THIS STANDARD COMES WITH EVERYTHING
“A consistently winning show dog requires more than an eye pleasing appearance to win in the conformation ring.”
looking for that special temperament of the Boston Terrier: loyal, alert, and friendly,” says Koon. “It’s very important to place the right dog in the right home.” The Koons are also willing to share the best of their breeding and show ring progeny with others. Cindi Bosley is one of these grateful owners whose dreams of owning and showing a superstar have come to fruition. When 10-year-old Cindi made her show ring debut in Pasadena, Cali- fornia, she did not come home with the blue. She brought home, however, the prize that would last a lifetime. Cindi came home with a heart on fire to compete. In 2019, she returned to that same venue and earned the coveted Best in Specialty with her sidekick and companion, MBISS GCHG QB and Hickory Hill’s Grand Tradition. Together, they are amassing an enviable record, each ribbon and title made more memorable as Cindi is an amateur handler. She gives all the credit to “Bronson,” her partner. “He finished his championship when he was just six months old, and each of those shows was a specialty,” shared Cindi. Just what is it that makes this specialty-winning dog so special? “He is structurally very correct. It’s his adherence to the Stan- dard that makes him difficult to defeat.” The 2011 AKC Standard calls for a calls for a “lively” dog that “conveys an impression of determination, strength and activity, with style of a high order” and with the prescribed color and markings. His overall message as he enters the ring shouts, “I’m something special and here I come!” His very demeanor reflects his intelligence, liveliness, and friendly nature. A consistentlywinning
show dog requires more than an eye pleasing appearance to win in the conformation ring. Those perfectly angled hindquarters and strong, short hocks help him enter the ring with the straight and effortless gait set forth in the Standard. With eye contact that reflects self-assured intel- ligence, he dares the judge to look any further. Athleticism, physical conditioning, and determination are factors as well. Dog show days are long days and the focus required to work with his handler is a necessity. Beginning with an early morning call to the breed ring, Bostons and their handlers must then settle in to compete for Best of Breed competition. Later in the afternoon is the Group ring and, hopefully, on to Best in Show where he will have to rely on the Boston’s determination to focus on his handler and “turn on” the shine. This requires a dog that is physically fit and engaged in close communication with his handler. A show dog must be physically fit to exe- cute his gait with animation, always holding his stacked position with intensity and flair. Mental alertness and the breed’s renowned intelligence help a dog like Bronson keep his mind on his mission. Unlike many dogs at the show, Bronson does not have to share his handler’s attention with anyone else. His day
190 | SHOWSIGHT MAGAZINE, JANUARY 2021
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