Question of the Week

Leslie Earl

Davis, California

Who knows? This year is likely to present a number of excellent choices, unlike some years when there is a single, clear stand-out. (Of course, that “clear standout” in my opinion doesn’t always match that of the BIS judge on the day. Sigh … ) Westminster Kennel Club often brings some interesting choices to the BIS ring, and sometimes a “newcomer” might “catch fire,” catch the judge’s eye and snatch victory to the astonishment of others. That’s part of what makes WKC so interesting!

Libby Naimo

Ellendale, Delaware

Sporting: English Springer shown by Robin Novak.

Working: Katie Bernardin with the Giant Schnauzer.

Non-Sporting: Bichon Frise Top Speed Neal.

Terrier: Gabriel Rangel.

Herding: German Shepherd Hammersmith Heathcliff Heathcliff.

Toy: Shih Tzu Hallmark Jolie Out of This World. 

Hound: Afghan Hound Sunlit King of Queens.

Best in Show goes to the Shih Tzu.

Reserve to the Afghan Hound.

Mark Francis Jaeger

Mason, Michigan

In more than 25 years of judging, I have come to realize that there are some things you never know until you are in the ring that day. I have put up dogs that I would not have considered if I only went on my prior observations. I have had favorites every year, and sometimes they did win a group, but only because they were at their peak on that day, under that judge. Let the oddsmakers list the favorites. I'm just going to enjoy watching great dogs perform at their best.

Patricia A. More

North Fort Myers, Florida

Monty, the Giant Schnauzer wins BIS.

Herding Group: Mercedes the German Shepherd.

Terrier Group: Wire Fox Terrier.

Sporting Group: English Springer.

Non-Sporting: Bichon Frise.

Toy Group: Shih Tzu.

Hound Group: Otterhound.

Bobbie Wood

Cranford, New Jersey

Well, of course I would like to see a Lhasa Apso win Best in Show at Westminster Kennel Club.  We’ve had one Group 1st (I think it was in the early ’80s) since I started showing in 1971, and then sporadic group placements up to now, which I am thrilled about. We will be cheering our Lhasa Apso in the group and have our fingers crossed. However, I really don’t know the top contenders in the other groups, so would fail miserably at trying to guess the group winners. My answer is purely loyal and prejudiced in favor of my breed.

Vicki Seiler-Cushman

Xenia, Ohio

Paula Nykiel will win the Best IN Show prize. :-)

Sonnya L. Wilkins, DVM

Montesano, Washington

Hound: Otterhound (GChS Dobhran’s Alexa Play Some Music).

Toy: Pug (GChP Andi In Cahoots).

Working: Giant Schnauzer (GChG Hearthmore's Wintergreen Mountain).

Herding: German Shepherd (GChP Kaleef's Mercedes).

Terrier: Kerry Blue Terrier (GChS Kilgawny Take My Man).

Sporting: English Springer Spaniel (GChP Telltale Bohemian Rhapsody).

Non-Sporting: Xoloitzcuintli (GChG Master Rock Calaco, Alonso Tojo).

Best in Show: Otterhound.

Sylvia Arrowwood

Charleston, South Carolina

As always, hopefully the wisdom and experience of the BIS judge will prevail.