Well, I had some fun this weekend! Many of you I've spoken with are aware I really take no interest in show. While I appreciate a good quality dog from healthy lines I'm just not competitive by nature. I also don't like the politics involved in showing. AKC was really the only avenue of show I was aware of. Hiring a professional handler is customary so to show as owner handler the odds of winning are difficult at best. Often dogs travel around the country with handlers and that's another aspect of show I wasn't able to appreciate. My dogs are my dogs and I want them home with me. But... in talking with friends as well as a couple of my pup pals (owners of my pups) I've come to realize AKC isn't the only animal out there. IABCA is another- described as much more fun, low key and lacking the politics. Rarely are professional handlers ever enlisted. It's just you and your dog. Judges are both AKC and international and all recognized breeds are welcome. A fun time they said. And a good way to spend some quality time with your dogs. Sounded like it was right up my alley. I'm happy to announce that which I was told was told in truth. Ritz and I participated in two long days of showing and came home with her International Championship. I received 2nd place in three of five shows and the highest ranking score afforded in their shows four of five times. Oddly enough that was enough as they judge each dog individually and then comparatively. The championship is awarded based on score which is based on standard for the breed. Then best of breed male and female are chosen from each show. Winners of those classes show in Group according to type and finally Best In Show is awarded. Turns out I won big all the way around. A Majestic x Serious pup, Petra- now two years old, was the dog who consitently beat me! She won best female three of four shows. I found it hard to feel bad about not taking best female under those circumstances. In fact I was quite proud to see her win! I also had a chance to see Echo as Pauline came out to watch our debut. Pauline is actually one of the first people who mentioned IBACA to me. Thanks Pauline- I had a good time. And thanks Julie and Jake for the video if you happen to see it here. I must work to reverse our obedience work of "sit on a stop" and aim for "stand for exam" before the next show!
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