I love it when I catch a dog looking at the camera while I’m taking candid ringside photos.  Most of the time they just ignore me – which truthfully is what I want – but every now and then they get curious, like this Cane Corso.  He has a bit of an apprehensive look on his face, doesn’t he?  [Or maybe it’s a “she”!]  I am absolutely adamant about respecting both the dog and the handler when I’m at a show.  Earlier this year I saw a photographer from a newspaper using a wide angle lens and getting right into the dog’s face to create a close up.  I mean an inch from the dog’s nose.  I thought it was terribly rude and could easily scare the dogs.  It was all I could do to not say something to him, but I felt that if the owner/handler didn’t approve it was their place to speak up, not so much mine.  I use a telephoto lens so that I can stand away from the dog and still get a nice close and uncluttered photo.  This image is from the Nita Nee Kennel Club show over the weekend in Centre Hall, Pa. 

Congratulations to Doberman “Fifi” [Ch Protocol’s Veni Vidi Vici] on back to back Best in Show wins on Friday and Saturday at the Chambersburg and Nita Nee Kennel Club shows in Centre Hall, Pa!  I had the pleasure of seeing [and photographing!] her yesterday and she is a dream to watch in the ring!  Isn’t she beautiful?

Today’s model – the German Wirehaired Pointer!  Don’t you just love their beard?  This is a hunting breed that needs a job and a good amount of exercise.  They have a wiry water repellent coat to protect them when they are hunting.  I don’t know, for some reason when I look at this breed with the longer muzzle and beard, I think of the Phillie Phanatic [Philadelphia Phillies baseball mascot]!  Just call me crazy!  🙂

This Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is sitting on mom’s lap and watching friends in the ring at the Chester Valley Kennel Club show last month.  One of my all-time favorite breeds!