Westminster KC

tofu pup said:
The tail needs to be long enough to touch the hock joint. It should be "set on" so that it's down when the dog is standing. It's perfectly OK for the tail to be raised to the level of the back when the dog moves (or is excited), but it should be set on such that it never goes higher, or curls over the back.

I think it looks natural and right for a dog to move with the tail level with the back, or a little lower - a "dead tail" that's held down, even when the dog moves, makes me think that the dog is timid or unhappy. (Or worse, that the tail was "fixed".)

I've never seen that dog in person, and I didn't watch the Group on TV, so I can't comment on his tail.
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There was definitely a "gay tail" in that group!!
 
I just watched the video and I know 2 of the women. April and Gina from Summerlove shelties. I am trying to figure out who they have with them. Where can I find a list of names? Which one is Janes daughter?
 
Thanks for sharing:smile2:
I always enjoy watching shelties being judged in other countries. There are lots of similarities but some pronounced differences to how we show the dogs here in the UK. I was surprised how small the ring appeared as well for the shelties as they didn't seem to be able to take more than a few paces before turning, but they are moved a lot quicker than I am used to so maybe it was deceptive. I was sorry not to see any tris either:confused2: I do like how while obviously well trained, the shelties were all very animated too and looked happy to be there, which is nice. :smile2:The question about tails I find interesting as the merle with the tail held down is 'normal' here. Some will raise their tails a little but never as much as on the video. I think perhaps it has a lot to do with the extra animation and faster speed of moving, as our sheltie tails do go up on BOB laps of honour etc! The winning sheltie looked gorgeous..I am looking forward to watching how he does in the group judging which I am saving till later.

Thanks for the info on the 'Best in Show' film sheltie. I have wondered who he was for years!
 
Sumac3890 said:
I just watched the video and I know 2 of the women. April and Gina from Summerlove shelties. I am trying to figure out who they have with them. Where can I find a list of names? Which one is Janes daughter?
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Jane's daughter Ashley is the blond that went before her--with the blue merle.
 
seashel said:
I was surprised how small the ring appeared as well for the shelties as they didn't seem to be able to take more than a few paces before turning
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Westminster is a very atypical show in many ways. The rings are tiny, and you are correct that the dogs don't have room to move. There are six rings on the floor at Madison Square Garden, and while two of them are a little larger, these are usually only used for the really big breeds (and Shelties get stuck in the tiny ring).

Rings at most shows (particularly outdoors) are considerably larger, and the ring for our national is always enormous.

...and here is probably a good place for me to say that Westminster is a pain to show at. There's a very good reason why handlers significantly higher fees for taking a dog to "the Garden" - nothing is easy, nothing is cheap, there's very little room to breathe or move or groom, it's hard on the dogs, and it's very hard on the people. Honestly, being in the ring becomes the absolute best part of your day, because you finally have some room to move about and not get trampled by the crowd.
 
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Sigh...I watched the breed judging online and the group on TV last night.

Every year I'm left with the same thought..."Damn, I really ought to groom my dogs!" :lol:
 
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