2018 Top Show Dogs

Top Show Dog - 2018 Official Results

Meet Canada’s Top Show Dogs

This is the second win for a Kerry Blue and only the seventh terrier in Top Dog’s 56-year history to finish in the #1 spot. Lois’s dream came true when approached by Marcel Bourgon to lease ‘Xavier’ for the year and campaign him in Canada. That’s when this Kerry Blue’s dedicated team of Marcel, Lois and Cheryl Kabarchuck came to life after two years of success in the U.S. ‘Xavier’ was breeder/owner-handled by Lois to # 1 Kerry Blue in the U.S. in 2016 and 2017 and also won Best of Breed at Westminster both years. He spent most of his Canadian campaign with handler Connie Krohn, who lovingly piloted him to the pinnacle of the dog-show world.
 
We had a chat with Top Dog owners, who shed some light on their most memorable victories and tips - here are their interviews:
  

#1 - GCh. Krisma’s Xman First Class 

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Kerry Blue Terrier Breeders: Lois Grier, Ted Grier & Jana Deaton Owners: Lois Grier, Ted Grier & Jana Deaton Lessees (2018) : Marcel Bourgon, Lois Grier & Cheryl Kabarchuck Handlers: Connie Krohn & Aaron Andrish (Jan-Apr)   How did you first get started? I fell in love with our Soft-coated Wheaten puppy and went looking for a quality show dog. My three kids were going off to college, so it was just something I just wanted to do. With no show experience no one would talk to me, so I changed directions and ended up with a wonderful foundation Kerry that turned out to be the best girl I could possibly start with, Xavier’s grandmother.   What is the most important thing to remember when training for the show ring? That it takes time to be successful. You have to put in a lot of time learning as much as you can about your breed, the breed standard and the skills it takes to prepare and present your dog to its best. You must watch, learn and practise, practise, practise. If you really work at it, dreams can come true.   What was your most memorable moment in 2018? This was not a normal show year for me since I didn’t show the first half of the year, but I will always remember watching Xavier live on facebook win his first BIS in Canada from Michael Leonard.   Do you have any advice for newcomers to the sport? Find a good mentor to work with and learn from. We seem to be short on experienced people willing to share their knowledge and bring new people into the sport. It would be good to remember what it was like to be the newbie.

#2 - GCh. Bran Linn Amulet 

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Gordon Setter Breeders: Nikki Maounis, Candice Bell & Jerold Bell, DVM Owners: Nikki Maounis, Candice Bell & Jerold Bell, DVM     Handler: Will Alexander, CPHA   How did you first get started? My college roommate had an Irish Setter that she showed, and I went along with her to my first dog show and watched all the setters being judged that day. I fell in love with the Gordons because of their sturdy look, combined with a little bit of pretty, and for their fun-loving ways.   What is the most important thing to remember when training for the show ring? Show dogs need to know that no matter what happens, it’s all still fun! Banging pots, playing loud music, rattling garbage cans, are a normal part of life, and show dogs need to be comfortable with that.   What was your most memorable moment in 2018? When we realized Maddie had broken the previous Gordon Setter record for most dogs defeated and most Best in Show wins over the course of one year. Not to mention winning both the Canadian and American National Specialties. It’s such a thrill to realize she is now a part of Gordon Setter history.   Do you have any advice for newcomers to the sport? Remember to have fun with our sport. And to play fair. Actually, I think that’s good advice for all of life.

#3 - GCh. Skyehigh’s One Pound Sterling 

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West Highland White Terrier Breeders: Lindy Barrow & Antonio Celso Mollo Owners: Lindy Barrow & Antonio Celso Mollo Handler: David Gignac   How did you first get started? When I was first looking for a Westie I just wanted a pet. The breeder had a lovely bitch puppy and asked if I would be interested in a show dog (co-owned). I’d never been to a dog show but thought it sounded fun. I remember thinking, how much trouble could one little white dog be? Twenty years later with a kennel, staff and handlers, I laugh at that thought.   What is the most important thing to remember when training for the show ring? Start to work with them when they are young. Get them used to many things and get to know that specific dog. Each one is different and will need encouragement in different areas.   What was your most memorable moment in 2018? At Canada’s largest shows, the Alberta KC, OP was BIS twice. It was a very thrilling show.   Do you have any advice for newcomers to the sport? Find someone with experience and work with them. Could be one on one or classes. It is hard to find a mentor these days, but try. Hopefully your breeder will be your first mentor. Practice and be patient. When you go to shows, spend time watching.

#4 - GCh. Hi Desert N Mephisto’s Game Changer 

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Boxer Breeders: Lauri Travis & Michelle Yeadon Owners: Lauri Travis & Michelle Yeadon  Handler: Michelle Yeadon    How did you first get started? I was born into the wonderful sport of purebred dogs. My parents (judges Walter and Monika Pinsker) started Mephisto Boxers in 1968 before I was born. My mom always said I learned to walk holding onto some of the greatest Boxers of our time.   What is the most important thing to remember when training for the show ring? Our dogs are athletes and need to be kept in tip-top condition. While training and road working I always try to make it fun. Romeo gets so excited when he sees the bike come out and it’s time to roadwork.   What was your most memorable moment in 2018? Romeo’s first hat trick of the year while in Calgary at the Evelyn Kenny Dog Show in July. We drove there with a van load of dogs for the Canadian National and Romeo won Best in Show under Boxer icon, Mr. Joseph Gregory.   Do you have any advice for newcomers to the sport? Study; go to dog shows; sit, watch and learn; talk to people, breeders and handlers; do your research before you ever buy your first show dog and find a mentor.

#5 - GCh. Vetset Count Me In

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Standard Poodle Breeder: Dr. Elly Holowaychuk Owner: Dr. Elly Holowaychuk Handler: Sarah Drake   How did you first get started? I grew up on a dairy farm and had a great love of all animals as a youngster. We showed our dairy cattle, which ultimately gave me a good foundation for showing dogs. I initially exhibited in the performance ring and quickly realized that you needed a well-constructed dog with a good temperament to succeed. And so I came to breeding and showing dogs.   What is the most important thing to remember when training for the show ring? My handler Sarah Drake says it takes patience and practice!   What was your most memorable moment in 2018? One that Sarah may still be awestruck over would be Aurora. Sarah and Lina won all three all-breed Best in Shows, the National Poodle Specialty, Regional Poodle Specialty, and the Group VI Specialty.   Do you have any advice for newcomers to the sport? Align yourself with a reputable breeder or mentor who can take you under their wing and give you a solid foundation.

#6 - GCh. Iroc Stargazing At Rugerlane 

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Bulldog Breeders: Kandie Kroonen & Shannon Chapman Owner: Shannon Chapman Handlers: Shannon Chapman & Colin Brownlee   How did you first get started? I was introduced to shows when I got my Rottweiler about 10 years ago. As part of their agreement they wanted the dog to have a Canadian championship. I started going to shows, watching and then attended handling classes and years later I’m still learning.   What is the most important thing to remember when training for the show ring? It needs to be fun for the dog and you need to enjoy it as well. You also need to understand the best parts of your dog, as this is what you want to be showing off to the judge. You only have two minutes to make an impression..   What was your most memorable moment in 2018? Orion’s first BIS in March at the Crocus Obedience and Kennel Club under judge Susan Quesnel, as well his record-breaking BIS in August at the largest show in Canada, the Alberta Kennel Club under Dr. Francisco Chapa Guajardo of Mexico. That BIS broke the all-time BIS record for Bulldogs in Canada.   Do you have any advice for newcomers to the sport? The best advice I can offer is to have patience. Learn as much as you can, including your breed standard, watch other handlers and owner/handlers in the ring. Try to attend seminars, handling classes and make friends in other breeds besides your own.

#7 - GCh. Midnight Lady’s Fire Up Your Engine Moso 

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Newfoundland Breeder: Zsuzsa Somos-Soos Owners: Kelef Newfoundlands & Summerford Newfoundlands Handler: Christina Koffman-Heard   How did you first get started? We wanted a great family activity to be with our son on weekends and this fit the bill.   What is the most important thing to remember when training for the show ring? FUN, FUN, FUN.   What was your most memorable moment in 2018? Tupak doing his puppy antics in the Best in Show ring.   Do you have any advice for newcomers to the sport? A good dog, properly presented specific to its breed..

#8 - GChX Zoldmali Cetli WDJ, CD, RN, FDJ

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Wire-haired Vizsla Breeder: Zoldmali Kennel, Hungary Owner: Anton Josef Sagh Handler: Emily Burdon   How did you first get started? I first got involved in the early ’80s showing a Smooth Vizsla. Then started again in 2015 with Wire-haired Vizslas. We are also very involved with field and water trials.   What is the most important thing to remember when training for the show ring? Start them young, interacting with other dogs at a puppy school and conformation classes.   What was your most memorable moment in 2018? Falko winning 11 BIS and Best of Best in Specialties.   Do you have any advice for newcomers to the sport? I found obedience training and conformation classes to be a great help, and to attend as many shows as possible.

#9 - GCh. Africanadian James T Kirk

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Basenji Breeders: Sanda Allen, Amy Krieger Owners: Amy Whalen, Sanda Allen, Jennie Behles, Troy Whalen Handler: Edgar Rojas   What was your most memorable moment in 2018? The best moment was when Tibby broke the all-time record for total points won by a Basenji in a calendar year. The record was previously held by his grandfather GChX Ahmahr Nahr’s Jake Jamal to Mibre. The greatest achievement and our greatest thrill was Tibby (Am. GChG, Can. GCh. & World Ch. Africanadian James T Kirk SDH) becoming a world champion in November 2017 in Leipzig, Germany, defeating a class of 198. Have you ever had a major setback or misstep? How did you work through it?  Some of the most difficult times related to the fact that Tibby’s owners could not be with him on the show circuit as often as we would have liked. Basenjis are prone to fungal skin infections and pad issues that are difficult to prevent and treat. Handlers are not veterinarians, so it is crucial that the owners take charge of this during the campaign. I could only travel to Canada once a month to see Tib show, so that job fell to Amy and Troy. Their visits, along with Tibby’s beloved sister PBJ, always put him right – guess dogs have their favourite relatives, too!

#10 - GCh. Ormar Vultus Regius Venustas

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