Charlotte K. (02-28-2018), JenC (02-27-2018), windycanyon (02-26-2018)
April 10-13 in Frederick, MD, is the biggest Labrador specialty in the world (specialty is a show for just one breed), held by the Labrador Retriever Club of the Potomac. If you are interested in seeing hundreds and hundreds of Labradors from all areas of the country (the total entry is always well over 1,000), or possibly looking for a breeder of your next puppy, this is a good way to see what lots of different breeders produce and note who you might want to get in touch with (information about the dogs and their breeders/owners is available in the catalog that is for sale at the show). Many breeders, including some in this forum, are in attendance and/or showing dogs at this show.
The conformation portion of the show is held outdoors at the Clarion (formerly Holiday Inn) near the Francis Scott Key mall in Frederick: Google Maps
The obedience and rally trials are held indoors in Frederick at Breakaway Action Dogs: Google Maps
This year's judges span the globe, with breeder judges from Finland, England, and Canada. More info can be found here: Spring Specialty and here: https://pdf.infodog.com/prm/1698/prm1698.pdf
Charlotte K. (02-28-2018), JenC (02-27-2018), windycanyon (02-26-2018)
wow, never knew this and I have close family that live there...matter a fact I will be there in apr...
voodoo (02-26-2018)
There is great parking in the Mall for spectators too. 3 rings of Gorgeous dogs from around the world all in one place, the first time I attended I was gobsmacked...
I will be there this year, although without dogs this time, and I am stud shopping :-) and socializing and networking with other breeders. The Gala, the Top Twenty, the match on Monday, the Breeder's seminar, the shopping, the great local area seafood. I am so excited.
This caught my attention as I had the pleasure of a visit from a family who was obviously from the UK this weekend. They had bought littermates from England 14.5 yrs ago, but lost their boy since. Were looking high and low for a comparable breeder. Ends up all that talk and status of "English" style brought them here (their girl is ~55# and boy was only ~65#). Ahem.... I have MUCH more moderate dogs than most US show folks. Bottom line, everyone needs to do their own homework.
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The WindyCanyon Girls (taken Summer 2018)
IntCH WindyCanyon's Northern Spy CDX RA JH OA OAJ CC (14.5 yrs)
IntCH WindyCanyon's Ruby Pink BN CD RA CC (4.5 yrs)
IntCH WindyCanyon's Kanzi BN CDX RE JH (5 yrs)
IntCH WindyCanyon ItsOnlyMoneyHoneycrisp BN RN CC (16mos)
IntCH WindyCanyon's Pippin BN RI CC (2.5 yrs)IntCH WindyCanyon's Envy CDX RE JH CC (10.5 yrs)
IntCH HIT WindyCanyon's Kiku A Fuji Too CDX RE JH CC (10 yrs)
And you'll see every manner of Labrador -- all show bred, but varying types, at this show. I definitely agree that people should do their homework about breeders, and one good way to collect data points to see what you like and want to look at in your own home is to view lots of Labradors together in the flesh. The judges are almost always a mix of European folks and US folks, so the dogs are being evaluated often by judges from "the old country." This is reflected in the dogs they put up overall and in the classes. 2015 WB was very classic, moderate; put up by an English judge. I can't see any of the judges this year putting up an overdone dog. I think some of the most beautiful dogs for my taste right now are in Finland, Sweden vs. England.
windycanyon (02-27-2018)
Hmm, how did a general information thread about the largest single breed (specialty - one breed of dog only) dog show in the World, (Labrador Retriever Club of the Potomac) with Labradors from all over the World become a warning about doing homework? Everyone looking for a quality Labrador should be doing due diligence when researching breeders.
All this "English", UK, etc... verbiage just confuses people, look for a breeder that breeds the style you like, do your research and go from there. I usually just tell people that an "English" Labrador was born in the UK, and and "American" Labrador was born on USA soil. LOL
Charlotte K. (02-28-2018), dxboon (02-27-2018), windycanyon (02-27-2018)
Maybe next year. I keep thinking about doing it, and then something comes up. I dont' want to leave Tickle if she's pregnant.
Jen
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Probably not going this year ... the Obedience entry isn’t big enough to generate enough OTCH points to justify spending on a hotel, and the pups aren’t ready to start their Novice titles yet. They have lovely ribbons and prizes though!
Annette
Cookie (HIT HC Jamrah's Legally Blonde, UDX, OM2, BN) 6/4/2015
Sassy (HIT Jamrah's Blonde Ambition, UDX, OM2, BN) 6/4/2015
Chloe (HIT HC OTCH Windsong's Femme Fatale, UDX4, OM6, RE) 6/7/2009
And remembering:
Scully (HC Coventry's Truth Is Out There, UD, TD, RN) 4/14/1996 - 6/30/2011
Mulder (Coventry's I Want To Believe, UD, RN, WC) 5/26/1999 - 4/22/2015
And our foster Jolie (Windsong's Genuine Risk, CDX) 5/26/1999 - 3/16/2014
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