Drawings, pencil on paper, 8 1/2 " x 5"-7", 2009
The long, low sturdy body of the Dachshund is a perfect example of form following function. With a prominent forechest and front legs that can dig, the Dachshund tenaciously and efficiently goes underground to hunt worms. While the Dachshund was originally bred in Germany centuries ago, it has absolutely no affiliation with the Nazis.
"I can't see shit. My eyes are covered in hair."
Ghost Rider is the name of the world's greatest Pekingese. This dog is a hero.
This is footage from the 2008 Dachsund National Championships where the Wirehair slayed the competition. Skip ahead to the middle to see the awesome victory lap.
Update 2/9/09 11:32 am PST: According to Jessie P, all the early buzz is swirling around a new dog to the competition, the French Mastiff. Jessie reports that this is the same breed as Hooch in the Tom Hanks movie "Turner and Hooch".
Update 2/9/09 9:27 pm PST: Things didn't turn out so well in the first round. The day started off positively when Daybreak's Awesome Blossom was awarded the gold medal for Wirehaired Dachsunds and advanced to the Hound Finals. Things got ugly in the finals, however, when terrible rumors started floating around that Awesome Blossom had rabies. These dirty tactics clearly influenced the judges. Awesome Blossom failed to medal, earning fourth. The winner was a Deerhound named Tiger Woods. Are you kidding me?
There is another full day of competition and I still have two dogs in this fight, literally. The Komondor and Pekingese will duke it out in the Toy and Working dog heats tomorrow.
Update 2/10/09 12:02 pm PST: Breaking News from the AP - "There was an hour-long protest outside the Garden by People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals, with two members dressed up as Ku Klux Klan members. PETA claims the American Kennel Club's promotion of purebred dogs is harmful to their health."
Don't PETA members feed their mutts vegan dog chow? Who are the real oppressors?
Update 2/10/09 8:35 pm PST: Not a good day for the Komondors. Slew 'Em bested Szerelem Rabja in the Breed Battle. That was all there was to celebrate today. Slew 'Em was trounced in the hyper-competitive Working Dog finals. Today was all about size and no one could touch the Giant Schnauzer.
Update 2/10/09 9:51 pm PST: Finally some good news! The lovely Match Point crushed the homely second place finisher Perchance a Dream to take the Pekingese Crown. Match Point went on to win the bronze medal for Toy Dogs! There is no shame in losing to Masquerade the shrunken-head gremlin dog.
Update 2/10/09 10:05 pm PST: Next year I'm pulling for the Affenpinscher. What a crazy couple of days. Thank you, Westminster family.
Terrific work! Jessie P has the assignment of her life in front of her.
Posted by: Carl W | February 09, 2009 at 08:43 AM
I heard on NPR that attendance may be a little down but I'm guessing the blogs are sizzling right about now!
Wonderful Pictures.
I will self-promote my dog because I am a new proud parent and she is just adorable.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/kinbote
She likes to rummage through garbage.
Posted by: kevin r | February 09, 2009 at 01:05 PM
The French Bulldog was robbed in non-sporting.
Posted by: Carl W | February 09, 2009 at 07:29 PM
I'm trying to catch up online.
Carl, I agree. It looks like there was a miscarriage of justice in the Non-Sporting group final.
#1: Low self-esteem
http://www.westminsterkennelclub.org/2009/photos/group/PP67215501.html
#2: Cool, confident
http://www.westminsterkennelclub.org/2009/photos/group/NP11631005.html
Kevin, your dog would put the fear in some of these young pups. What breed is she? Do you have all the papers?
Posted by: John U | February 09, 2009 at 10:24 PM
Link:
http://newyork.metromix.com/events/photogallery/westminister-dog-show-2009/951769/content
Posted by: Carl W | February 10, 2009 at 05:36 PM
Also: http://newyork.metromix.com/events/photogallery/westminister-dog-show-2009/951769/content
Posted by: Carl W | February 10, 2009 at 05:43 PM
I am a big fan of those drawings. I will pay cash money for the original of the Daschund. Bring it to 'the spot.'
Posted by: Seth L. | February 12, 2009 at 10:39 AM
My dog is part whippet I believe and part terrier. I was looking up details on Whippets and I came across the "Bully Whippet" a genetic mutation that occurs in Whippets and makes them very strong. They use them in the Russian Army
http://www.cobankopegi.com/b/fasterwhippetbully.jpg
Posted by: kevin r | February 25, 2009 at 06:50 PM