Saw a Briard at the West Michigan Harvest Cluster Dog show. The breed is from France and is part of the herding group. This is a demanding dog in that they need ample exercise, and grooming.

Went to the West Michigan Harvest Cluster dog show. Had a great time watching the different breeds and the people. In the clip above this Great Dane shows somes rough love to his handler. You can see they have a pretty strong bond and she was able to to control him after a bit. The dog was gorgeous, but animals are…um animals. The dog didn’t place in this ring, I wonder if the judges saw this…..

Dude is an awesome well behaved Neapolitan Mastiff. What was striking about him was his unique wrinkling and gorgeous blue eyes. Even though he looks “massive’ and powerful he takes nice gentle naps and sometimes has to be waken up in class. Watch him here as performs his recall. To read more about this interesting and somewhat rare breed go to http://www.dogbreedinfo.com/neapolitanmastiff.htm or http://www.akc.org/breeds/neapolitan_mastiff/
Sorry Cocoa and I didn’t make it to class last week. Had to take care of a sick kid. See you next week!

Uno with M.D. handler & Erika aka cleanybeany

Had a fabulous time with my sister at the 102nd and 103rd Detroit Kennel Club show. Amazed at the number of show rings with such gorgeous animals. It was an absolute treat to be able to touch the dogs and talk to many of the owners and handlers. The Detroit Kennel Club is only one of six clubs that have these benched shows. Benched shows are when dogs are available and out on a “bench” before, during and after their time in the ring. Now, Uno, the Best in Show winner at Westminster, wasn’t “showing” but was on display and for a small donation to the Therapy Program for the Children’s Hospital, you were allowed to get a picture with him. Well how could I resist…I mean the first beagle to win “Best” I even got an “autographed” paw print picture. So many interesting aspects to the show, like the agility, confirmation, terrier racing , duck herding I am going to have to break it up into different posts. Stay tuned for more information about this wonderful dog show.