An Associated Press article describes the category EF-4 tornado that flattened entire neighborhoods in the city of Moore, Okla., as measuring “a half mile wide” when it hit the community of 41,000.

Monday’s tornado killed at least 91, including at least 20 elementary school children. Thousands in this suburban community located 10 miles south of Oklahoma City have been displaced by the devastation, and many have sought refuge in area shelters.

MSNBC reports that search and rescue teams have been deployed to the area, where residents remain buried under their homes, schools and businesses. Eighty National Guard members are assisting in the rescue operations.

Damon Wirth and George, and Andrew Pitcher and Chief search in Moore. Photo courtesy National Disaster Search Dog Foundation.

As recovery efforts are under way to rescue those trapped in the debris, the American Kennel Club has mobilized in the area to donate “crates, bowls, leashes, pet microchips and scanners” for the care and management of pets displaced by the tornado.

The AKC CAR Canine Support and Relief Fund was established in the wake of 9/11 as a “permanent charitable fund with the goals of providing resources, support, funds and other assistance” to search and rescue handlers and their dogs, veterinary units that provide support to canine rescue teams, and not-for-profit animal shelters and organizations that care for “orphaned and displaced” domestic animals in the aftermath of “natural or civil disasters.”

The impact of the Oklahoma tornado will surely be felt for years to come, but the need to assist residents and their pets is immediate. For those looking to help, donations can be made with AKC CAR here.

All of us here at Best In Show Daily extend our deepest concern for the well-being of those affected and the losses they’ve suffered. We encourage anyone who needs help, or is able to offer assistance, to utilize our Facebook page to connect with others in the dog community.

However, as is often the case with headlines, the story revealed a less promising tale – not an un-promising tale, just less promising.

Although isolation of some genes related to atopic dermatitis in German Shepherd Dogs is helpful, it’s not a solution. Photo © Can Stock Photo.

It is true that researchers at Uppsala University and the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, both in Uppsala, Sweden, have isolated a region of eight genes on chromosome 37 of the canine genome associated with the tough-to-combat skin condition. However, it is only in German Shepherd Dogs.

The genes partially responsible for a proclivity toward atopic dermatitis have been identified in other breeds as well, according to Patrick Hensel, Dr.med.vet., a diplomat of the American College of Veterinary Dermatology and an associate professor of dermatology at the University of Georgia College of Veterinary Medicine in the city of Athens.

You’d think that dog owners would be getting fewer diagnoses of atopic dermatitis after these discoveries.

But again, it’s not quite that simple.

Atopic dermatitis involves several body processes, Hensel explains, thus genetic material responsible for inflammation, cell death, skin barrier formation and others contribute to whether a particular dog will or won’t develop it. Most genetic studies have found “several genes” affecting a single process, he says.

In addition, the environment in which a dog lives “plays a major role too,” he says, “since you can have two dogs with the same genetic predisposition, but one will develop AD and the other not. This is one reason why it is not that easy to get rid of AD in a breed through breeding programs.”

The genetic area “detected in the German Shepherd is one which is affecting the skin barrier,” Hensel says. That skin barrier has become “an important target” for allergy research, he adds.

While it might be discouraging to hear that these genetic discoveries, followed by the development of tests for the particular genes in a particular breed, can’t, on their own, prevent atopic dermatitis, the news is not all bad. “The good thing about these genetic tests is that once we know which gene and process are involved, we may be better able to improve our allergy management.”

To isolate this genetic area, the researchers looked at GSDs with lowered Immunoglobulin A, known as “IgA,” an antibody that plays an important role in immunity. “Serum IgA levels are known to be lower in GSDs compared to other breeds. We detected significantly lower IgA levels in the [canine atopic dermatitis] cases compared to controls,” the researchers write in the abstract of their study results which were published on May 9 by the online journal PLOS Genetics.

The team concluded: “The PKP2 [plakophilin 2] gene found within the associated region” has become “an interesting target for further study of its importance both in canine and human AD.”

If successful, Belgium will be the first country to have such a law.

Breeders of dogs found guilty of biting could risk losing their permits to sell dogs. This could have a positive effect by making socialization programs for dogs more common, and puppy mills that do not have the ability to socialize their puppies will probably close down their lucrative businesses. Also, the international trade and import of dogs – mostly from obscure breeders in other European countries – will probably experience a serious setback since it will become very difficult to escape this responsibility when one can be prosecuted years after the selling of the puppy.

Belgium could be the first country to hold breeders liable for dog bites. Photo by Karl Donvil.

However, one should ask if a breeder is responsible for the bad behavior of a dog. Hundreds – perhaps thousands – of factors influence a dog’s behavior, and we all know that a dog’s character can change, even after many years. This has nothing to do with the raising of puppies, of course. It is of the utmost importance that puppies are socialized before and after 12 weeks of age. Maybe it’s time to introduce a license for responsible dog ownership similar to a driver’s license. This could be best introduced in collaboration with licensed dog schools.

I also wonder how a judge will be able to determine if the misconduct of the dog is something that originates from its time in the kennel where it was born, or if it changed afterwards? What about dogs that are mistreated by their owners or their owners’ children? What about dogs rescued from shelters? What about adult dogs brought into Belgium or dogs rescued from Spain or other countries?

I’m convinced that it will raise lots of discussion, and I have no illusions that the dog trade will become extinct. The dog mafia will find ways to continue its trade. Belgium is supposed to be one of the European crossroads of this obscure traffic. I also think that the Belgian government should stipulate what to do with a dog found “guilty” of biting. Will all the puppies out of the same litter or even from the same kennel be considered possibly dangerous? And what will happen to them if one of their littermates misbehaves?

I will come back to this issue if there is more news to report.

The European Commission adopted a four-year strategy (2012-2015) that “aims to further improve the welfare of animals in the European Union,” according to a press release. Although its predecessor was primarily focused on food-producing animals, the revised strategy “points out gaps in EU legislation which make it harder to ensure adequate welfare conditions for some categories of animals.” Companion animals are not currently included in the EU-wide animal welfare strategy.

Old English Sheepdog Bottom Shaker My Secret, owned by József Koroknai of Hungary, was Best in Show under judge Dr. Tamás Jakkel. All photos by Karl Donvil.

A press conference was held at the Hungexpo with new FCI President Rafael de Santiago of Puerto Rico presiding. Mr. Santiago greeted the press and thanked Mr. András Korózs of the Hungarian Kennel Club for the excellent organization and hospitality extended to visitors and exhibitors at the four-day event. Mr. Korózs acknowledged his “little kennel club” with pride for having succeeded in hosting a World Dog Show.

Reserve Best in Show was awarded to Lhasa Apso Chic Choix Cleopatra Eurydice, owned by Sanna Kopola-Hirsimaki of Finland.

Budapest last hosted the World Dog Show in 1996, and this year the capital city welcomed more than 17,000 dogs of no fewer than 350 recognized breeds and varieties.

Wire Fox Terrier Travella Starlord was selected 3rd place Best in Show for owner Victor Malzoni Jr. of Brazil.

A representative of the Finnish Kennel Club also spoke to introduce next year’s World Dog Show that will be held in Helsinki in August. The event promises to be a special one with programs planned to help celebrate the 125th anniversary of the nation’s kennel club.

The Russian-owned Rabbit Smooth Dachshund Formula Uspeha Colibri, owned by Irina Hapaeva, was awarded 4th place in the Best in Show finale.

With three Groups, the International Junior Competition and Best Junior in Show, the flag ceremony and Best in Show on term, Sunday promised to be a long one. The evening’s judging started at 3 p.m. and didn’t end until 9 p.m.

The weather was excellent again, and a crowd soon turned up between the pavilions. It was very cozy and looked more like a marketplace than a dog show as most of the dogs were inside. Notwithstanding the warmth, up to 32 degrees C (or 89 degrees Fahrenheit), it was very bearable due a wind that was providing air conditioning in the halls. A group of folkloristic dancers gave performances outside and later on in the main ring, and many exhibitors sat outside with their dogs to have a cigarette or just to enjoy some sunlight instead of staying in the halls all the time. Next to the halls was a huge parking lot belonging to the horse racetrack with enough to park between 2,500 and 3,000 cars. The motor homes were parked closer, and the kennel club had arranged special spots were handlers could wash their dogs.

The trade stand holders who rented a place inside the halls were finally happy. For them, it started rather slowly, but Saturday and Sunday gave them a good turnover at the end. The nice weather may have had a reverse effect for them as in Hall G, where they were situated, the climate inside was good enough to have a walk around if you were looking for some shelter for a while.

Important to say is that the venue was kept clean, inside as well as out. This was mostly accomplished by the dog owners themselves, which surely left a good impression, among both local and foreign visitors, for responsible dog ownership.

We had a big Group 1, the Herding dogs, and two smaller ones, Group 8, the Retrievers and Waterdogs and Group 10, the Sighthounds.

High numbers were to be found with 241 Labradors and 271 Golden Retrievers competing for the titles. The number of English Cockers was impressive with 199 dogs and also the American variety that counted 143 dogs. The Whippets were on top in the Sighthound Group with 163, more than the popular Afghan Hound with 126 competing dogs. I was very surprised about the high number of entries in the Piccolo Levriero Italiano (Italian Greyhound) with no fewer than 119 entries. No surprises in the Herding Group where the popularity of the Border Collie, Rough Collie and Australian Shepherd are representative of the worldwide popularity of these breeds. They were respectively represented with 151, 131 and 148 entries. The Swiss White Shepherd Dog is the new rising star in this Group and had 125 dogs in the ring.

Sunday was the day of a lot of Hungarian Breeds, as Hungary is a country of shepherds, the country of the Poesta, and the national breeds seem to be very popular here. Everybody knows the Komondor, the large dreadlock dog. There were 65 of them at this show. The Kuvasz is a smart breed, large too, but with curly white hair. Seventy-six specimens would be enough to give you a good idea of what they look like. The Mudi is a small herding dog, usually solid black and apparently very loved as 123 specimens is a nice number. The Puli is the small dreadlock dog that comes in three colors – black, white, and matt and grey – with 149 defending their national colors here. The little clown of the family is the Pumi, similar to the Puli, and a smart and quick learning dog. There were 125 of them raising their funny ears when paying attention.

Hungary has a fine sighthound, the Magyar Agar, a more sturdy version of the Greyhound and a Poesta hunter. There were 68 of them.

There are no really rare breeds to mention, except maybe for the Bouvier des Ardennes, a reconstructed Belgian breed, a Wetterhoun and a Deutscher Wachtelhund. The Barbet is maybe not very well-known in the States, but this breed is the very old one and the basis of the modern Poodle which, in fact, is a waterdog. In France, the Poodle is called “Caniche,” and a duck is called “Canard.”

The ceremonial part of the show was kept very sober. Except for the aforementioned folkloristic group of dancers, there was no glamour involved for the finals and there is, in fact, no need for it. Although I have to admit that I have seen some nice things on previous editions and it is always a welcome extra and a surprise.

And that brought us more quickly to what was really important, the BIS judging. It was Dr. Tamás Jakkel who was granted the honor of making the final choice. Dr. Jakkel has judged all over the world and has a very long experience in cynology. He is also a member of the FCI Board of Directors. He finally picked out four dogs to be placed: the Smooth Dachshund came in 4th place, the Wire Fox Terrier was 3rd, his runner-up to BIS was the Lhasa Apso, and BIS went to the impressive Old English Sheepdog.

Karl Donvil lives in Belgium, where he is a freelance photographer and reporter specializing in dogs. He founded the World Dog Press Association in 2001 and is the current CEO. He is a member of the editorial board of the FCI newsletter and covers shows throughout Europe, including Crufts and the World Dog Show.

Main Ring Results – World Dog Show 2013
Sunday, May 19, 2013

Group 1 – Sheepdogs and Cattle Dogs
Judge Rafael de Santiago, Puerto Rico
1st: Old English Sheepdog Bottom Shaker My Secret, owned by József Koroknai, Hungary
2nd: Australian Shepherd Energies Paparazzi Energie Des Costys Du Tomberg, owned by Viktoria Patzold
3rd: Puli (Black) Bubbleton Feel The Spirit, owned by Jesper Javn
4th: Polish Lowland Sheepdog Fiakier Prolog Poland, owned by Beata Klawinska

Junior Group 1 – Sheepdogs and Cattle Dogs
Judge Péter Harsányi, Hungary
1st: Australian Shepherd Heart’s Choice of Crystal Lake, owned by Sylvie Gailliaert
2nd: Cardigan Welsh Corgi Solis Catch Me If You Can, owned by Iris Sablery
3rd: White Swiss Shepherd Dog Du Bois Des Ternes, owned by Touretta and Touretta
4th: Bouvier des Flandres Family Flight Domino Effect, owned by I. Mescheriakova

Group 8 – Retrievers, Flushing Dogs and Water Dogs
Judge Carla Molinari, Portugal
1st: Labrador Retriever Loch Mor Romeo, owned by Franco Barberi, Italy
2nd: Clumber Spaniel Big Boom’s Banditos Rex, owned by Lana Levai
3rd: American Cocker Spaniel PBJ’s Back in Back, owned by Lotte Michael Kristensen
4th: Portuguese Water Dog Laila Erlandsen, owned by Runi Kristiansen

Junior Group 8 – Retrievers, Flushing Dogs and Water Dogs
Judge Miguel Attila Czeglédi, Hungary
1st: English Springer Spaniel Mary Poppins De Sao Barao, owned by Teresa Soares and Antonio Soares, Portugal
2nd: American Cocker Spaniel Galaksi This Is Me, owned by Lotte Michael Kristensen
3rd: Spanish Water Dog Rayaragua Billabong, owned by Viktoria Kyselova
4th: Flat-Coated Retriever Almanza Queen Of Halloween, owned by Ragnhild Ulin

Group 10 – Sighthounds
Judge Kenneth Edh, Sweden
1st: Azawakh Azamour Wahid, owned by Jari-Pekka Kahelin and Jussi Lindholm, Finland
2nd: Italian Greyhound Grisabella Du Domaine De Chanteloup, owned by Fabiennejean Laveyssiere
3rd: Saluki Del Borghino Oscardelarenta, owned by Leonardo Galliano, Italy
4th: Afghan Hound Way Up Enuff’Z Enuff, owned by Lara Rigato, Italy

Junior Group 10 – Sighthounds
Judge Revaz Khomasuridze, Russia
1st: Borzoi, Solovyev Talisman Gran Vencedor, owned by Andrey Kishas
2nd: Scottish Deerhound Fortheringhay’s Faerwald Fable, owned by Cristina Wueger
3rd: Whippet Ariel Almirs Family, owned by Zuzana Augustiniova
4th: Azawakh Tombouktou’s Ghimbala At Kel Albufera, owned by Elisa Boscolo Pela

While planning their summer escape, Veterinary Pet Insurance Co. (VPI), the nation’s oldest and largest provider of pet health insurance, reminds pet owners that preparation is the key to ensuring a fun and safe vacation. Below are six travel tips for pet parents and their furry friends:

Make sure your pet is wearing identification at all times in case she becomes separated or lost. Verify that your pet’s ID tag is up-to-date, durable, legible and includes your mobile phone number.

Pack a recent photo of your pet along with current vaccination records. If your pet becomes lost, having a current photograph will make the search easier.

Pack enough food to safeguard against travel delays.

Book a pet-friendly hotel. With more than 25,000 hotels in the U.S. allowing pets, there are plenty of properties from which to choose.

Choose early morning or late evening flights to avoid temperature extremes that may affect your pet.

Look up details about a veterinary hospital near your destination (phone number, hours, driving distance). If your pet has a medical emergency you’ll be prepared and know where to go.

In addition to the tips listed above, VPI recommends pet owners consider their pet’s personality to determine if she will be content in surroundings outside her comfort zone. A discussion with a veterinarian regarding travel plans may also be helpful.

“If you’re planning to take your pet on vacation, it’s a good idea to schedule an appointment with your veterinarian to confirm your pet’s vaccinations are up to date and that she receives a clean bill of health,” said Carol McConnell, DVM, MBA, vice president and chief veterinary medical officer for VPI. “Traveling with pets by air requires specific attention because airlines will require a formal health certificate from your veterinarian.”

McConnell also recommends, “It is also critical to ask your veterinarian about unique exposures at your travel destination (such as mosquitos and/or ticks), and inquire if preventive medication is appropriate for your pet.”

About Veterinary Pet Insurance
With more than 485,000 pets insured nationwide, Veterinary Pet Insurance Co./DVM Insurance Agency (VPI) is a member of the Nationwide Insurance family of companies and is the oldest and largest pet health insurance company in the United States. Since 1982, VPI has helped provide pet owners with peace of mind and is committed to being the trusted choice of America’s pet lovers.

VPI Pet Insurance plans cover dogs, cats, birds and exotic pets for multiple medical problems and conditions relating to accidents, illnesses and injuries. CareGuard® coverage for routine care is available for an additional premium. Medical plans are available in all 50 states and the District of Columbia. Additionally, more than 3,300 companies in the U.S. offer VPI Pet Insurance as an employee benefit. Policies are offered and administered by Veterinary Pet Insurance Company in California and DVM Insurance Agency in all other states. Underwritten by Veterinary Pet Insurance Company (CA), Brea, CA, an A.M. Best A rated company (2012); National Casualty Company (all other states), Madison, WI, an A.M. Best A+ rated company (2012). Pet owners can find VPI Pet Insurance on Facebook or follow @VPI on Twitter. For more information about VPI Pet Insurance, call 800-USA-PETS (800-872-7387) or visit petinsurance.com.

SOURCE Veterinary Pet Insurance Co.

CONTACT: Dennis Olson, (714) 706-5428, dolson@petinsurance.com
Web Site: http://www.petinsurance.com

GCH CH Exlysta Aries Ciel Noir

As we approach the midpoint of the show season, it is still anybody’s game. While our Number One Dog All Breeds, the Wire Fox Terrier, GH CH AfterAll Painting the Sky, does have a 9,000-point lead on the field, all the other positions in the rankings are up for grabs. Sky’s big lead allowed her to take the weekend off while handler Gabriel Rangel attended the World Dog Show in Budapest, Hungary, where he piloted the Cairn Terrier, Hjohoo’s Save Hjour Love For Me, to a Terrier Group Two. The Number Two Dog, the Portuguese Water Dog, GCH CH Claircreek Impression de Matisse, was in Jackson TN for the Paducah Kennel Club and the Jackson Tennessee Dog Fancier Association’s four shows. Matisse and handler Michael Scott returned home with all four big rosettes and around 2,000 points closer to the leader.

Matisse was not the only dog to post multiple BIS wins this week. The Irish Water Spaniel, GCH CH Whistlestop’s Riley on Fire, posted back2back BIS at Saturday’s Vacationland Dog Club show and Sunday’s York County Kennel Club of Maine show. The Afghan Hound, GCH CH Exlysta Aries Ciel Noir, also got the consecutive wins at Saturday’s Ladies Kennel Club of America show in Oyster Bay NY and Sunday’s Long Island Kennel Club show in Bethpage NY. Ditto for the Giant Schnauzer, GCH CH Kenro’s Witching Hour, at the Genessee County Kennel Club’s two shows in Corunna MI, the Skye Terrier, GCH CH Cragsmoor Good Time Charlie, at the Inverness Kennel Club’s two shows in Brooksville FL, the Standard Poodle, GCH CH Jaset’s Satisfaction at the Kokomo Kennel Club’s two shows in Greentown IN, and the Golden Retriever, GCH CH Rush Hill’s Drama’geddon JH.

Of the 41 all-breed shows this past week, 12 of the big rosettes went to first-time BIS winners. The sheer number of shows improved the chances for the newcomers and underdogs. My take-away is that it’s a myth that the top dogs win everything. One of the disturbing trends is the number of shows with very small entries. Only one site, Manassas VA, drew over 1,000 dogs. More than half of the shows had fewer than 600 dogs competing. Again, part of the explanation is the large number of shows. The competing World Dog Show did have an effect as well, though not enough to justify the small numbers around the US.

The bottom line is get out there and compete. It’s a great time to have a great time collecting awards for your dog. And that’s today’s Back Story.

There were 4,297 dogs in the running on day three. And because it was also the day of the Eukanuba selection, more time was needed, and therefore the main ring started rather early in the afternoon. No problems again on this day and as it was a Saturday there were a lot of visitors, and the trade stand holders were finally having a big smile. They were situated mainly in the hall of the main ring where no judging but the finals take place, and that is not such an ideal position, especially when the weather is nice and people prefer to stay out in the sunshine.

The main ring at the Hungexpo in Budapest is large enough to accommodate the dogs while affording judges, the public and the press ample room to watch the proceedings. All photos by Karl Donvil.

The main ring is large enough with one side bordering the Eukanuba stand. The left side was reserved for the judges and the press, while on both other sides large bleachers were placed for the public, but even that was not enough room for all to sit. It was not the most spectacular main ring maybe, but everything was there. The security around the ring was efficient, and the stewards did a good job. And the press was given space enough to take a proper shot of every winner. There was no podium, and the dogs were only lined up. Most handlers prefer this, as the dogs are much more at ease that way.

There were not such big numbers to be found on day three, but a lot of most interesting and rare breeds. The highest entry breed was the French Bulldog, with 229 specimens. The Beagle was almost as popular with 211 entries. Ridgebacks were also popular with 145 entries, as were the Weimaraners with 145 dogs in this show. Of course, the Magyar Vizsla had a nice entry, as it is probably the best-known Hungarian breed. The Rough-haired had 70 specimens and the smooth variety, 157. The Irish Setter scored well with 102 entries. In Group 9, we find the Pug as a good competitor in popularity as the Frenchie, with 180 of them, and the Chinese Crested came close with 178. Both varieties together with the Chihuahua werer on top with 154 Smooths and 158 Long-haireds, or 312 all together, and if I take all Poodle varieties together we finish with 354.

To sum up all the rare breeds would take me a long time, but when you see a Poitevin, you automatically say, “Wow!” A Grand Basset Griffon Vendéen is maybe not so spectacular, but it is very rare compared to its little brothers, the Petit Basset Griffon Vendéens.

On Sunday we have Group 1, Sheepdogs and Cattle Dogs; Group 8, the Retrievers and Waterdogs; and Group 10, the Sighthounds, followed by Best in Show. I know that we can expect strong competition.

Karl Donvil lives in Belgium, where he is a freelance photographer and reporter specializing in dogs. He founded the World Dog Press Association in 2001 and is the current CEO. He is a member of the editorial board of the FCI newsletter and covers shows throughout Europe, including Crufts and the World Dog Show.

Main Ring Results – World Dog Show 2013
Saturday, May 18, 2013

Group 6 – Scenthounds
Judge Rui Oliveira, Portugal
1st: Rhodesian Ridgeback Faira Arif Kamilifu, owned by Angelina Evmenova, Russia
2nd: Beagle Szephegyi Szimat Virgonc, owned by Maria Semenova, Russia
3rd: Basset Artesien Normand Fricassee De Lapin Da Terra Quente, owned by Pedro Antonio Ribeiro Café, Portugal
4th: Dalmatian Dalmino Voodoo Vision, owned by Zeljka and Mihael Harper-Drazic, Croatia

Junior Group 6 – Scenthounds
Judge Stelios Makaritis, Greece
1st: Petit Basset Griffon Vendéen Around Quite Special, owned by Annika Löfgren, Sweden
2nd: Grand Basset Griffon Vendéen Hocus Pocus Van Tum-Tum’s Vriendjes, owned by G. M. Huikeshoven, Netherlands
3rd: Dalmatian Araidan Naurava Kulkuri, owned by Mia Wallenius, Finland
4th: Basset Fauve De Bretagne Shiroblam Beau Vester, owned by P.A. Turton, U.K.

Group 7 – Pointers and Setters
Judge Hans Van Den Berg, Netherlands
1st: Gordon Setter Goango Black Booms, owned by Minna Malo, Finland
2nd: Pointer Wilchrimane Ice Maiden, owned by Annette Siddle, U.K.
3rd: Bracco Italiano Sobers Atticus, owned by Bitte Ahrens Primavera and Pierluigi Primavera, Italy
4th: Weimaraner Casa De Juno Amazin Grace, owned by Joao and Rute Soares, Portugal

Junior Group 7 – Pointers and Setters
Judge Miguel Angel Martinez, Argentina
1st: Wire-Haired Vizsla Zöldmáli Olivér, owned by Dorottya Kiss-Bartos, Hungary (also Junior Best of Day Winner)
2nd: Weimaraner The Golden Ring Carski Trakt, owned by N. Kostina, Russia
3rd: Spinone Italiano Stannamore Genroso Fred Junior, owned by Annette Wijnsouw, Poland
4th: Gordon Setter Ludstar Frederick Frankenstein, owned by Ludovica Salomon, Italy

Group 9 – Companion and Toy Dogs
Judge C. V. Sudarsan, India
1st: Lhasa Apso Chic Choix Cleopatra Eurydice, owned by Sanna Kopola-Hirsimaki, Finland
2nd: Black Toy Poodle Smash JP Winner Take It All, owned by Akiko Owada, Japan
3rd: Pekingese Will I Am At Stsanja, owned by N. Romanyuk, Russia
4th: Pug Tangetoppens Mysterious Ihle Grande, owned by Carina Glassér-Pohl, Sweden

Junior Group 9 – Companion and Toy Dogs
Judge Lisbeth Mach, Switzerland
1st: Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Dan Zlodziejska Zgraja, owned by Hsm Korkus, Poland
2nd: Pekingese Sunrise Dragon Step To Glory, owned by G. Ilchenko, Russia
3rd: Black Miniature Poodle Blackmore Hypnose, owned by Marie Laure Breviere, France
4th: Maltese Sunn De Lion Usten Haver, owned by I. Lobanova, Russia

As an added bonus, I often come across videos of these trials and competitions. Some videos are professionally done. Others almost look professional. And still others are clearly by amateurs who just want to record their dogs’ performance. Regardless, I never skip the opportunity to watch dogs actually doing what it is I’m reporting on.

I’ve seen many different performance events in person, of course, but I haven’t seen absolutely everything. One thing I’ve never been lucky enough to see is a lure-coursing trial. I so would like to, but it just hasn’t been doable yet.

But I have seen at least one that a lot of people haven’t – earthdog. As a matter of fact, one of my colleagues here at Best In Show Daily said a while ago that he had never seen those feisty Terriers and Dachshunds going to ground at an earthdog trial. He planned to attend one recently, and I hope he made it. There is nothing better, in my opinion, than seeing dogs do something, or an approximation of something, they were intended to do.

So, today, I’d like to share a few of my favorite videos of dogs going absolutely crazy doing what they love to do – exercising their instincts while also pleasing their owners or handlers. Often it’s hard to tell if they’re more excited by the activity or the magnificent love they get afterward.

Either way, I’m pretty sure almost any of our dogs would appreciate a chance to give some of these not-so-common sports a try. But at the very least, I’m positive at least a few of these videos will bring a smile to your face.

Earthdog sends dogs underground to corner their quarry. Videos catch the dogs in action. Photo by Krista Droop.

So, let’s start with earthdog. This first video shows an introduction to quarry and a junior earthdog trial with the same dog and has nice titles describing what’s required for each. Clearly Sophie’s owner is a tad excited when the judge announces that she’s passed. The second video is quite a bit longer and shows the other end of the spectrum: two dogs working for their Master Earthdog titles. I like this one because, though the trial is held on a Christmas tree farm, you can hear birds trilling and dead flora crunching underfoot. It’s like a trip to the great outdoors from the comfort of your easy chair. The man trialing his Cairn has a control over his dog – just with his voice – that I admire.

In flyball, as in many dog sports, owners must restrain their dogs to keep them from taking off too soon. Here a dog is released to take his jumps, grab his ball and return. Photo courtesy of Leerie Jenkins.

Flyball is a sport I’ve never seen live. It’s just one of those things that I haven’t pursued sufficiently to find a tournament at a time and place that works for me.

The North American Flyball Association CanAm Classic is one of the biggest flyball competitions each year. You can watch the 2012 finals here. I think the announcers are having as much fun as the dogs, but it’s clear that the competitors really want to run.
The flyball finals at Crufts are in quite a different setting. Jumps are spotlighted in turquoise and purple before the hall lightens for the teams to enter. Once the dogs start running, it starts to look a lot like any other flyball competition. But it’s certainly nice to be able to see an event that happened all the way across the Atlantic without getting on an airplane.

While this photograph by Hunter’s Run Action Photography wonderfully captures the motion of a dog during the 2012 AKC National Lure Coursing Championship, videos show how the trials work.

This rather lengthy video of lure coursing is complemented by an eclectic soundtrack and some funny captions about what’s going on. In case you don’t recall, dogs wear colored vests while racing so that they can be identified as they speed over the lure course. For a little different view, check out the tallest dogs in the world going after a lure in this video of an American Sighthound Field Association trial for Irish Wolfhounds. A warning: one dog appears to get caught in the line in the second race, but everyone looks to be fine afterward.

Canine freestyle is a lot more than music and costumes. Photo courtesy Susan Brogan.

It can be hard for some dog people to accept K9 musical freestyle or canine freestyle as a sport. However, those who participate certainly do, and some would argue that the obedience required to compete successfully puts it in the same arena as traditional obedience or rally obedience. While music, costumes and entertainment are all part of the competition, it’s the difficulty and creativity of the canine behaviors that really count.

Clearly the dogs and some of the owners in this video of the final of the 2012 championship at the World Dog Show in Salzburg are true athletes. And finally, the quality of my last favorite performance video for today isn’t the best, but the routine is such a crowd pleaser that I had to include it.

Enjoy!