Thousands of dogs will start 2019 off by traveling to the Kennel Club of Palm Springs Dog Show at the Empire Polo Grounds in Indio, California. Whether you’re attending in person (it’s free!) or watching from your home, here are three competitors on why they started showing dogs.
Make sure to tune in to the live stream of the group judging and Best in Show on Saturday, Jan. 5 at 3:15 p.m. PST on AKC.TV or by downloading the AKC.TV app on Roku, Apple TV, or AmazonFireTV. For more information on how to watch the show and the order of judging, check out our guide to the show.
Maxx the Yorkshire Terrier
Peggy Gregson, of Sparks, Nevada, finished 2018 with the AKC #2 Yorkshire Terrier and the Best in Breed at the AKC National Championships for her dog, Pip. While Pip is currently resting up for Westminster, she is showing her 18-month-old Yorkshire Terrier Maxx this weekend in Palm Springs.
Q: How long have you been competing in dog shows, and what first got you interested?
A: I have been competing for about nine years.
Q: What do you look forward to most about the Kennel Club of Palm Springs show?
A: The KCPS is a superior show which offers a beautiful site and usually beautiful weather.
Q: What advice would you give others looking to get started in showing dogs?
A: First, find a mentor to help you navigate the dog show world. The mentor should be in your Breed. Find out everything you can about your breed standard before you purchase your first show dog. Buy the best dog you can afford.
Q: Why is the Yorkshire Terrier your breed of choice?
A: I really love taking care of their coat.
Q: What’s something about your dog(s) that most people don’t know?
A: While I show my puppies in the classes and maybe to their grand championship, I do use a handler if I am going to campaign a dog. My Yorkshire Terrier, Pip, just finished the year as #2 for 2018. His AKC name is GCHP Orwick’s Great Expectations. He is currently resting up for the New York shows.
Fizzle the Border Terrier
Lisa Jury and her Border Terrier, one-year-old Fizzle, are from Southern California and are attending all four days of the Palm Springs Kennel Club dog show. Fizzle competes in everything from Dock Diving to Barn Hunt, but this weekend he will be competing just in conformation.
Q: How long have you been competing in dog shows, and what first got you interested?
A: I started in AKC back in 2009 with a PAL registered LH Chihuahua competing in Rally. Seeing all the well-bred conformation dogs really drew my interest. I purchased Fizzle in 2017 and he’s my first conformation dog.
Q: What events will you and Fizzle be competing in this week?
A: This show, we’re just doing conformation. We’re still training for rally and obedience.
Q: What do you and Fizzle look forward to most about the Kennel Club of Palm Springs show?
A: The Kennel Club of Palm Springs show is the most beautiful venue I’ve been to, and because it’s a big show I can catch up with border people from all over. Fizzle’s favorite things about this show are the horse smells and the luxurious grass.
Q: What advice would you give others looking to get started in dog sports?
A: Attend events for the sports you’re interested in and don’t be afraid to talk to people. Most people are happy to talk about their dogs and help newcomers. Get involved with your local breed or sports club and soak knowledge up like a sponge.
Q: Why is the Border Terrier your breed of choice?
A: The Border Terrier is an awesome all-around dog. They are happy, confident dogs but not as stubborn as some of the Terriers. This breed has the intelligence and willingness to succeed in almost any sport while still being a cuddle buddy. They are Terriers, so patience is definitely required but they will make you laugh every day.
Q: What’s something about Fizzle most people don’t know?
A: Fizzle doesn’t like bacon (which almost got him kicked out of the family — haha!) Honestly with Fizzle, what you see is what you get. A happy, confident, super friendly little dog.
Q: Is there anything else we should know about you and Fizzle?
A: Fizzle and I are having the time of our lives participating in multiple dog sports. He is everything I ever dreamed a dog could be. From Barn Hunt to Dock Diving to Earthdog to Tracking, Fizzle always gives 110 percent to every sport we do. And at the end of the day, no matter how the competition goes, I’m bringing home the best dog in the world.
Scott the Bichon Frise
There’s no rest for Laura Winston of Shingle Springs, California, and her Bichon Frise Scott. Scott was the AKC #1 Bichon 2018. After winning Best in Breed at the AKC National Championship, Winston says they are thrilled to be attending the Kennel Club of Palm Springs Dog Show. Scott was the Bichon Frise of America National Specialty winner in May, and Winston hopes to get the “third jewel” in the “triple crown” as Best in Breed at Westminster.
Q: How long have you been competing in dog shows, and what first got you interested?
A: I have been breeding Bichons Frises at Rosemont Bichons since 1969
Q: What do you look forward to most about the Kennel Club of Palm Springs show?
A: This is an amazing four days of shows with the Sea to Sand Non-Sporting Specialties and then the Kennel Club of Palm Springs shows on the weekend.
Q: What advice would you give others looking to get started in showing dogs?
A: We encourage all prospective puppy owners to do their research and be prepared with questions to ask the breeder.
Q: What’s something about your dogs that most people don’t know?
A: Several Rosemont dogs go on to have jobs. As a Certified Pet Therapy dog, one Rosemont dog, Finley, helps children at the UCLA Children’s Hospital as they deal with surgery, cancer or lengthy hospitalization.
Q: Is there anything else we should know about you, your dogs, or Rosemont Bichons?
A: Our foundation Bichons have been recognized as AKC # 1 Grand Champions throughout the dog fancy show circuit achieving multiple All-breed Best in Shows and BIS Specialties since 2009.
Ready to Watch?
Check out group judging and Best in Show on the AKC.tv live stream Saturday, Jan. 5, at 3:15 p.m. PST. For more information, check out our guide to watching the show.