Does it really matter what type of shampoo or conditioner that you use? Yes! Especially when you are putting show dogs into the equation. If you didn’t know, not all shampoos and conditioners are the same, particularly when you are considering the brand and what it was intended to do. I can guarantee if you take your time to actually sit down read labels, compare and contrast products, you will either be very confused, give yourself a headache, give up or find yourself sitting in the isle of your local cosmetic store for hours. There are many breeders, owners and handlers that make choosing the correct shampoo and conditioner seems like rocket science .
There are several things to put into perspective, before you make a purchase. Following these pointers can be done to help avoid a lot of stress in the future and save you money. First off all you have to consider what type of coat you are working with, is it a rough, wire, silky or smooth for example. Then the color is also to be taken into consideration, is it white cream, red or brindle. You must ask yourself, what is it that you hope to achieve? Do you want preserve your Schnauzer’s wire texture, or have your Yorkshire Terrier silky smooth? Then above all, you must know your budget. These are some factors to consider when trying to determine your best course of action. You should not plan on using a product stating that it makes the hair feel soft, on a rough, or wire coated breed. However, something that mentions bringing out the natural texture. It doesn’t make sense on using a colored designated shampoo on a Doberman Pinscher that doesn’t requires it. If the dog already has the optimal color for the breed, then that is money that can be saved and focused else where.
Color designated shampoos are used either to revive dull coats or to enhance the natural colour. There are products that are used to whiten/brighten white and light colored coats, and to darken red and black coats as well. Whitening/brightening shampoos work by either adding microscopic crystals to the hair strands creating a prism effect, or by adding a light tint of blue to the coat. This allows light to reflect off of the coat, making it appear much more brighter. Shampoos that are used to enhance colored coats add light tints of color to the coat, which help darken coats giving them a more intense look. An important thing to note is that not all breeds come in just one color or shade. So it is important to take an educated guess on which is best to use, by selecting a product that will assist the dominant color. For instance the Papillion is predominantly white, so you would use a whitening shampoo as to a shampoo for red or black coats. The white will become brighter, contrasting with the colored areas making them stand out more. Although whitening/brightening shampoos were intended for white or light colored coats, when used on blacks, they make the coat shine. Read labels and be cautious when using a shampoo that contain enzymes. Enzymes tend to fade colors, so using a product with this ingredient on parti-colored or light colored coats is not recommended.
Volumizing shampoos work by either coating strands of hair with a film to make it appear fuller, or by penetrating the hairs by swelling the strands to give a temporary fullness. The shampoo generally contains some sort of protein either from a rice or wheat source. These protein strengthens hair making them more durable. Also its best to look for volumizing shampoos that contain amino acids as well (which are the building blocks of protein). These amino acids also give added strength and adds luster to the coat. The protein connects themselves to the coat and sealing the broken protein bonds (remember hair is made up of a protein substance called keratin). Please note these products are not recommended for drop coated breeds such as the Yorkshire Terrier, Shih Tzu and the Maltese. The reason for this is because over time the protein will build up on the coat, weighing it down and may cause breakage. Although occasional use is okay. Do note as well, that there are volumizing shampoos that do not weigh down hair, so these ones that specifically states this on their labels or official web site I would feel more comfortable using.
As you go through the isle you may find “Reconstructing” or “Restoring” Shampoo, these products were designed for dry and damaged hair, to re-hydrate and repair. This variety of shampoo would be recommended for long dropped coated breed like the Maltese, Shih Tzu and the Yorkshire Terrier which tend to experience damage to the coat far more than other breeds. These brands of shampoo should be used as a part of the regular bathing routine to avoid further damage and dehydration to the coat.
There are also shampoos that assist in constructing a breeds proper harsh coat texture. These shampoos were intended for the use of wire and rough coated dogs such as Terriers, Collies, Chow Chows, and Pomeranians. These products tend to have texture and volume in mind where it is important for the presentation and the breed standard in regards to the coat in the ring. Generally you may find that after bathing such breeds, the coat softens, and may take days to regain its correct texture. These shampoos can come in quite handy for that emergency bath before the show, or for baths up to the show to make sure that the correct coat texture is in play.
It should be routine when bathing your dog that conditioners should follow. The lathering agents in most shampoos tend to strip the coat of it’s natural oils, causing the hair to become dry and brittle. Conditioners are there to re-hydrate, replenish and rejuvenate the coat to how it is suppose to look and feel naturally. Do keep in mind the purpose that you need, because the ingredients in conditioners differ greatly, which will give different results. However, do remember for every shampoo, there is a conditioner to correspond with it. Often they even come within the same brand. So once you have selected the appropriate shampoo, you should not have strayed from the path when finding the appropriate conditioner. There are also Deep Conditioning Treatments which essentially are conditioners, however the key ingredients are at a higher concentration so as to repair, strengthen and to protect the coat in a quicker time than regular conditioners. Some treatments claim to do this in as little as one treatment. This can be done once every other month or as needed (generally with drop coated breeds). There are even conditioning sprays which further conditions. These make good supplements to the coat and also make brushing easier, however, I don’t recommend that these be used solely to condition the coat.
There are also your 2 in 1 Shampoos and Conditioners. These dual purpose products do both the cleansing and conditioning of the coat at the same time. These products generally cost two for the price of one. I recommend these for coats who generally just need a good cleaning and conditioning. This one step process generally lessens the time that it would have to do both shampooing and conditioning, and it makes a good maintenance cleanser. I do suggest these for thick coated breeds such as Chow Chows, Keeshonden, and Golden Retrievers, where conditioners maybe difficult to penetrate the dense coat. These cleansers can be quite adequate to use on smooth and short coated breeds such as the Weimaraner, Rhodesian Ridgeback or the Boston Terrier. However, it is believed for a dry coat that the 2 in 1 shampoo may not have sufficient conditioning power behind it, so a separate (moisturizing) shampoo and conditioner maybe best. If not, one can simply just add more (separate) conditioner. The 2 in 1 formula is believed to work by adding Dimethicone, which is used to condition and Glycol Distearate which is used to bond the conditioner and shampoo together. When water is added the Glycol Distearate weakens leaving the conditioner behind, to moisturize and penetrate the coat.
Please do keep several things in mind when choosing a shampoo and conditioner to use or any product for that matter. “You only get what you pay for.” Generally this is always the case, however, I am not saying that you would not be able to find a lower costing product that will give you the same or as close to as possible results as other premium products. Top brands can be very pricy and run up a high bill. If you decide to use these products it is cheaper to purchase them in the larger sizes than the 16 or so ounce bottles. One thing I love about these specialty products is that many of them are super concentrated, that they are generally directed to be diluted. This then means it last very long and you get more for your money. However, I wouldn’t recommend regular use of these products (unless you can afford them). In that case you can use shampoos and conditioners out of your local cosmetic store that can maintain the coat until time to show. When there is an up and coming event you can then switch about a month or so in advance to achieve your desired results. On the other hand, there are certain products that can not be found in your local stores, and if you truly need them you have no choice but to get these specialty brands. Also you’ll find yourself reading labels that were intended to do A, and you’ll notice they also state that they do B and even C, I see these as purchasing several bottles for the price of one. So it is possible that you can find a product that cleanse, moisturize and bring out the hairs natural texture all in one. Another thing is is that sometimes you may not be able to get what you want with one product, and may require the use of several products to acheive your goal.
These are some product brands that I recommend:
Satinique
Pantene Pro V
Pure Paws
Chris Christensen
#1 All Systems
Suave (Professionals)
Top Performance
Bio Groom
VO5
Wen
Please keep in mind that there are so much more brands and types of shampoos and conditioners out there. So do take your time and decide wisely.
If you are confused like I said earlier (which I would commend you if you weren’t), carry a paper and pen and write down the name and manufacturer of the prospective product and search for their web site. You should be able to find more information on the product than what the label carries. If you are still confused consult your breeder, or a friend in the same or of a similar breed, they most likely will be able to help. Then talk to other breeders, owners and handlers who may have been showing dogs longer than you, generally the more experienced are wiser. So do take your time when selecting the next shampoo you purchase and remember that conditioners should follow.
Shane
Tags: 101, Conditioner, Groom, Shampoo
Below is the critique written by Stuart Mallard, UK, of the dogs he judged at The B’dos. Kennel Club Championship All Breeds Dog Show on October 10, 2010
Terrier Group
Bull Terriers
OD(1) Ist No 1, Mr. N. Harrison’s KINGDOM’S POWERS, correct frame and outline in muscular form and totally sound on the move, his head shape is correct although a more accurate bite would give better finish, I felt he warranted this award, CC & BOB, BLB & Best Terrier.
Toy Group
Papillons
OD(2) 1st No 2, Miss E. Blanchard’s KINGHAVEN YOU’RE MY SMIFFY AT HOTHRSALL, mature 3 year old with clean head, dark eye, well placed and used ears, soundly made in front and correctly constructed hindquarters, moved typically, CC, BOB & Toy Group. 2nd No 3, Miss E. Blanchard’s HOTHERSALL’S APOLLO, pleases for breed type, preferred eye colour and front construction of 1, correct coat and texture, nicely handled, BLB & Reserve in Group
Gundog Group
Retrievers (Golden)
JD(1) 1st No 4, Mrs. J. Ray’s FENWOOD LOUIS VUITTON OF THATCHER, 14 months, projecting correct outline and displaying good deportment on the move, drives from behind, just tends to pin in when coming back, soft expression from dark well positioned eye, level back, tail set and carried about right, good definition to hindquarters, RCC & RBOB.
OD(1) 1st No 5, Mrs. L. Husband’s THATCHERS STORMY KNIGHT C.D., built without any exaggerations, clean well balanced head, sound limbs, tight feet, pleasing topline and quarters, moved with style, CC & BOB, BLB & Res. In Group.
OB(1) 1st No 6, Mrs. J. Ray’s SH.CH. THATCHERS STORM IN A TEACUP C.D., just enough work in the head, well placed shoulders, enough bone, reasonable feet, ribs sprung and carried back just enough, fair tail set, steady action, happy disposition, CC & BLB.
Retrievers (Labrador)
LINTHWAITE CENTAURUS OF ZINZARA
OD(2) 1st No 8, Mrs. Z. Gray-Marshall’s LINTHWAITE CENTAURUS OF ZINZARA, light yellow 3 year old with balanced head and outline, enough bone, tidy feet, dark expressive eyes, moved well, CC, BOB & Gundog Group. 2nd No 7, Mrs. S. Leacock’s SH.CH. BENATONE SECRET MISSION OF THEBERTON, 8 years old, loved him for type and substance, balanced outline, strong bone, favoured shoulder on the move, RCC.
JB(1) 1st No 9,Mrs. Z. Gray-Marshall’s FIGTREE LADY SATURN OF ZINZARA, feminine black with good spring of rib and just enough substance, level back and used rudder to best advantage, marginally down on pasterns, moved steady, gleaming coat, CC & RBOB, BLB
Hound Group
Beagles
OD(1) 1st No 11, Miss E. Blanchard’s CH.DIALYNNE STORM REFLECTION AT HOTHERSALL, masculine lad with much presence, his expression is slightly hard for my ideal and he could come up on the leg a little, clean in shoulders with strong sound hindquarters, good feet, good rudder, enough turn of stifle, moved with ease, DCC & BOB.
LB(1) 1st No 12, Mr. & Mrs. E. Paskin’s KINOLA’S CALYPSO, correct shape with good bone and tight feet, just falls away slightly under the eye and lacks underjaw spoiling expression, shape to body but a little overweight, moved well but not using tail to full advantage.
OB(2) 1st No 13, Senator P. & Mrs. J. Gilkes’ KINOLA’S CLEO, feminine of considerable breed type, head well laid out, good bone, shape to body and well ribbed back, good tail and carriage, well defined quarters, moved well, CC& RBOB, BLB. 2nd No 14, Senator P. & Mrs. J. Gilkes’ CH. KINOLA’S CALYSTA, ultra feminine and very well balanced, liked her construction but not the topline on the move, RCC.
Rhodesian Ridgebacks
CROWNRIDGE RED REGENT (AI)
LD(1) 1st No 15, Mrs. S.B. Hamilton-Outcalt’s CROWNRIDGE RED REGENT (AI), 13months old with an impressive outline, clean head, well made front, strong bone and feet, some tuck up with firm back, defined quarters and moved with consummate ease, attractive colouration, DCC & BOB, BLB. Hound Group & Best in Show.
OD(1) 1st No 16, Mr. P. Atkinson’s CH. BALLYRIVER MILTON, 2 years old, powerfully constructed and in excellent muscular condition, moved very soundly, just preferred head and expression of 1, RCC.
JB(1) 1st No 17, Mrs. S.B. Hamilton-Outcalt’s CROWNRIDGE RED RUFFIAN (AI), feminine with strength and rich colour, well balanced with head in proportion, chest to develop, sound limbs, would like tighter feet, gentle turn of stifle and an easy mover, tail just marginally low set
LB(1) 1st No 18, Mrs. S.B. Hamilton-Outcalt’s CROWNRIDGE RED RED RED (AI), well proportioned with expressive eye, reach to neck, clean front assembly, good legs and feet, reasonable topline, enough definition to hindquarters, moved soundly but without any great enthusiasm, RCC & BLBB.
OB(1) 1st No 19, Mr. P. Atkinson’s CH. ROTTZRIDGE CELTIC PRINCESS, conveys strength and substance with style and honesty, clean neck and very well appointed shoulders, sound limbs, well ribbed muscular body, strong hindquarters and a stylish mover, good condition, CC & RBOB.
Utility Group
Akitas
MPD(1) 1st No 20, Mr. D. Boyce’s DONKEMRE CODY, 8 months and still some way to go in his development, lovely temperament, clean head, arched neck, good bone but a little tied at elbow, reasonable topline, tail set could be higher, not yet ready for higher awards today, BP.
LB(1) 1st No21, Mr. T. Worrell’s EMBER FIRSE GLOW, 4 years old with reasonable head but would prefer more strength to muzzle and width to skull, reach to neck, adequate bone, good reach to neck, nicely coupled, good tailset and carriage, moderately defined hindquarters, lacked muscle and could be truer going but displayed sound action in profile, BOB & BLB.
Miniature Schnauzers
OD(1) No 22, Mr. R. & Mrs. J. Anderson’s CH. RISEPARK PRETTY SMART GUY AT JAMROCK, compact and sturdy without a hint of coarseness or exaggeration, head is balanced and just lean enough, arched neck into well placed shoulders, ribs sprung and loin short, definition to quarters and a purposeful mover, harsh jacket and well turned out, CC , BOB & Utility Group.
OB(1) 1st No 24, Mr. R. & Mrs. J. Anderson’s RISEPARK HALLMARK AT JAMROCK, compact and feminine with good substance, lean head, moderate stop, arched neck , marginally wide in front standing but not on the move, level back and strong firm loin, shapely hindquarters, marginally bowed hocks on the move, well turned out, CC & RBOB.
Shih Tzus
SANTOSHA SUNY DELIGHT
OD(1) 1st No 25, Mr. M.J. Bascombe’s SANTOSHA SUNY DELIGHT, reasonable to handle on the table but really comes into his own on the move where he was stylish and sound with correct deportment showing full pad, CC & BOB.
OB(1) 1st No 26, Mr. M.J. Bascombe’s SANTOSHA CENTREFOLD, not really enjoying her day so consequently not giving of her best, ultra feminine in head but not using her neck, ribs acceptably sprung, topline lacked muscle and failed to use tail, BB & RBOB.
Working Group
CH. CALLIOPE RHAPSODY C.D
OB(2) 1st No 28, Miss M. Ashby’s CH. CALLIOPE RHAPSODY C.D., feminine with strength and very compact, correct head type, enough bone, depth to chest, level back, defined hindquarters and a useful mover, stylish coat well presented, CC & BOB, BLB. 2nd No 28, Miss M. Ashby’s CALLIOPE RITA C.D., larger girl, also feminine with pleasing outline, reasonable head, level back, moved well but could not match 1, RCC & RBOB.
Dobermanns
OD(1) 1st No 29, Mr. P. Waterman’s BRANDY WINE ARIES, pleases for type, enough strength with elegance and is a sound mover, construction to please, correct rich tan, CC & BOB, BLB.
Bullmastiffs
MPD(2,1abs) 1st No 31, Messrs. T. Iffill & O. Holder’s TREONE DARK SULTAN, active 8 months old dark brindle, could be handled to better advantage but his virtues were easily recognised and he was a very sound mover whose performance improved as the day went on, BP & BLBP.
PD(1) 1st No 32, Mr. P. Ashby’s ZAHARA BULLS VINTAGE, 11months, muzzle to skull ratios about right, overall head a little overdone for my taste, good bone but pasterns could strengthen and feet tighten, well ribbed with firm topline, defined quarters, moved steady.
JD(3) 1st No 33, Mr. R. Jemmott’s SILVER SAND, totally honest in construction and shown to advantage, balanced head, clean front, legs and feet, nicely coupled, muscular quarters. 2nd No 34, Mr. R. Jemmott’s MISTER BIG, deep red of considerable quality, not totally settled here, well coupled with good substance, just enough turn of stifle. 3rd No 35, Mr. H. King’s KING’S BOWZER THE BRAVE, at his first show and putting on a good effort, well grown with substance, skull is broad but not the muzzle to balance as yet, holds topline well on the move, would prefer better turn of stifle.
MD(1) 1st No 36, Mr. D. Gibson’s EMMERTON DUKE, 2.1/2 years old of considerable quality, good head type with broad skull and muzzle to suit, defined stop, arched neck, clean forehand but can stand awkwardly, topline slightly soft, good turn of stifle, moved steady.
ND(1) 1st No 37, Mr. M. Jones’ PRINCE CASPIAN, impressive 2.1/2 years old fawn that grew on me as the day progressed, good for size and substance, strength to head with decent muzzle, strong bone, tidy feet, decent topline and muscular quarters, moved well, in good nick, should have a bright future once he settles to this showing game, RCC & BLB.
LD(1) 1st No 38, Dr. E. Chase & Miss C. Jonsson’s WOODNEY BOOTS AND SOCKS, 22 months old and well grown but lacking a little in substance, balanced headpiece, arched neck, good bone, topline falls away slightly, some definition to quarters, moved okay.
OD(2) 1st No 39, Mr. P.R.P. Evelyn Q.C. CH BRAEAARON WALLACE AT HOTHERSALL, substantial brindle, masculine with great circumference to head, light eye just spoils expression, powerful neck, shoulders, bone and feet, level back but falls away at croup, useful quarters and action, CC & BOB. 2nd No 40, Mr. P. Ashby’s FLANDERS COMMORAWY WOOD AT ZAHARA BULLS, red with decent head and mask, arched neck, reasonable bone, body with enough substance and some turn to stifles, weaved behind
MPB(2) 1st No 42, Mr. P. Ashby’s HOTHERSALL’S CAGNEY, dark brindle, much to commend her, balanced headpiece, dark eye and mask, good legs and feet, topline just letting her down at the moment, good mover, well handled. 2nd No 41, Messrs. T. Iffill & O. Holder’s TREONE DARK SALAMA, very raw baby but possesses a balanced head that will broaden, good bone and feet, defined quarters and a meaningful mover, BPB.
JB(1) 2nd No 43, Mr. M. Miller’s CANDI’S MISSY, head is not quite typical and body colour not defined, balanced body shape, substance to develop.
MB(1) 1st No 44, Mr. D. Gibson’s EMMERTON TESSA, outline pleases, is just balanced however lack of definition to mask detracts from expression, moved steady.
OB(2) 1st No 45, Mr. P.R.P. Evelyn Q.C. ARDHUB STRIKE A POSE AT HOTHERSALL, feminine with strength, beautifully balanced head, muzzle correct ratio to skull, eye just dark enough, quality body and limbs with good bone and substance, moved soundly and typically, CC & RBOB. 2nd No 46, Mr. P. Ashby’s MISS STARLIGHT, light fawn with dark mask and dark eyes, clean front assembly, feet a little flat, substance to body and good turn of stifle, moved steady, RCC
Dogues Des Bordeaux
OD(2,1) 1st No 48, Mr. A. Taylor’s MONIFA PRINCE JABARI, masculine and upstanding with enough work in the head, breadth and depth to chest, strong bone, powerful neck and body, defined quarters but tended to crab and hocks could be stronger, excellent muscle tone and decent coat, CC & BOB, BLB.
OB(1) 1st No 49, Mr. r. White’s BOLDHEART’S FLASH FIRE AT RICHELLE, pleasing shape and balance but a touch light in substance but at 2 years old has time, reach to neck, little down on pasterns, ribs sprung and hindquarters defined, good coat and colour.
Rottweilers
CH. JUFFTHER DREAM LOVER and LONNE BIGGZ
MPD(2) 1st No 50, Dr. W. Welch’s ELTHOR DARK ORLANDO, excellent outline with expressive head, good legs, tight feet, level back, shape to hindquarters, steady action when he applies himself, BPD. 2nd No 51, Dr. W. Welch’s ELTHOR DARK NAM, well grown, head developing, slightly finer eye detracts from expression at present, tan rather smutty, moved well.
PD(2,1) 1st No 53, Mr. F. Prescod’s FORTESQUE DUNCAN, pleases for breed type and balance and with this construction should be able to move well but today was rather erratic, head developing well, little down on pasterns and feet could be tighter, decent topline and quarters.
MD(1) 1st No 54, Mr. P. Waterman’s KEMROROCKS KABUL, masculine with substance, strength to skull, reach to neck, chest developed with breadth and depth, good bone, feet could be tighter, strong loin, muscular thighs, rich tan.
ND(2,1) 1st No 56, Mr. S. Harrison’s LONNE BIGGZ, masculine without a hint of coarseness or exaggeration, quality headpiece with width between ears, strong bone, poor feet, ribs sprung with level back and muscular quarters, purposeful mover, RCC ,RBOB & Reserve in Group.
OD(1) 1st No 58, Dr. W. Welch’s CH. JUFFTHER DREAM LOVER, balanced and upstanding with head in proportion, powerful neck, excellent shoulders, strong bone and feet, enough depth to brisket, muscular body and quarters, moved with total soundness and consummate ease, tan rich enough, CC, BOB, Working Group & Reserve Best in Show..
MPB(2)1st No 59, Dr. W. Welch’s ELTHOR DARK OPAL, really raw but already really balanced and showing promise, moved soundly when applying herself, super rich tan. 2nd No 60, Dr. W. Welch’s ELTHOR DARK MARA, well grown and retaining femininity, moved well but not as relaxed standing and tending to arch up, also has rich tan.
PB(2,1) 1st No 61, Dr. W. Welch’s ELTHOR DARK NELL, 8 month and spot on for development, head coming, well pointed shoulders, good bone, reasonable feet, level topline, well angulated quarters and meaningful action, shown in hard condition and good coat, BP.
JB(2,1) 1st No 63, Mr. S. Howell’s ELTHOR DARK JASMIN, feminine with substance, well constructed in all departments, strong bone and tidy feet, body of substance, muscular quarters, moved okay but really impressed in profile, little down on pasterns, RCC & BLB.
OB(1) 1st No 66, Dr. W. Welch’s YAWA V.D. OCHSENWIESE, feminine with strength, not totally relaxed being handled but showing good typical expression from good feet, balanced head, width to front, strong bone, reasonable feet, ribs sprung, gentle slope to croup, muscular quarters, gleaming coat, CC.
German Shepherd Dogs
MPB(1) 1st No 67, Mr. O. Holder’s MONIFA BRANDY, very promising and performing to full advantage, is very well built in all areas, calmly handled, not quite ready for the CC at present, BOB. Best Puppy & Best L/B Puppy in Show.
Boxers
OD(2) 1st No 68, Miss J. Wilson’s CH. STILLWELLS PRINCE OF FIRE, 7 years old and pretty sound, he is square in outline with musculature, nicely made head, arched neck, muscular shoulders, good legs and feet, compact with developed quarters, CC & BOB, BLB. 2nd No 69, Miss J. Wilson’s WORTHINGTONS WISH ME LUCK, upstanding lad, not as compact as 1 or the topline, pleasing head, straight bone, good feet, muscular hindquarters, RCC.
Stud Dog (1) 1st No 39, CH. BRAEAARON WALLACE AT HOTHERSALL, tho related at different degrees of development, all quite sound.
Stuart Mallard judged dogs at The Barbados Kennel Club’s All Breeds Championship Show on October 7, 2001. It was his first judging assignment on the island and he is due to return to Barbados this week to judge again on October 10th. Nine years ago he put up as his Best in Show, a locally bred Rhodesian Ridgeback, Ch. Zipidedoda by Crownridge, with a Reserve Best in Show going to the Flatcoat Retriever, Sh. Ch. Braemist Minver Lady. “Zip” is still alive but is not being shown. “Jazz” is deceased.
Best Puppy in Show was my Bouvier Farleycross So Far So Good at Calliope. “Jovi” is still here but her progeny are in the show ring without her. Best Locally Bred puppy was a Rottweiler, Rap-Ti-Lyn at Von Sleighal but I don’t recall seeing it at following shows.
Stuart Mallard is reported to have had and exhibited breeds like the Old English Sheepdog, Bouvier Des Flandres, Schnauzers, Beagles, Bichon Fishe, and Tibetan Terriers.
At the time of writing, he awards CCs in forty one breeds covering Working, Pastoral, Utility, Hound & Toy groups and is approved to judge the Toy, Utility, Working & Pastoral Groups plus Best in Show. He has judged extensively throughout Europe, Scandinavia, East & South Africa, New Zealand, Australia and the Caribbean. Stuart had the great honour of judging the Pastoral Group at Crufts in 2007 and the Working Group in 2008.
Barbados has been having unusual weather, like a lot of the rest of the world. We had extremely dry conditions early in the year. Currently we are experiencing unusual heavy rains, with flash flooding and thunder and lighting. As our show ring is outdoors it may be more challenging for exhibitors. Not all dogs like gaiting on very wet grass and some handlers might not like it either as we are so accustomed to sunshine. On the positive side if it is rainy and overcast, as least it should be cool for the dogs 🙂 🙂
Once the show takes place (and is not rained out) photos from the show will appear here and also his critique.
Tags: Stuart Mallard
We know that dogs might light up a park with their energy and playfulness but there is a park that is actually lit up by dogs’ waste.
This park is in Cambridge, Mass., and the owners of dogs enjoying the Park, deposit their dogs’ feces into a biodegradable bag. The bag is then placed into a tube which leads to an underground digester. When the microorganisms get broken down and become organic material, menthane is created. The tube has a tank and when the dog owner turns the crank, the organic mateial is mixed and then the menthane gas rises. This gas is then piped to a lamppost which is like an eternal flame.
Interesting as this could also be done with the manure of farm animals and some people will take the concept and use it for more than lamppost lighting.
It’s a case of where waste is not waste after all 🙂
This project is known as The Park Spark Project Visit Park Spark Project Here
Tags: dogs helping environment
I think a lot of us in Barbados have been following the America’s Got Talent Show. And we laughed and had a good time with the competitors and were amazed by the standards as they climbed higher up the ladder.
Michael Grimm was always one of my favourites and I am so pleased for him that he turned out the winner and hope now that he will help the grandparents whom he said raised him.
But even a dogs’ act was on the show. And it is possible that the three judges are dog lovers as they okayed it through to the Las Vagas venue.
Tags: Entertaining dogs
Shane in the Bahamas
Shane lives in the Bahamas and provided the above photo of himself and his Chow Chow at a show in the Bahamas.
He also provided the below link so we could see what one of their shows is like.
Thanks Shane, and also for the great post in response to mine “A dog show critique in Barbados”.
Tags: Bahamas dog show
Calliope Bouvier Des Flandres by pool
Hey, what’s a good Bouvier to do, besides eating and sleeping and finding something to bark at?
Well, we can chill by the pool, and although this is Barbados, and the water is warm, we prefer to swim in the ocean. Honest 🙂 🙂
Tags: Barbados, Bouvier Des Flandres
Recent Comments