According to AKC rules, junior handlers may be between the ages of 9 and 18 years of age.  This is a wonderful opportunity for young people to learn good sportsmanship, develop dog handling skills, and gain an understanding of dogs and dog shows.  This image is from the junior showmanship competition at the Lehigh Valley Kennel Club show.  This little girl was darling, dressed so cute, and really handled her dog well.  It was easy to see that they were best friends!

Don’t you just love the look on this dog’s face as he gets a big smooch from his owner?  He looks so content and happy knowing that he’s loved!  This is a Clumber Spaniel – another of my favorite breeds.  I first learned about Clumbers while watching Westminster years ago.  They are larger than many of the other spaniels – weighing from 55-85 lbs. – and have a slow rolling gait.   They almost have a sad look about them which just melts my heart.  Below is another image of this beautiful Spaniel.  Both images are from the Lehigh Valley Kennel Club show in September 2010.

On a cold winter day like this it’s fun to think of being outside and relaxing in the warm weather with our pets.  I have a “Countdown to Spring” board in my office at work and as of today, there are 59 more days until Spring!  As I write this it’s snowing outside and we’re expecting 3″-6″ by tomorrow morning!  Boo hiss!!  The blog image is from the Lehigh Valley Kennel Club Dog Show in September. 

One of the best things about The National Dog Show held each year in  November is that it’s a benched show.  A benched show requires that the dogs remain in their assigned benching area all day [instead of leaving after they’re finished in the ring] when they aren’t being judged to allow visitors to meet and learn about the breeds.  It’s a great opportunity to talk to the owners/handlers/breeders and meet the dogs up close and personal.  The kids obviously love it – especially when they are able to pet the dogs.  Heck, the dogs love all of the extra attention, too! 

This is Chanel, the #6 dog in the country in 2010 and the #1 Hound with 26 Best in Show wins and 110 Hound Group wins, including Westminster!  Chanel is a Whippet and is shown in this image with handler Lori Wilson at the Burlington County Kennel Club Dog Show last summer.  Chanel is continuing her winning ways in 2011 with recent Best in Show wins in Massachusetts and California.  Congratulations Chanel & Lori!  Watch for them on the green carpet at Westminster next month!