 1 Rottweiler in all-breed competition.
Besides excelling in conformation, Ace is a certified therapy dog who performs safety demonstrations at elementary schools and is a certified hearing service dog. He has his first rally title, as well as his Companion Dog Excellent obedience title. Ace is fed a combination of Purina Pro Plan brand Performance Formula and Purina Pro Plan brand Chicken & Rice Formula.

Multi BIS/Multi BISS CH Red Fern’s Beau Derby NWPD (“Spot”) won Best of Breed at the 2006 Greater Swiss Mountain Dog (GSMDCA) National Specialty in August, becoming the first Swissy to win the National Specialty two consecutive years.

Handled by Wendi Cowell of Knoxville, Tenn., Spot is owned by Alan McFadden and Debbie Echols of Philadelphia, Tenn. The 4-year-old dog was co-bred by Debbie and Jerry Kennedy of Clarksville, Ind., and Kristin Kleeman of Georgetown, Ky. He was sired by CH Derby’s Ivan the Hoss out of AM/INT CH Rina Derby’s Jolee Con Trall ROM HIT.

Multi BIS/Multi BISS CH Soyara’s Chantilly Lace JC (“Lacey”), an 8-year-old white-and-black female Borzoi, came out of retirement to outperform 241 dogs and capture Best of Breed at the Borzoi Club of America National Specialty last May.

Lacey also took Best of Opposite Sex in the Veteran Sweepstakes and was the No. 1 Futurity Brood Bitch. Co-owned by Prudence and Dr. Gregory Hlatky of Morrow, Ohio, Lacey is handled by Prudence Hlatky. Co-bred by Prudence Hlatky and Sabrina Rhodes of Detroit, Lacey was sired by Westminster breed winner CH Rossak of Enfield out of CH Soyara Misleading Lady Esar ROM-C.

Galant’s Meadow Magic V Ciden (“Wishes”), a 7-month-old red female, is the winner of the 2006 Grand Futurity at the Doberman Pinscher Club of America National Specialty. Co-owned by mother-daughter team Gwen and Carissa DeMilta of Downington, Pa., and breeders Cynthia Huckfeldt of Casper, Wyo., and Mona Fasth of Denver, Wishes is handled by Carissa DeMilta.

Multi BIS/Multi BISS CH Blue Chip Purple Reign CDX NA NAJ BH ROM (“Raisin”) came out of retirement to win Best of Breed at the Doberman Pinscher Club of America (DPCA) National Specialty in September from more than 300 entries.

The 6-year-old female is breeder-owner-handled by Christine Spiniello of Glen Gardner, N.J., and is handled in conformation by Kelly Marquis of Freemont, N.H. Sired by CH Cambria’s Cactus Cash out of CH Vondersha’s Time Out WAC, Raisin also earned the Companion Dog Excellent (CDX) and Novice Agility (NA) titles, plus a Register of Merit (ROM), at the National Specialty.

CH Dante’s Over the Top (“Topper”), a 6-year-old dog, won Best of Breed at the Schipperke Club of America National Specialty last April. Breeder-owned by Amy and John Gossman of Farmington, Minn., and co-owned by Mike Jameson and Patrick Allison, both of Fort Worth, Texas, Topper was handled by Erin Roberts of Oklahoma City. Sired by CH DAC’s Top Gun out of CH Dante’s Inkurable Spirit, Topper won Best of Opposite Sex at the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show last February.

Outperforming 201 dogs, CH Chestnut’s Selling the Drama (“Copper”) captured Best of Breed at the English Cocker Spaniel Club of America (ECSCA) National Specialty last May. Copper also was named the ECSCA Invitational Champion of Champions. The 4-year-old dog was bred by Sheri and Mark Johnson of Chatham, Ill., and is co-owned by Sheri Johnson and William J. Burggraaf of Sioux Falls, S.D. Laura King of Milan, Ill., handled Copper.

A 2-year-old Brittany named CH Triumphant Absolute JH (“Adam”) won Best in Show at the Shawnagunk Kennel Club Dog Show in June. Adam is breeder-owner-handled by Linda McCartney-Roy and Kristyn McCartney of Nashua, N.H. Sired by CH Millette's Hang Loose out of CH Triumphant's Absolute Ten JH. Adam is fed Purina Pro Plan brand Chicken & Rice Formula.

The 2006 Pro Plan Champions Cup winner is CH Evermay’s High Performance, a 2-year-old Airedale Terrier called Max. Bred and owned by Richard Berg and Samantha Curran of Arroyo Grande, Calif., the male terrier is handled by Jenny Wornall of Santa Ynez, Calif.

Max, who is currently the No. 1 Airedale in all systems, won Best in Show and a Group One at the IKC Dog Show and a Group One at the Detroit Dog Show to capture the Champions Cup. He is fed Purina Pro Plan brand Chicken & Rice Formula.

CH Northwind As Good As It Gets (Goody), the No. 1 Lhasa Apso in the country in all systems in 2005, won Best of Breed last October at the American Lhasa Apso National Specialty in Frederick, Md. Handled by his breeder-owner Cindy Butsic of Greensville, Mich., is fed Purina Pro Plan brand Chicken & Rice Formula and Purina brand Little Bites Indoor Complete dog food.

Grandgables Naturally Super, MS (Nathan), won Best of Opposite Sex. Nathan was bred and owned by Guy Jeavons and Mark McMillan of Moffat, Ontario, Canada. Jeavons handled Nathan. Sired by CH D’Arisca Supernatural out of Grandgables It’s A Cabaret. Nathan is fed Purina Pro Plan brand Puppy Formula.

The Best of Breed winner was Grandgables Ms Supernatural (Natalie). Natalie was bred and owned by Guy Jeavons and Mark McMillan of Moffat, Ontario, Canada. Jason Hunt of Swindon, England, co-owns Natalie and handled her at the Specialty. Sired by CH D’Arisca Supernatural out of Grandgables It’s A Cabaret. Natalie is fed Purina Pro Plan brand Puppy Formula.

In the Smooth Variety judging, Sunrise Add-Sim’s Natalie, MS won Best of Winners and Winners Bitch. Owned by Vaterio Hernandez-Colon of Puerto Rico, Natalie was bred by Hernandez, Robbie Addison and Cliff Simones, both of Miami, and handled by Simones. Sired by CH Add-Sim’s Good Time Charlie out of Grandgable African Sunrise, she is fed Purina Pro Plan brand Puppy Formula.

Wirehaired Dachshund Diagram Moreta of Pern V Rags, MW (Moreta) won Best of Winners and Winners Bitch. Owned by Kim Ragsdale of South Charleston, W.Va., and Dianne Graham of Dublin, Va., Moreta is handled by Marietta Singleton of Hemingway, S.C. Sired by CH Rags I Want to Talk About Me out of CH Diagram Lessa Of Pern, Moreta is fed Purina Pro Plan brand Chicken & Rice Formula.

In the Wirehaired Variety judging, CH Friedox Falling for You, MW (Scraps) won Winners Dog and received an Award of Merit. Scraps is handled by breeder-owner Barbara J. Friedman of Goochland, Va. Sired by English CH Drakesleat Spaghetti Junction out of CH Friedox Kick Upon a Star, MW. Scraps is fed Purina Pro Plan brand Performance Formula.

TreasureEmmdox Swiss Miss (Missy) won Best of Winners and Winners Bitch from the 12- to 18-Month Class. Owned by Ruth Emmons of Norwood, Ga., and co-owned by Janice Moseley of Fayettville, NC., Missy was bred by Moseley and handled by Emmons. Sired by CH Emmdox Splish Splash, ML out of CH Treasuredox Carawan’s Legacy, ML, Missy is fed Purina Pro Plan brand Chicken & Rice Formula.

CH Sleepytime’s Indulgence, ML (Mandy) won Best of Opposite Sex to the Longhaired Dachshund Variety winner. Handled by breeder-owner Susan Jones of Durham, N.C., the Miniature Longhaired Dachshund was sired by CH Glenhaven Acclaim, ML out of CH Sleepytime’s Show Me. Mandy is fed Purina ONE brand Lamb & Rice Formula.

Winning Best of Opposite Sex to the Best of Breed winner, and the Best of Variety (Wirehair) winner, was CH Scoshire’s Famous Amos, a 3-year-old Miniature Wirehaired Dachshund. Owned by his breeders, Dwayne Early, David Borders and Blanche Schoning, all of Aqueboque, N.Y., Amos is handled by Angela Lloyd of Warrenton, Va. Sired by CH The Rascals Farm Irko Polo out of Scoshire I Only Have Eyes 4U, Amos is fed Purina Pro Plan brand Performance Formula.

CHANDLER, Ariz. — CH Sondaisa’s Cuervo Gold, a nearly 4-year-old male, won Best of Breed at the 2005 Akita Club of America National Specialty last November. Nearly 230 dogs competed at the Specialty.

Handled by Clint Livingston of San Antonio, “Cuervo” is owned by Rick and Teresa Witte of Houston, Colleen Sullivan of Newberg, Ore., and Alicia Meyer of Lake Oswego, Ore. Judge Michele Billings, who also placed Cuervo first in the Stud Dog Class, noted his outstanding balance and proportion and said he represents excellence in the breed.

The Top 20 winner was BISS CH Warwick’s Truley Scrumptious, owned by the Tonnancours, Kathy Varian of Acton, Calif., and Anne Toomey of Tarzana, Calif. Bred by Douglas and Anne Toomey, the nearly 4-year-old Dane is fed Purina Pro Plan brand Performance Formula and Pro Plan brand Large Breed Formula.

The Winners Dog was a harlequin male, CH Fleckenhaus Aries (“Chivo”), co-owned by Pete Trejo and Sherron Higham-Trejo of Tucson, Ariz. Handled by Mari Lynn Davisson of Phoenix, the 21/2-year-old Dane finished at the Specialty. Co-bred by Higham-Trejo and Claire Hazlett of Las Vegas, Chivo is fed Purina ONE brand Giant Breed Formula.

Winning Best of Opposite Sex was CH Avantis All For One Elan (“Redford”), a fawn-colored Dane owned by Robert and Linda Tonnancour of Yorba Linda, Calif., and Lisa Foltz of Chicago. Robert Tonnancour handled Redford at the Specialty although Doug Tomey of Acton, Calif., usually does. Bred by Jessie Gerszewski of Mazomanie, Wis., and Foltz, Redford was sired CH Helisain Monsieur out of BISS CH Avanti’s Taylor Dane. The 61/2-year-old Dane won Best of Opposite Sex in 2002 and an Award of Merit at the 2004 National Specialty. He is fed Purina Pro Plan brand Chicken & Rice Formula.

GRAY SUMMIT, Mo. — Winning Best in Show at three of four shows in the International Cluster held last November at Purina Farms was a 17-month-old Pug, Multi BIS INTL/AM CH Bleuridge’s Eja.

Co-owned by Karen Grueninger of Columbia, Ill., and Bunny Osborn, who is also the breeder, “Eja” was handled by Melissa Chonos of Columbia, Ill. Sired by CH Mianda’s Bossman of Schoss out of Bleuridge’s Kisha, Eja also won Best of Breed at the Greater Atlanta Toy Dog Association Show last September. He is fed Purina Pro Plan brand Sensitive Skin & Stomach Formula.

The 13-inch Best of Variety winner is BIS CH Willwood’s Parker County — “little Parker.” The 21/2-year-old male dog is owned by Cara Ann Smothers of Rockwood Beagles in Keller, Texas, and Jim Wood and Allen Williams, both of Weatherford, Texas, who also are co-breeders. Doug Carlson of Moore, Okla., handled Parker. Sired by CH Kahootz Chase Manhattan out of CH Copper Rose Heaven Can Wait, Parker is fed Purina Pro Plan brand Performance Formula.

BIS/BISS CH Windkist A Walk in the Park — “big Parker” — won Best of Breed. The 15-inch male Beagle was bred and is co-owned by Leah Bertagnolli of Windkist Beagles in Ogden, Utah. Ralph Fagan of Thibodaux, La., and Jon Woodring of Advance, N.C., are co-owners. Aaron Wilkerson of Charlotte, S.C., is the handler. Sired by CH Just-Wright I’m a Pepper Too out of CH Bijoux a Walk in the Clouds, Parker won the Breed at the Garden in 2005 and 2006, and took Group Three this year. The 4-year-old is fed Purina Pro Plan brand Performance Formula.

CH Borderfame Spellbound (“Merlin”), a 6-year-old Border Collie, won Best of Breed for the second time, having also won in 2003. Handled by Jimmy Moses of Carrolton, Ga., Merlin was bred by Helena Fitzgerald of Perth, Australia. Sired by GR CH Borderfame Heart N Soul out of CH Borderfame Forever Magic, CD, Merlin has been No. 1 in the breed since 2002. Last November, Merlin broke the breed’s Best in Show record with 13 wins. He is fed Purina Pro Plan brand Performance Formula.

Other Purina winners were two Border Collies co-owned by Annemarie Silverton of Stockton, Calif., and Noelle and Maureen Kay of Australia, who also are the breeders. Bruce Schultz of Riverside, Calif., handled both dogs. CH Trumagik Tucho Scot (“JR”) received an Award of Merit and won Best Veteran. The 8-year-old male dog won Best of Breed at the 1998 and 1999 Specialties. CH Trumagik Make My Day (“Harry”) also won an Award of Merit. Both dogs are fed Purina Pro Plan brand Chicken & Rice Formula.

Winning Best of Breed out of 300 dogs competing at the 2005 Bullmastiff Club of America National Specialty last September was Multi BIS/BISS AM/CAN CH Bastion’s Music In The Glen (“Liam”).

The 3-year-old male Bullmastiff is co-owned by Scott Hoffman, M.D., and Gerald Greer, both of Franklin, Tenn., and Robert and Lynn Spohr of Boonville, Ind. Bill Martin of Bloomingdale, Ind., handled Liam. Judge Michele Billings noted that when she closes her eyes and envisions the breed standard, Liam represents the dog she sees.

A Pro Plan-fed Labrador, CAN CH Casbar’s Von Hausman Blitz Krieg (“Panzer”), won Best of Winners. Owned by Claudia Vaigl of Madison, Ohio, and co-owned and bred by Diane Ammerman of Mahway, N.J., Panzer was handled by Keith Ferrin of Wurtsboro, N.Y. The 21-month-old male Labrador was sired by AM/CAN CH Ashways Muncie Von Hausman, CGC, TDI, out of AM/CAN CH Casbar’s All That Pizzazz. Panzer, who is fed Purina Pro Plan brand Performance Formula, later finished his American championship.

A 7-year-old yellow male Labrador, CH Aquarius Centercourt Delight (“Buzz”), outperformed nearly 300 dogs last October to win Best of Breed at the Labrador Retriever Club National Specialty.

Co-owned by Kathy Sneider, V.M.D., and Julie MacKinnon, both of Plymouth, Mass., Buzz was handled by Joy Quallenberg of Wurtsboro, N.Y. Co-bred by Sneider and Sharon Parr of Shirley, N.Y., Buzz was sired by CH Lobuff’s Bare Necessities, CD, JH, out of Delight Aquarius Courtside. The winner of 22 Best in Show titles and 100 Sporting Group Ones, Buzz is fed Purina Pro Plan brand Performance Formula and Pro Plan brand Sensitive Skin & Stomach Formula.

“Queeny” is easier to remember than the formal name belonging to the 3-year-old Treeing Walker Coonhound who outperformed 80 hounds to become the UKC World Bench Show Champion in September.
Queeny’s long name keeps getting longer, too, with each prestigious win she takes home. Owner-handler Vera Bergbauer beams with pride when telling how she picked Queeny from the litter of 10 pups and how she raised and trained her for coonhound bench shows. Breeder Bobby Cody of Marietta, S.C., had sent Queeny’s pregnant dam to Bergbauer so she could raise the puppies at her home in Hartford City, Ind.
PKC World Show CH AKC World Show CH ACHA World Show CH UKC World Show CH National Grand Show CH GR CH Conf Grand CH ‘PR’ Diamond Ridge Queen of Diamonds does all the hard work herself. Just ask Bergbauer.
“Queeny is very intelligent and a well-rounded dog who basically does anything I ask her to,” she says. “She is very natural on the ground and bench, and the judges like that.”
Some consider the UKC World Bench Show Championship to be the premier coonhound competition, partly because hounds must pre-qualify to enter. Queeny waltzed her way through the female Treeing Walker Coonhound judging, and then she was named the overall female winner over the Plott, Black & Tan, Bluetick, English and Redbone female breed winners. She nipped the World Bench Show Champion title going face to face against the overall male winner.
Three weeks earlier at Richmond, Ind., this hound took top honors at Autumn Oaks, where she was named the National Grand Bench Show Champion out of 400 dogs. It was just the second time a Treeing Walker bitch had captured the top prize at Autumn Oaks.
A housedog who gets plenty of attention, Queeny responds to Bergbauer’s praise and affection. “She loves to show,” says Bergbauer. “I try to make it fun for her by keeping her happy with my love. I always tell her she does well. I can read her pretty well.”
Queeny’s resume notes that she is a World Champion in four registries: the United Kennel Club, Professional Kennel Club, American Coon Hunters Association and the American Kennel Club. She is the first hound ever to win all four major coonhound bench show events.
Among her wins this year, Queeny was the American Coon Hunters Association’s World Champion, the United Kennel Club’s Overall Bench Show Champion at Walker Days and all three days of the Premier, and the American Kennel Club’s World Champion and Overall Bench Show Champion at the Southern Heritage Championship. She has won a sprinkling of UKC all-breed conformation shows as well.
Sired by GR CH ‘PR’ Cody’s Good News Lucky Jack out of CH ‘PR’ Cody’s Good News Sunshine Erin, Queeny was whelped on May 14, 2005. Bergbauer feeds her star Treeing Walker Coonhound Purina Pro Plan brand Chicken & Rice Formula.

A powerful, top-performing 6-year-old white-and-orange English Pointer male, Sugarknoll Buckshot, is the winner of this year’s U.S. Shooting Dog Invitational Championship. The event, held in February, included the country’s top shooting dogs vying for the honor.
Despite wet, muddy conditions and high winds during the three-day competition, “Buck” consistently located birds, clinching the title. In this event dogs competed in hour-long braces over two days to earn a slot in the 90-minute finals. The championship tests endurance, handling and bird-finding ability.
Handler Luke Eisenhart of Glenville, Pa., says, “Buck has a great nose. He ran a strong race all three days at the Invitational. Birds were scarce, but Buck had one find each of the two days and then two finds on the final day. He is impressive with his style on game, and when he points, his head is held high.”
Peter Del Collo of Newtown Square, Pa., who owns Buck with his wife, Christine, says, “Buck is one of the most consistent dogs I’ve seen and arguably one of the best pheasant dogs ever. He is very independent and has an uncanny knack to stay to the front. He doesn’t often make mistakes.”
Buck, winner of the Purina Top Shooting Dog Award in 2006-2007, has won four National pheasant titles and is a three-time Open winner. He won the National Amateur Pheasant Shooting Dog Championship in 2006 under Del Collo. Buck was sired by Mrawsum out of Midnite Mountain Annie. He is fed Purina Pro Plan brand Performance Formula.

A 7-year-old male yellow Labrador Retriever, NAFC Hawkeye’s Coast Guard (“Cutter”), outperformed 126 of the nation’s best field trial retrievers to win the 2008 National Amateur Championship Stake in June.
Cutter ran an exceptional trial and performed flawlessly in the 10th and final series to earn the championship. “Cutter is very savvy, very smart and a really good marker,” says owner-handler Jeff Talley of Tallahassee, Fla., who has been in the retriever field trial game for about 28 years. “He loves to work, loves to do the drills, but his forte is marking.”
The National Amateur Championship features 10 challenging land and water series over seven days. This year’s National was the largest ever, with more than 150 dogs qualified. Of the 126 entered, 16 were named finalists.
Ford Deuce Coupe, a 6-year-old female black Labrador also owned and handled by Talley, was a finalist. Both dogs are fueled by Purina brand dog food.

GR CH Hill’s Little Gold Nugget, a 6-year-old male English Coonhound, outperformed 186 dogs to become the World Show Champion at the UKC Coonhound World Championship Bench Show in September.

“Nugget” is co-owned by Don and Vickie Hill of Roan Mountain, Tenn. Don Hill also is the breeder and handler. Sired by GR NITE CH Ohio High River Chunk out of World Show CH GR CH ‘PR’ Boss’s Little Bobbie Lou, Nugget also was the National Grand Show Champion of Breed at Autumn Oaks in September. In January, he was the English Grand Champion Male at the UKC Winter Classic Bench Show.

Winning National Grand Show Champion Opposite Sex is GR CH ‘PR’ Kentucky River Little Bit Fancy, a 2-year-old female Treeing Walker Coonhound owned by breeder Lee Currens of Piedmont, S.C. Handled by Lisa Hunziker of Pomona, Ill., “Fancy” was sired by Kentucky River Crack out of GR CH Currens’ and Voight’s Smooth Suke.

Out of 126 dogs competing in the Grand Champion bench show competition, GR CH ‘PR’ Dach Lair’s Tribute to 3 King, a 2-year-old male American Black & Tan Coonhound, was named National Grand Show Champion. Dr. David Birdsall of Gloucester, Va., is the breeder-owner, and his daughter Kathy Shorter of Gloucester, Va., is the handler. “King” also won Overall Pairs with his littermate, ‘PR’ Dach Lair’s Noble Noll.

GR NITE CH ‘PR’ Treeslammin Blue Hillbilly (“T”), an 8-year-old male Bluetick Coonhound, came out of a two-year retirement to outperform 600 dogs and become the National Grand Nite Hunt Champion. T is owned by Gerald Wayne Risner of Munith, Mich., and handled by Jeff Teague of Albion, Mich.

Bred by Kerry Oswalt of Hartford, Ind., T was sired by CH NITE CH Northern Blue Hammer 18 out of CH Treeslammin Blue Queen. “He is a dog with incredible speed, and that’s what it takes to win,” Teague says. “We brought him out of retirement to give him one last shot, and it was worth it. He’s a once-in-a-lifetime dog.” T is fed Purina Hi Pro brand dog food.