Congratulations to all of our CKC junior handlers who prepared and competed in this year’s finals. CKC couldn’t be prouder of all of you and your excellent work! Congratulations also to this year’s winners. 

Cheers to last year’s Top Dogs, the Top Dogs of decades ago and the Top Dogs of tomorrow!

Every dog deserves a wonderful home and every wonderful home deserves to have a dog who is the perfect fit for them.

I​n this edition of "the Dish", a Canadian Kennel Club member shares his ideas on how we can promote purebred dogs in our day-to-day lives. 

Aces in their Places. Taking a look at the important task of puppy placement.

Meet the Bergamasco Shepherd 

Loyal, Affectionate and Intelligent.

The Biewer Terrier is now eligible to compete as a Listed Breed in the Toy Group.

This edition of "The Dish" will introduce you this tri-colored toy terrier whose only purpose in life is to love and be loved.
 

Purebred Dogs made a triumphant return to the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair right on time for their 100th anniversary!

Read all about the shows, demonstrations and “Meet the Breeds” in this week’s edition of “The Dish”.  

Loyal, friendly and easy-going, the Sussex Spaniel is a lovable member of the Sporting Group.

Learn more about this incredible rare breed in this week’s edition of “The Dish”. 

 

Athletic and intelligent, the Dalmatian excels at many dog sports.

Learn more about this energetic member of the Non-Sporting Group in this week’s edition of “The Dish”.

Bright, spunky, and adaptable, the Silky Terrier makes a devoted pet.

Learn more about this charming member of the Toy Group in this week’s edition of “The Dish”.


 

This year, again and unfortunately, the Westminster Kennel Club could not go ahead with its regularly scheduled winter event with Breed showing at the Piers and Group judging at Madison Square Garden. As the pandemic entered the Omicron variant stage, the date along with the venue changed, and the event was again held in Tarrytown, New York. 

This edition of "The Dish" covers our Canadian-born Best of Breed and Group Winning dogs! Go Canada, go! 

This week’s edition of “The Dish” will introduce you to the Yakutian Laika.

Hailing from Russia’s Far East, the Yakutian Laika joins the Canadian Kennel Club’s Working Group as a Listed Breed.

Blogger Ian Lynch reviews "Borzoi in Canada: The Early Years 1894 - 1954." compiled by breeder and historian Judy A. Carleton.

 

Loyal, fast, and friendly

Meet the unique Bedlington Terrier in this week's edition of "the Dish". 

Loyal and powerful and funny

Meet the Alaskan Malamute in this week's edition of "The Dish".

Strong, Clean and Courageous.

Meet the Akita in this week's edition of "The Dish".

Fast, regal and loyal.

Meet the aristocratic Borzoi in this week's edition of "The Dish".

There are certain events in the dog show world that are not to be missed and Morris & Essex Kennel Club Dog Show is definitely one!

Held only once every five years, the Morris & Essex Kennel Club brings back the legacy of Geraldine Rockefeller Dodge's glamourous dog show, originally held from 1927 through 1957. This year’s show was postponed from 202 due to the pandemic and was held on October 6, 2021, at Colonial Park in Somerset, New Jersey.

Responsible breeders ask a lot of questions before placing their pride and joy pups new homes. This often takes place in an online puppy questionnaire and through conversations.

This blog will give new puppy buyers a sense of some potential questions a breeder might ask and why.

Awarded CKC’s inaugural Obedience Competitor of the Year Award, we sat down through Zoom to learn all about Lee and how she got started in competitive Obedience

Three cheers for Christine and John Heartz of Chriscendo Pomeranians! 

These dedicated breeders won the 2021 CKC National Breeder of the Year Award! 


 

Congratulations to Lynn Leach!

Lynn was awarded the first CKC National Heritage Canine Performance Award for her dedication to the sport of Herding.

Congratulations to our Canadian Best of Breed and Group Placing dogs! Go Canada Go!

Although the date and venue were different this year, one thing remained the same - Canadian Dogs wowed at Westminster! 

Let's answer some questions new puppy buyers might ask!

If you’re buying a purebred puppy for the first time, you might be overwhelmed with all the paperwork! Buying a puppy from a responsible breeder does entail a fair bit of documentation, reading and signing. This week’s blog looks at the paperwork that helps protect you, your new puppy and the breeder.

How to avoid this expensive and heartbreaking act of fraud

As puppy purchases are on the rise across the country, many criminals are using this as an opportunity to rob innocent people. This edition of “The Dish” focuses on Puppy Scams and how to avoid becoming victim to one.

Resolutions for Dog Lovers!

Blogger and CKC member Ian Lynch shares his New Year's resolutions in this installment of "The Dish".

"It is with great pride that I am pleased to announce that the Newfoundland (All Breed) Kennel Club (NKC) hosted one fabulous indoor show weekend from November 20^th to the 22^nd during the Covid-19 Pandemic."

Well for those of you who have been to Newfoundland & Labrador, there is one thing you already know. The folks of our beautiful province have incredible spirit and perseverance.  

The Canadian Kennel Club warmly welcomes the Anatolian Shepherd Dog, the Black Russian Terrier, and the Spanish Water Dog.

Meet the Black Russian Terrier, The Spanish Water Dog and the Anatolian Shepherd in our third blog introducing the Canadian Kennel Club's newly recognized breeds. 

How to give great gifts AND support fellow CKC members at the same time

We all know how important it is to support small businesses and our friends in the dog community this year.

Welcoming the Tibetan Mastiff, the Rat Terrier and the Finnish Lapphund

Meet the Tibetan Mastiff, Rat Terrier and the Finnish Lapphund in this second entry of our blog series introducing the Canadian Kennel Club’s newly recognized breeds!

How to keep the dog smell out of your dog loving home

I have to admit that it makes me proud when visitors to my house comment on how they would “never know I have so many dogs”. Truth be told I only have 3 dogs currently so it’s not that many (in my opinion), but I do work hard to make sure my house does not smell like my house is overrun with dogs. After I receive the compliment, I usually joke to my guests that I believe “dogs should be seen not smelt”. Jokes aside, keeping your home free from doggy odours does require some chores and commitment, but the following steps can help you keep a cleaner, healthier home for both you and your dog.

My process of getting my dog comfortable around kids

Today, my partner sent me a video via text of my eighteen month old Dandie Dinmont Terrier in a nearby park playing happily with 3 children. The video was adorable and all parties seemed thrilled to be out in the sun together. Adorable videos like those are very special to me as my little Leroy wasn’t always comfortable around children.

BC dog lovers gathered to promote purebred dogs

Although we all like to post photos of our dogs on our Facebook and Instagram pages, nothing really shows off how great purebred dogs are like taking them out in public. I have three dogs that all look very different (Standard Poodle, Doberman Pinscher and a Dandie Dinmont Terrier) and let me tell you, there isn’t a day that goes by where I don’t have answer a question about my dogs-lately from a distance of six feet. 

How to celebrate differently with your dog this year 

This year’s Pride will be very different as cities across Canada cancel their Pride parades and festivals amid the COVID-19 pandemic. But that doesn't mean Pride is canceled. The celebration continues as there's still a community and there's still a fight for rights and representation. The only thing that has changed this year is how we'll celebrate. We need Pride and some fun more than ever. 

Congratulations to our fantastic Canadian-bred dogs who wowed at Westminster!

Westminster week 2020 has come and gone. Whenever I arrive in Manhattan for my favourite event of the year, I always believe I have so much time, but the show comes and goes in a snap. Especially this year.

The weekend of October 26 & 27, 2019 saw Canadian Whippets, Greyhounds, Azawahks and Ibizans head to Muncie, Indiana for the 34^th American Sighthound Field Association (ASFA) International Invitational.  This event is considered by some enthusiasts to be the premier lure coursing event across all of North America.  

What I know (so far) about the 144^thannual Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show

The title of this blog will come off as foolish to anyone who has ever been to the Westminster Kennel Club dog show in New York City, or to anyone who has even streamed or watched the event on television since there are always big surprises at Westminster. Dogs rumoured to have retired show up and win big. Top dogs in their home country getting no love – even at the breed level. Celebrity sightings. Insane weather. When it comes to Westminster, I’ve learned that it’s best to expect the unexpected. 

Highlights from the AKC National Championship 2019

The AKC National Championship Dog Show was held for the 19^th year in a row at the Orlando Convention Centre. 5,284 dogs from all over the globe competed to be Top Dog. This included 159 Golden Retrievers, 107 Australian Shepherds, 91 French Bulldogs, 82 Cavalier King Charles Spaniels… I could go on, but I’m sure you get the picture. 

 

The Dandie Dinmont Terrier Club of Canada hosted a unique event designed to make lasting memories for Junior Handlers
 
In my blog last week, I was listing activities and events that we, the owners of rare dog breeds, can do to promote our breeds. The Dandie Dinmont Terrier Club of Canada consists of a dedicated bunch who come together several times throughout the year to get their breed known. Recently, at the International Centre in Mississauga, Ontario, the group made lasting memories for a group of young dog enthusiasts. 

We are all aware of the remarkable power of a dog’s nose, especially when our own dogs come running from a different area of the house to beg for food. But did you know a dog’s nose can detect bacteria? A recent article showcasing a Springer Spaniel named Angus demonstrates just how powerful a dog’s nose can be.

Getting the word out about a fantastic, but vulnerable breed requires effort from all who love them.
 
How do you get people interested in a rare breed? Those of us who are campaigning to get our vulnerable breeds more exposure have asked ourselves this question time and time again. I believe that there isn’t one clear way to get people interested in your breed. The saying “throw enough mud at the wall and something will stick” comes to mind when I brainstorm ways of increasing the visibility of a rare breed. 

A black Labrador Retriever named Sadie is responsible for a province wide relaxation of the rules that apply to patios and micro-breweries.

The Second Wedge Brewing Company opened in Uxbridge, Ontario in December 2015.  It was actually a “tasting room”, rather than a pub, as they didn’t serve food, only a few packaged snacks. The owners, Rob Garrard and Joanne Richter, brought their black Lab Sadie to work (and to charm the clientele) and encouraged dog owners to bring their dogs, as they do in British pubs.

Owning a dog in a city apartment takes dedication, routine and a good pair of shoes.

I live downtown Toronto with my Standard Poodle and my Dandie Dinmont Terrier. Throughout the years of condo living in the big city with dogs, I’ve learned how to live in a tight space while still taking care of all my dogs’ needs.  Here are some tips and tricks I have learned while owning dogs in a big city apartment. If you are a dedicated owner, you too can give your dog a great life in the big city.

First off, some of you may recall my blog piece titled ‘The New Handler – the Journey to the Show Ring’.  It tells the tale of how I started off and how the journey of my beloved four-legged companion becoming a Canadian Champion was full of ups and downs.  However, if I have learned anything in the last three years, it is that hard work, determination and perseverance prevails in the end.

You WILL survive this phase with some knowledge, tricks and many withdrawals from your pool of patience! 

“What happened to my good puppy?” countless dedicated owners have asked themselves once their beloved pet turns 6 months mark and enters their “teenage months”. This period where your dog begins sexual maturity involves a ton of changes to your dog’s biological, physical, and psychological makeup. As a result, their behaviour is affected. 

Some lessons you’ll learn and mistakes you can avoid during the first year of owning a dog.

The first year of being a new dog owner involves a lot of loving and a lot of learning. Here are some lessons, common mistakes made and tips for your first year as a dog owner.

Owning an endangered breed can be incredibly rewarding

It’s no secret that what’s old is new again. As a millennial, I know that what used to be known as “used clothing” is now “vintage” and all the rage. Many of us have gone back to eating local and embracing a “farm- to- table” mentality when it comes to eating and the use of solar power is giving us renewed hope for a more sustainable future. 

With 175 recognized breeds from seven different groups, there is a lot to know about each breed’s unique natural instincts and characteristics. Whether you are looking to add a purebred dog to your family, or you’re just curious, attending a “Meet the Breeds” event is a great way to learn about the different temperaments and needs of each breed. 
 
The Manitoba Working and Herding Association hosts a Meet the Breeds event annually at the Red River EX!. 

 

This year I was lucky enough to watch the Westminster Dog Show live on TV, which was held at Madison Square Gardens in New York in February. I remember watching the herding group and recognizing Elaine Paquette with her Bouvier Baby Lars. When she won, I was thrilled! It was a huge win for Elaine and Baby Lars, made it all the more special because it was a Canadian dog and handler team. Recently, I had the privilege to interview her and learn more about the breed as well as all about their amazing win!

The Fort Garry Kennel Club celebrates its 100^thAnniversary with a commemorative dog show. 
 
This year marks the 100^thanniversary of the Fort Garry Kennel Club. This milestone offers a wonderful opportunity to reflect on the Club’s history and the many important contributions it has made. 

CKC had the opportunity to talk to Geraldine Taylor, Fort Garry Kennel Club’s current president, who gave us some insight into the club’s work in promoting purebred dogs and dog sports in Canada for over a century. 

 

A great way to introduce the public to purebred dogs
 
As a writer and influencer for the Canadian Kennel Club I’m always thinking of ideas to introduce the public to purebred dogs or to remind them of the great, predictable qualities they have.
 
While dog shows are a fantastic place to learn about the CKC’s many incredible breeds, if you don’t know who to ask, a newcomer to the dog world might leave with only visual memories of beautiful dogs and questions left unanswered. 

The Regina Kennel and Obedience Club hosted their first annual Prairie Christmas Shows and Trials in December. 
 
If you didn’t attend the Regina Kennel and Obedience Club’s Prairie Christmas Shows and Trials, you will wish you had! On December 7- 9, the RKOC hosted their 102^ndevent; however, this wasn’t any ordinary event- this was the first annual Prairie Christmas Shows and Trials. 

Perhaps a set of dog shows might be the last place where you would expect to witness it; however, a dog show is where you can see comradery of mankind at its finest. Comradery is that sense of warm feelings of friendship, closeness and loyalty shared among a group of people. 

Every year, CKC holds its Annual General Meeting (AGM) in a different city, making it easier for local members, in addition to Staff and Board Members, to attend this annual event. It also provides CKC with the wonderful opportunity to recognize some of the local members that have contributed to CKC and the purebred dog community.

As CKC owes its existence and continued success to the vision, hard work and dedication of its members, the tradition of celebrating local members began at the 2016 AGM in Quebec City.  It has continued through to this year’s AGM on June 1 in Winnipeg,  where CKC recognized some remarkable Manitoba members. 

Six of the CKC’s most common inquiries answered

The Canadian Kennel Club employs a team of hard working Membership Services representatives. The team consists of both English and French speaking staff. The team takes calls, email and even corresponds via Live Chat on www.ckc.ca from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. EST, Monday to Friday. While many issues pertaining to dogs are complicated and do require a conversation with a membership services representative, many questions have fairly straight forward answers, so I asked a member of the team to send me a few commonly asked questions for the first in a series of blogs on the CKC’s FAQs.

A new addition requires careful planning, consideration and supervision.

I bought a new puppy this spring! Feel free to send gifts to the CKC head office and they will forward them over to me (just kidding). I had been planning on getting a second dog for years.  I’m the kind of person who really looks before he leaps, sometimes this is a good quality to have, and at other times it’s exhausting. 

The dog community is mourning the loss of Michael Shoreman, a great dog man, who passed away on March 25.
 
Mike loved all purebred dogs and dedicated his life to breeding quality dogs, judging with integrity and, most importantly, sharing his knowledge and enthusiasm with everyone around him. 

Recently I was eating breakfast with a colleague from work.  Of course, as many of our conversations go, we began to chat about our dogs.  Both of her dogs are mixed breeds and beautiful pets.  Nonetheless, she has always expressed an interest in my tales of dog showing.  I was telling her how Victor and I have been preparing for Obedience trials. I shared with her how proud I was the other morning when he mastered the hand signal for down ... 

Max Magder
November 28, 1927 - March 17, 2019

Dog breeder, exhibitor, All Breed Dog Judge, designer, inventor and successful businessman; Max Magder leaves a large void not easily filled. Our thoughts and prayers go to his family, especially his daughter Lori and son Richard from whom his famed kennel name LORRICBROOK originated.

Max was born in Austria in 1927 and immigrated at a young age to Canada with his parents and two older sisters.  The family settled in Hamilton, Ontario, where another brother was born shortly thereafter.