March 24, 2008Dogs in actionWhat a great weekend for sports. Besides all those basketball games, which left me with a wadded-up, tear-stained bracket thanks to Purdue, UConn and Duke, there were also athletes in action at Hollins University. 
Until Sunday, I had only seen dog agility events on Animal Planet. A real event, like the one hosted by the Star City Canine Training Club this weekend, are truly amazing and, like most sports, so much better in person. I apologize now to any contestants I may have distracted with flash photography (I hit a button quite by mistake.) And even without the cooperation of the sun or any visible talent as a photographer, I managed to snap a few nice shots. To see more, click here.
 February 13, 2008Uno lives up to his name
He is like the Eli Manning of pooches. From what I could see on the live televised event, the little scenthound roo-led the ring like a rock star as he howled his way into the hearts of the Madison Square Garden crowd, getting the longest and loudest crowd reaction. [Note to self: try to get travel to the Westminster show for live, on-the-scene coverage of the event added to next year's blogger travel budget. Ha. Sometimes the jokes here are just for me.] Uno topped Deuce, an Australian shepherd, a gorgeous Weimaraner, two Continental-cut poodles, a silky Sealyham terrier and a beautiful Akita to take the title. I was glad to see so many popular pets in the Best in Show ring. Drive through any neighborhood and you will see Aussie shepherds, Weimaraners and, of course, beagles, running around backyards. This year, the everyday dog had his day. One other Westminster story of note: Patty Hearst, the infamous heiress who dominated headlines in the 1970s when she was kidnapped, showed her French bulldog and won a ribbon at the show. (AP Photo/Pete Kramer) February 12, 2008Uno is number one houndUno, a 15-inch beagle, took top honors in the Hound Group at last night's Westminster Kennel Club show. A beagle has never won a Westminster Best in Show title, so little Uno is a real underdog. At my house, we were of course cheering for the greyhound, but alas, she didn't even make the short list. But as far as I am concerned, the two best greyhounds in America were sleeping on our couches while we watched the show. 
What are your thoughts about the dog show? Love it? Hate it? Rant and rave right here. February 11, 2008There's only oneThere is at least one dog show staged most weekends somewhere in America, and you can watch reruns of dog shows every Saturday morning on Animal Planet (a guilty pleasure, I completely confess.) But my dear, when it comes to real prestige, honor and tradition, there is only one. The 132 annual Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show starts today. You can draw the parallel to other iconic events in sports and pop culture: It's like the Kentucky Derby, the Indianapolis 500, the Oscars, the Bryant Park Fashion Week for purebred show dogs and the people who pamper them. Show here and you have reached the summit. And only one of 2,500 dogs of 169 breeds and varieties will be named Best in Show. The Hound, Terrier, Non-Sporting and Herding breeds and varieties will be judged today, with the breed champs vying for the group title tonight. The Sporting, Working, and Toy breeds and varieties will be judged on Tuesday, with group finalists competing on Tuesday evening. The Best In Show will named from the group champions on Tuesday evening. Tonight's group competitions will be televised live on USA Network at 8 p.m. and continued on CNBC from 9 until 11 p.m. Tuesdays' groups and the Best In Show competition will be televised live Tuesday on USA Network at 8 p.m. Four breeds will be making their Westminster debut this year: the Tibetan Mastiff in the Working group, the Swedish Vallhund and the Beauceron in the Herding group, and the Plott in the Hound group. 
Here in Southwest Virginia, you are most likely to run into a Plott hound, as they make great hunting dogs. The Swedish Vallhund reminds me of a Corgi dressed up like a German Shepherd Dog. The Beauceron sports that Doberman/ Rottie sleek, athletic style. But the Tibetan Mastiff, the puppy pictured here, looks like the kind of pooch you want to be your best buddy on a cold winter night, a firm but fluffy cuddle pal. Sit and stay tuned. January 24, 2008SchutzhundI got a book in the mail last week about schutzhund, a sport for dogs. According to the book's preface, schutzhund means "protection dog," and was originally designed as a breed test for German shepherd dogs. Participants in this sport earn titles by demonstrating skills in police service work that include tracking, obedience and protection. It's like a martial arts for dogs, and earning a "schutzhund" title is similar to earning a black belt. While most of the dogs featured in this book are German shepherds, the original schutzhunds, there are a few other breeds of dogs like rottweilers, giant schnauzers and pit bulls who participate in these trials. Anyone have any experience with this sport? If so post a comment and maybe this beautifully photographed book will find its way to you. January 18, 2008Flyball, anyone?Check out this cool graphic about flyball, a relay sport for dogs. 
From what I can glean from a little Internet research, there is a flyball tournament held in Blacksburg each summer, and there are local teams that compete. I am dying to know more and would love to attend a practice and the actual tournament this summer. Any of you readers have any scoop on the local flyball scene?
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