Puli Dog - Herding Group

Puli Dog
Originally uploaded by avidpets

This breed is sometimes white and sometimes black. His cords are natural and look like a human's dreadlocks. He also is from Hungary and has been herding sheep their for at least 1,000 years.

I am not sure this is just what the average family wants to have, but this dog and his alter ego, the larger Komondor in the Working Group, are very interesting to watch at a Dog Show.

I have been privileged to see fine specimens of this breed whose gait was so beautiful you could see the outline of their body as they ran 'round the ring in the sunshine.

Dogue de Bordeaux - Working Group

Dogue de Bordeauxs
Originally uploaded by Toffycrackle - a little behind :)

I chose this breed because he is truly loveable. The one pictured was a winner at Crufts. Take a good look at that face and tell me you could not befriend this dog.

The big drawback for most families, of course, is his immense size. The ones I have know were indeed gentle giants and I am sure they could add to your tab at the supermarket checkout.

Look For The Vizsla In The Sporting Group

luka1
Originally uploaded by Andrew Seel

The Vizsla, a Hungarian breed, has a reddish coat while his look-a-like, the Weimaramer, is grey. This is a smart and very beautiful representative of a Sporting Dog who lives to "point" and work in the field. So, that makes him an ideal hunting dog.

However, the Vizsla also makes a fine family pet who is easily trained.

It is important to note that this breed does need lots of exercise, so he should have a large backyard to run.

Havanese - Relatively New To The Toy Group

2009 Havanese National Specialty, originally uploaded by Hav n Knit Lover.

The Havanese (actually an old breed) originated in Cuba and was first recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1996. He is in the Toy Group and is similar in appearance to the Shih Tzu. He makes a good family pet; likes lots of exercise and requires lots of grooming.

Look for this breed on Monday night.

Hound Group - Afghan Hound

Afghan Hound
Originally uploaded by Devilstar

One truly attractive dog breed that I personally would be nervous to own but love to watch is the Afghan Hound.

Frequently he is the first in line as the dogs are paraded round the ring and he takes your breath away with his pure elegance!

Why would I not want to own one . . . well, that is all about the grooming, of course. In full coat and well-groomed, this dog makes a very pretty picture. It is up to the judge to determine that in fact, he has a good bone structure under the coat.

Watch for this dog and take a look how proud and happy he is to just be there! I think for me, the Afghan is probably the one dog I have always felt is made for the show ring, and he always gives you a SHOW!

Other dogs who you may be more familiar with in this group are the Basset Hound, Beagle, Dachshund and Greyhound. The Beagle and Dachshund come in more than one size and the Dachshund comes in three different coats.

Oh, Yes . . . This Is More What the Standard Poodle Will Look Like at Westminister

poodle3
Originally uploaded by faye_murman_portfolio

Standard Poodles Do A Lot Of Winning!

Standard Poodles in the Morning Light
Originally uploaded by Lunarfruity

Standard and Miniature Size Poodles are in the Non-Sporting Group. The Standard Poodle does a lot of winning. If kept in a show cut, they take a lot of grooming but many families do enjoy Poodles at home. This pair took my fancy because I have known some wonderful "pet" Poodles.

Watch for the Standard Poodle in particular to make his or her presence felt as you watch Westminister.

Remember that Westminister Kennel Club is putting up a lot of information for you, and you can access it on Facebook or any of the links below.

(The Toy Poodle is shown in the Toy Group, but you knew that!)