Show Me the Water Dogs

Festivities began on August 22 with water trial practice, followed by the official water trial the next day. The trials spanned three days and included a pizza party and a health clinic. They were held at Carlyle Lake in Carlyle, Illinois, approximately 89 miles from Purina Farms.

Watching these dogs perform the tasks they were bred to do is truly inspiring. If you’re new to the breed or simply want to deepen your appreciation, I highly recommend taking the time to see them in action. It’s an unforgettable and educational experience.

On Sunday, August 24, exhibitors were allowed to set up and prepare for the upcoming week of conformation events.

Monday the 25th marked the start of obedience, rally and Futurity/Maturity competitions. Dr. Cynthis O’ Conner, DMV, of East Bridgewater, Massachusetts, selected for her Futurity Junior Bluelin’s Witches Be Crazy, bred and owned by M. Forneris, S. Myer, E. Smith and E. Glinn. Futurity Senior was Maritimo’s Sea Guardian of Vanirstr, bred by Annie Smith-Jones and Jill Roudebush, and owned by Chase McGill and Jill. Best in Maturity was GCH Oreobay Crest Of The Tide, bred by Nigel Clark and owned by Michele Wolford. On Monday the Senior Parade, welcome reception and breeder-development presentations were also held. 

I’m saddened to report that this was the final year the club will be hosting Futurity/Maturity. Only 13 dogs were entered, and due to this low turnout, the club has decided it’s no longer feasible to continue the event. Participation has been steadily declining over the past few years.

I believe some contributing factors may have included the strict health policy and the uncertainty around who the judge will be in advance. Personally, I had two puppies I would have liked to enter, but was unable to because the sire — who is 14 years old and currently living in another country — did not have a current CERF exam on file. However, at the time of collection, his CERF was current, and the frozen semen used for the litter was collected when he met all requirements.

Hopefully, the club will consider ways to increase participation and possibly bring Futurity/Maturity back at a future national.

On Tuesday, August 26, rally, more obedience, the scent trial and sweeps took place. Sweepstakes was judged by Mrs. Sarah Higgins of West Corinth, Maine. Mrs. Higgins had a total of 36 veterans and 60 puppies to judge. Best Puppy in Sweeps was Bluelin’s Sea ‘N Spirits, bred and owned by M. Forneris, S. Myer, E. Smith and E. Glinn. Best Veteran in Sweeps was GCHB Blueline’s French Courtesan CD BN RE NAP NJP, bred by Sandra Myers, Melissa Forneris-Joens, and B. and S. Henley, and owned by Sandra and Melissa with Elizabeth Ginn. 

The Top 20 event was held on Tuesday night and was truly a labor of love from the Top 20 Committee. A special shout-out goes to Chair Amy Durkin Lane for her dedication and hard work in organizing such a memorable evening.

This year’s Top 20 was judged by Ms. Karen J. Hynek (breed judge), Pam Kahora-Bober (handler-judge) and Lynn Bikoff Green (breeder-judge).

The Top 20 Winner was GCHP Odysea It’s Always Sonny At Surfari, bred by Martha Thomas and owned by Dr. William and Tina Truesdale and Lynda and Charles McCallum.

The People’s Choice Award went to GCHS Shooting Star & Seaworthy’s Finest Hour, bred by Giene and Ryan Keyes and Nancy Vencill, and owned by Zac Crump and Nancy Vencill.

Wednesday, August 27, started regular and non-regular class dogs, Junior showmanship, Stud Dog, Brood Bitch and Brace, judged by Ms. Marilyn Rimmer, RN, of LaJolla, California (Questar Portuguese Water Dogs). Marilyn had a total of 66 to judge. Winners Dog was Downeast Gettin’ Down in Funkytown with Domarco bred by Steven Dostie, Britt Boyle and Lynne Boyle-Baise, and owned by Steven. Reserve Winners Dog was the previously mentioned sweeps winner, Bluelin’s Sea ‘N Spirits.

On Thursday, August 28, we had 4-6 puppies and regular and non-regular class bitches judged by Mrs. Paula Nykiel of Washington, Missouri. Mrs. Nykiel had a total of 78 to judge on Thursday. Winners Bitch and Best of Winners was Salt Heirs Monster In My Closet, bred by Victoria Giggord, and co-bred and owned by Lynn Green. Reserve Winners Bitch was Ark Angel She Caused A Scene, bred by Laura Thost and Kristle Marangon, and owned by Laura and Michael Medina. As a breeder it was nice that both Winners and Reserve Winners came from the Bred-by class; it definitely brought joy to my heart. 

Friday finally arrived — the day we had all been waiting for. Mrs. Nykiel had a total of 79 dogs to judge, and she wasted no time getting started. With the help of our wonderful ring steward, Lucinda Bersano, check-in went smoothly that morning. I was told that after 20 years serving as our chief ring steward, next year’s national will be Lucinda’s last. We have truly been fortunate to have her all these years — her hard work and dedication to our national have been invaluable and will be deeply missed. One of the things we’ll especially miss is her tradition of walking through the grooming area with her big board the night before breed judging, making sure everyone was in the group they wanted for the next day, Thank you, Lucinda! 

The dogs were divided into four groups of males and four groups of females, with about 10 to 11 dogs in each. Mrs. Nykiel worked efficiently, making cuts throughout each group. There was no lunch break between dogs and bitches — just a quick 30-minute break. She meant business and kept things moving steadily all day.

By the end of the day, Best of Breed was awarded to the previously mentioned Top 20 winner, GCHP Odysea It’s Always Sonny At Surfari, bred by Martha Thomas and owned by Dr. William and Tina Truesdale and Lynda and Charles McCallum. Best Opposite was GCHP Allegiance How to Get Away with Murder for Lawless, bred by Amy Lane and Eva and Rich Muschek, and owned by Candice and Jason Duclos.

Select Dog was GCHP MACH PACHS Marshview Great Ballz of Fire, bred and owned by Pat DeVries and Julie Vanderbush.

Select Bitch was CH Overlook Lisiji Leave it to Beezer, bred and owned by Marilu Novy and CJ Favre.

The Awards of Merits were the following: GCHP Success’ Wild Card of Good Fortune, GCHS Shooting Star & Seaworthy's Finest Hour, GCHP Laserene’s Stell Magnolia Gunsmoke at High Noon, GCHS Lukas Sea You on the Next Wave, GCH Armada’s Red Sky at Night and GCH Oreobay Crest of the Tide.

I had a truly lovely week at our national specialty and was reminded just how important it is to attend these events dedicated to our breed. For me, it’s not just about watching the ring — it’s a checkpoint for my own eye, a chance to get a real-time pulse on what others are producing, from structure and type to grooming and presentation.

Throughout the week, I had some fantastic conversations with fellow breeders. We talked about everything — old dogs, handling strategies, grooming tips, health/heath testing, and what’s currently in the food bowls of our dogs. I even had the opportunity to admire a few litters of puppies that breeders had brought to share. One pink-collared Pouch Cove puppy in particular nearly had me smuggling her back to California!

One of the highlights was a casual evening cookout at Purina Farms, made possible thanks to the popularity of trailer rentals on site. Around the ice chest, with the smell of grilled Italian sausages and hamburgers in the air, and some lovely tunes from Beyonce to Frank Santra — courtesy of the wonderful Laura Taft — we got to do something that feels increasingly rare in the dog world: We just talked dogs. Good food, good company and shared passion. Her brother had even brought down incredible fresh produce and artisan cheeses and dips from his local farmers market in South Carolina, making the whole meal feel as thoughtfully curated as our breeding programs.

That evening, among five dedicated breeders, a new term was coined: The Artisan Breeder.

Just like an artisan butcher, baker or cheesemaker, the artisan breeder works in small batches — typically just one or two litters per year. This limited scale demands a heightened level of care, intention and selectivity. When you only produce one litter, every decision matters. You’re not just trying to produce “more dogs”; you’re striving to produce your best dogs — dogs that improve the breed and uphold your vision.

An artisan breeder must be precise, patient and passionate. Every pairing is deeply considered, every puppy evaluated with a critical but hopeful eye. We don’t chase trends — we craft legacy. And like all great artisans, we pour heart and skill into every batch — or litter, in our case — knowing our name is on the line and the preservation of our beloved breed.

Congratulations to all the winners, and a heartfelt thank-you to the show committee for hosting another outstanding national. I’m already looking forward to next year’s event in beautiful Ocala, Florida, at the stunning World Equestrian Center.

Until then, be well — and keep crafting excellence, one litter at a time.