Pampered pets take over Charles fairgrounds

Well-groomed dogs hit the ring at annual show

Wednesday, July 1, 2009

Click here to enlarge this photo Staff photos by BETHANY RODGERS Judge Helene Nietsch, left, stands next to Lauren Williams, who won the award for the best junior handler with her English setter, Cole, at the Blue Crab Cluster Dog Show on Saturday. E-Mail This Article | Print This Story Click here to enlarge this photo A group of teens and their dogs vie for the award in the junior showmanship competition during show. Click here to enlarge this photo Handler Jamie Bennett brushes George, a Yorkshire terrier, minutes before they head into the ring during the show. Click here to enlarge this photo Handler Leonard Garcini stands at the grooming table with a Scottish terrier before they compete at the show.

Paws perfectly aligned, fur smooth as a sheet and ears perked and ready, dogs were on their best behavior last weekend at the dog show at the Charles County Fairgrounds.

The Blue Crab Cluster Dog Show, organized by the Southern Maryland Kennel Club, Potomac Hound Club and Rock Creek Kennel Club, involved more than 1,000 dogs from across America.

"This is the continuation of Barbie dolls," said Jamie Bennett, who was the handler for a Yorkshire terrier named George. Minutes before the show on Saturday, Bennett was still combing George's fur and had the hair by his eyes wrapped around paper to keep it dry.

"He'll shake it up in a minute. Right before we go out," she said, laughing.

Judges at the show, which lasted from Thursday to Monday, gave awards to dogs as best of their breed and best in show, but also gave prizes to young handlers.

Lauren Williams of Cary, N.C., won first place in the junior showmanship competition after handling her 4-year-old English setter, Champion Cobblestones Summertime Blues JH. Cole for short.

Williams' mother, Colleen Williams, said she and her daughter travel to dog shows on most weekends.

"It's exciting to win, and honestly, everyone shows to win," Lauren Williams said.

She said in the ring, handlers have to pose their dogs correctly and use their hands to place their canines' feet in the right position. Williams will also make sure Cole's lips aren't sticking in his teeth, will hold his tail out straight and will grab the skin under his chin to create a good-looking profile.

"There's no such thing as a perfect dog," said Lauren Williams, adding that handlers make dogs look their best.

"[Lauren Williams] did an absolutely lovely job," said Helene Nietsch, who judged the junior competition. "She was courteous and followed directions. I'm looking for the person who I want to show for me."

Nietsch also said Williams had "soft hands," meaning she directed her dog gently.

But what happened in the ring on Saturday was only half the show. A frenzy of bathing, drying and clipping formed an exciting prequel to the competitions.

Professional handler Kaz Hosaka of Greenwood, Del., said standard poodles can take three to five hours just to dry.

That's not including the time it takes to wash and clip them.

It takes a long time to prepare a terrier for competition, too. Handler Ernesto Lara of Bowmansville, Pa., said that groomers have to "strip" the dogs' fur, or pull out loose hair, on a consistent basis.

"The handlers and breeders work with the dogs every single day," said Doris "Dolly" Shorback, corresponding secretary of the Southern Maryland Kennel Club.

Shorback, of Lexington Park, said her club also works hard before the annual dog show.

The event takes about a year to plan, she said.

"In a couple weeks, we're getting ready for next year," she said.

brodgers@somdnews.com