One of the Greatest (dog) Shows on Earth
A dog lover’s treat: the finest specimens from over two hundred breeds on show at the by- invitation-only AKC/Eukanuba annual championship at Long Beach December 12th and 13th. A canine bonanza extravaganza. Showing were dozens of the more popular dogs — Bassetts, Beagles, Australian Shepherds, Dobermans, American Staffordshire (pit bulls), Spaniels (twelve varieties), Retrievers (six varieties) — as well as exotic breeds such as the Black Russian Terrier (a giant dog whose only “quarry” would surely be the bad guys); Spinoni Italiani (large, elegant, casually soignee gun dogs); Swedish Vallhunds (an ancient herding breed who travelled with the Vikings — herding?); Tree Walking Coonhounds (graceful hunters definitely not trailer trash); the enormous lion-like Tibetan Mastiff (don’t even think apartment); and the amazing Xoloitzcuital (a Boxer size Mexican hairless). Entries included dogs from forty-three different counties and six continents. (Tip for Westminister watchers: Sadie, the gorgeous Scottie bitch who won Best in Show.)
As you can see from the images I chose as my favorites, there were three principal areas of interest for me: the grooming areas, filled with the appurtenances and sounds of dog beautification for human gratification; the spectator areas filled with dogs and owners off-duty; and the show rings, filled with a breathtaking demonstration of the variety of dogs.
Note the last image of GoGo, the number two Bull Terrier in the country, who had just won her second Eukanuba Best of breed (which could take her to the top).
2 years ago • 0 notes