Show News
Gordie's Big Trip
March 24th, Gordie (CH Fwaggles Traically Hip) and I flew to Edison, NJ, for the American Manchester Terrier Club's 2011 National Specialty weekend. Gordie left Florida needing two points for his AKC Championship. He came home a Champion with a group placement and a suitcase full of rosettes and trophies. AMTC National Specialties draw entries from all over North America, and Gordie demonstrated once again that our wonderful pets are also consistently competitive on a national level.
Gordie's Weekend Accomplishments:
- Thursday 3/24: Winners Dog/ Best of Winner: Delaware Valley Manchester Terrier Club Independent Specialty & Grand Sweepstakes Winner under breeder/judge Mrs. Mary Wilson from the UK.
- Friday 3/25: Best of Opposite Sex: AMTC District III Specialty (first time in the ring as a 'Special')
- Saturday 3/26: Made the cut : AMTC National Specialty
- Sunday 3/27: Best of Variety: Delaware Valley Manchester Terrier Club supported entry under noted Breeder/Judge Mr. Rod Herner & Group 3 in a large, competitive Toy Group under Mrs. Barbara Keenan.
Gordie is currently ranked #5 in Breed points, and #3 in all-breed points as of March 31st. We plan to send him out as a special for the 2nd half of the year. More news on that will be forthcoming.
Beyond the show, it was a wonderful weekend, and we had a great time with our friends. I have to say a special thank you to Gordie's co-breeder, Amanda Kelly, and to Kim Marling who both showed Gordie to his wins. Amanda hadn't seen Gordie in 6 months, and Kimmy had never met Gordie before the sweepstakes Thursday nght. While I nearly froze to death waiting online outside Carlo's Bakery for 2 hours in Hoboken to see the "Cake Boss" it was well worth for the time spent with 'the girls.'
Effie - #2 Toy Manchester in the US!
You were expecting a very dignified show photo to accompany this very auspicious headline, right? While we are very proud of Effie and our other dogs' show accomplishments, it's important to remember that they are our very much beloved pets who enjoy a good roll in the grass as much as the next dog. That mischevious look is very real, by the way. Effie is a pistol - a true terrier. This photograph was taken on December 4th in our backyard, of course.
Effie has had a great year. As the #2 Toy Manchester in the US for 2010, Effie qualified for one of the invitations given to the top five dogs of each breed or variety every year for the prestigious Westminster Kennel Club Dog show..
Gord Debuts in Style
On October 19, 2010, Gordie (aka Fwaggles Tragically Hip) and I hopped on a big plane to attend the American Manchester Terrier Club National
Specialty in Lincoln, Nebraska. It was Gordie's first dog show, but that didn't much matter. He came home with a 4 Point major having won WD and BoW! Of course Gordie's mother, Daisy, CH Rustic Lane Dixie Daisy, was WB at National two years earlier, and his father, CH Burmack's Gaenja Crusader at Fwaggle, HOF, ROM, is one of the top winning dogs in breed history in Canada.
Gordie's second show weekend in Ocala Florida was equally exciting. Not only did he win 2 more points as WD on Saturday and WD, BoW, and BoS on Sunday, Gordie and I also went on to win the Toy Group in prestigious Bred-by Exhibitor competition. It was a long day for a young dog, but he certainly showed his heart out for me! Our co-breeders, Wendy and Amanda Kelly, and Gordie's co-owner, Jes Kemp deserve a lot of credit for his terrific ring presence.
GRAND CHAMPION Effie!
On August 15, 2010, Effie achieved the new AKC title, "Grand Champion." Grand Champion is a designation who have gone on to compete after achieving their AKC Championship, beating other Champions and earning points.
Effie completed her Gr CH with 25 points and 5 'major wins.' She is the 6th Toy Manchester Terrier to become a Grand Champion. We are very proud that our girl is now "Gr CH Tropicfox Dreamgirl" as well as being the #4 Toy Manchester in Breed Points as of July 31, 2010.
At only 2 years old, Effie just gets better as she continues to mature. She truly is the ssence of 'Type' in Toy Manchester Terriers. At 10.5lbs, Effie is well within the 'limit' for Toy Manchesters while still embodying power. Effie's inherent refinement belies a tough terrier more than willing and able to carry out the historical functions of the breed.
Effie has been showing with her expert handler, Harry Bennett, for less than 6 months, and they have already ammassed an impressive record. As the hot summer days begin to cool here in the South, look for Effie and Harry during the busy fall and winter show season. We expect many more great things from this pair!
Effie - #5 TMT in the US!
As of April 30th, 2010, Effie is the #5 Toy Manchester in the US, primarily owner-handled! We couldn't be more proud of Effie and what she's done so far in 2010 including an 8 show run winning Best of Variety with competition and winning a Best of Variety (owner-handled) the 2nd day of the AMTC District 3 Specialty weekend in Nashville.
Additionally, Amanda Kelly -- our good friend, occassional debate partner, and all around good egg-- flew in from Nova Scotia for a visit on Easter weekend. Just for fun, she showed Effie, and they walked in and won a very competitive Toy Group at the St. Petersburg Dog Fanciers Association shows! Needless to say, we were all thrilled!
Effie recently began showing with noted professional handler, Harry Bennett, and they are turning into quite the team. Harry has been showing Toy Manchesters for decades, and he has handled some of the top winning dogs in breed hisotry. Harry has great hands with the breed, and we look forward to Effie reaching her full putential under his expert guidance. Look for Effie and Harry in Florida and the Southeast.