Jan. 2005 Photo Journal Report from Lana Tsan, SAAB Member, President China KC, NA Working Dogs, International judge, etc etc.

I am nearly fully booked for 2005 which for China is a first as they do not make plans for more than 3 months. I have just judged and also taught (see right) grooming and handling in Xian and judged their first show in snow and ice.

As you can see from the photos it is snowing like cats and dogs but nobody want to leave until the show is over. Most of them wait in the snow with no breakfast or lunch - really die hards - until the show is over at 4 pm.

Editor: note the lovely ribbons and trophies and the banners. And if you have followed some of Lana’s previous photo-journal reports of the past several years, you will also celebrate with her as this is A First!

"The show is only setup in 3 days and is the first ever dog show with official judges using the AKC system." This photo is the BIS and RBIS winners.

The best puppy is a Shetland sheepdog and RBPIS is a American cocker –the puppies are much better quality than the adults.

It has been many years since I have saw such good quality in sheltands or cocker but the cocker’s grooming needs a bit more work.

For 3 days show the entry is a good number over 100 dogs plus lots of the dogs were not allowed to enter because they have single testicles or were in season.

There was also a queue of last minute entries in the show ring on the day of the show which was all turn down.

"Considering it is only a 3 day time and the way things moved and also the snow, the show is a miracle that we all survive pretty well. It is also a first which none of the people involved are all green including the ring stewards. Some of them have never been to a show before".

Could not resist sharing this exquisite artwork Lana also attached. Artist or Breed was not identified but I’m betting it is the Chinese Mastiff!! We’ll find out for you.