FAST STARTS & FINISHING BIG
First, the judges stay at the rustic Heathman Lodge where, when you walk into the lobby, you are greeted by a giant Santa, a Christmas Tree, and a wonderful feeling of being in a lodge at the North Pole. The spacious, rustic rooms and fantastic restaurant are much appreciated by the judges. The shows are held at the Clark County Event Center in Ridge- field, Washington, and it is without a doubt one of the nicest facili- ties for a dog show. It is modern with lots of space, large rings, and great lighting. There are Specialties and Group shows on Thursday followed by the three all-breeds on the weekend. The club goes all out for the Christmas Season. They hold an ugly sweater contest on Saturday, and this year following Best in Show, they also had a live band, with cake and a cash bar for judges and exhibitors. With entries in the 1300-1500 range and a 4-6 Month Beginner Puppy entry in the range of 75 dogs each day, it was a fantastic weekend. Many exhibitors and judges embrace the theme and sport a festive Christmas look in various costumes, sweaters, dresses, and themed sports coats and suits. The festive environment makes for a very fun weekend for all. If you live in the Pacific Northwest, this
together with Michael Canalizo and the AKC/Royal Canin show to provide the best for all the exhibitors. The entries in Orlando continue to climb every year. It also seems that with the recent events causing the traditional Westmin- ster Weekend in February to be moved to a later date, many are now choosing to use the AKC shows as the show where many of the dogs being campaigned are retiring. The Orlando shows should be on everyone’s bucket list as they offer so many things to go along with great competition and huge entries. It is probably the only show in America with so many of the top dogs, partly because they are not limited in the number of dogs in competition. AKC BREEDER OF THE YEAR Every year, the AKC recognizes outstanding Breeders in each of the seven Groups, with one of them being awarded the coveted title of “Breeder of the Year.” This year’s winners of the award were Luke and Diane Ehricht for their many years of breeding top-winning Shih Tzu. Luke and Diane are so deserving of the award as they are not only great breeders but also great ambassadors for our sport as both Breeders and Professional Handlers. They are always willing to help the novice as well as displaying great sportsmanship. Not only did Luke and Diane win the Breeder of the Year award, their homebred Ch. Hallmark Jolei Out Of This World fin- ished the year as the Number One Dog All-Breeds for 2023. Achieving one of these awards is amazing but to achieve them both is a true testament to Luke and Diane and their dedication to our sport. A huge congratulations to both of them. 2024 Well, the new year is here. What are your goals? What is on your list of hopes and dreams? I wish all of you good health and great success in whatever your plans.
circuit should be in your plans for December. ORLANDO & THE OTHER CIRCUITS
Many people look forward to the year-end AKC/Royal Canin shows as the last show weekend of the year. However, leading up to Orlando, there are now several other circuits being held, with those large end-of-the-year entries and the race for a top dog finish. New circuits in Perry, Georgia, and a few other places also provide for the lead-up to the Big Finish. The end of the year in Orlando is one of my favorite shows both as an exhibitor as well as a judge. Linda Rowell heads up the cluster of shows before the AKC weekend. The Space Coast Kennel Club, Central Florida, and Brevard Kennel Clubs all work so well
68 | SHOWSIGHT MAGAZINE, JANUARY 2024
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