Catching Up With Iris Love

Iris Love with her dachshunds, Euphrosyne and Diomedes.

Thanks so much to Elizabeth Romaine for writing in that Iris Love, our favorite (and only?) Grand Dachshund Socialite, is featured in a revealing article in The New York Times that any good Dachshundist will not want to miss.  Elizabeth writes:

Dear Joey and Rowdy,

Just wanted to let you know that in today's NY Times - Rowdy's b-day - that there's a lovely article about Iris Love.  I would never have known about this lovely lady if not for your terrific blog and now I know who took in Mrs. Astor's doxies. Thanks to you as well.

I'm from Westchester County originally, and Mrs. A is one of my heroes. And Ms. Love now is as well. Whatever could be the connection? :)

Gigi Marie Louise sends her best. The Chows remain aloof as always.

Here's an excerpt from the article In Iris Love’s Wide Circle of Friends:

SOME dog lovers live for their dogs and hardly give people the time of day. Others are more social. And then there is Iris Love, the New York socialite whose Pekingese won the Best in Show award this year at the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show.    

A fun-loving and gracious archaeologist, Ms. Love, now 78, has been out-and-about in New York for at least six decades, long enough that [Dachshund Lover] Andy Warhol mentioned her in his diaries nine times.

“I’m a very social person,” Ms. Love said on a recent Friday, while two of her 36 champion dachshunds, Euphrosyne and Diomedes, chewed on bones at a dog-loving friend’s Upper East Side apartment. “And I take pleasure in meeting all kinds of creative people.” 

 Of course when you have Liz Smith in your life — as a friend, romantic partner (“for 15 years,” Ms. Love said) and, these days, roommate — meeting all kinds of people is relatively easy.    

Read the rest at The New York Times.   

Related:  Iris Love in the Archives        

Hound Group Judging at Crufts 2012

Thanks so much to Elspeth S. for writing in:

Hi there Boys,

I thought you might like to see the Hound Group judging at Crufts on Sunday. It gets interesting about 24 seconds in. Sadly the Mini Dachshund came fourth - he would have been Best in Show if I had been judging.
I love the blog. I'm in Glasgow, Scotland and, oh yes, I have a smooth black-and-tan called George, who is sleeping on my knee as I type.


Thanks again!  We were searching for some videos of Dachshund judging at Crufts, but it looks like nothing was posted this year.  But the extra Dachshund lap in the Hound judging makes it all worthwhile! 

Dachshunds To Watch Out For: Her Name Is Charlie

Keep an eye out for this beautiful Grand Champion who hails from Woodland Hills, California, as she competes in the 2012 Westminster Dog Show in a few weeks.  We'll be rooting for you Charlie!   Via the Los Angeles Daily News.

Retro Dachshund Fun: Hazards of the Profession!

Between ring appearances, Professional Handler Woodie Dorward removed his coat for comfort, but he made the mistake of hanging it too near one of the Dachshunds in his van.  Photographer Bill Francis was summoned to capture on film - "Hazards of the Profession!"

via the May, 1973 issue of the American Dachshund magazine.

Stella, the GRAND Champion

Excuse us while we bask in her beauty - it's 'Stella,' the first dual champion longhaired Dachshund female to attain the grand champion title in the United States. Apparently, according to the Post Crescent, to honor those dogs that are super examples of their breed, the AKC started the grand championship program in 2010; previously the highest award was champion. Stella's human, Anne Schmidt, who operates a small hobby kennel at her home in the Town of Center, Wisconsin says:  “I’m very lucky. It took me 30 years to get there, but I got there."

Congrats all around!

Let's hear it for Boone!

Wow Boone, look at the size of those ribbons!

We couldn't be happier to report that Helen Paradise, who has submitted many stories over the years here, has her first AKC Champion of Record in one HANDSOME red smooth named 'Boone.'  Way to go Boone and Helen!  She writes:

Hi Joey and Maggie

Love your blog, read it everyday. I wanted to bring some exciting news to you and your readers. On Saturday June 11th, my 16 month old red smooth male, Boone, officially became my first AKC champion of record. He won a 5 point major and was awarded Winners Dog and Best of Opposite Sex at the famous Greenwich Kennel Club (GKC) dog show in Norwalk, CT. From the GKC website: ‘The GKC is one of the oldest all-breed dog clubs in the tri-state area of Connecticut, New York and New Jersey. Its membership is comprised of area dog enthusiasts with interest in conformation, obedience and performance events. GKC held its first annual all-breed dog show in 1930. Today, this well-established outdoor dog show is one of the largest held in the New England area.’

Boone’s official title is now Ch Tecklewood Huntin’ For Fun Ms. He has brought nothing but joy to me this past year and is now living with an awesome family in Queens, NYC along with another male black and tan dachshund, Brownie.

Thank you and all my best.

Boone in his new home, just chillin' after his recent victory

Wirehairs in History: A Presidential Presentation

It's Wirehair Wednesday, and boy have we got a special treat today.  It's not too common for a Dachshund to take Best in Show, and it's even less common for a President of the United States to present the trophy.  But it happened 35 years ago, when President Gerald R. Ford presented the BIS trophy to Ch Spartan's Sloe Gin Fizz MW.  Via the American Dachshund magazine, May, 1976:

A historical moment for the Dachshund fancy.  At Northeastern Indiana Kennel Club's 52nd All-breed Dog Show, May 2, 1976 out of a total entry of 1533 dogs in Fort Wayne, Indiana.
President Gerald Ford presented the Best in Show Trophy to Ch Spartan's Sloe Gin Fizz MW, Miniature Wirehaired Dachshund.  Shown by Jerry Rigden for Christy Ann Gordon-Creed, Oldland Kennels in Camden, South Carolina.
Left to right - Judge Edward W. Bracy; President Gerald Ford, Handler Jerry Rigden and Ch Spartan's Sloe Gin Fizz MW; Mr. George Bruning, President of Northeastern Indiana Kennel Club; Mr. C.J. Boudreaux, Show Chairman; and Mr. Leland W. Nitzsche.

Related:  Dachshunds in the White House

Crufts, 2011

Katerina Belova from Moscow, Russia with her Dachshund (Smooth-Haired) called 'Chester,' who won Best of Breed March 12, 2011, the third day of dfs Crufts 2011 at the Birmingham NEC

Congratulations to all the Dachshunds and dogs who competed at the 2011 Crufts Dog Show in Birmingham, UK over the weekend.  A beautiful Basset Griffon Vendeen (Petit) took the hounds, and a striking Retriever (Flat Coated) took Best in Show.  See all the Best in Breed Dachshunds at the Crufts official site (scroll down to select Dachshund under the Hound group).


Of the six Dachshund "breeds," Crufts just released the video judging of the Dachshund (Min Smooth-Haired), seen here.


And congrats to Sue Ergis from Poole, Dorset with her Dachshund (Miniature Smooth-Haired) called 'April,' who took Junior Warrant winner on March 11, 2011.

Scenes From IKC 2011

Congratulations to the International Kennel Club of Chicago, who held their 150th show last weekend at Chicago's McCormick Place Complex.  Over 10,000 dogs were in attendance over several days.  Always a great time.  Here are some Dachshund-centric (Dachcentric?) photos by Joey and Maggie.

Friday Dachshund Fun: THE CHAMPION As Only Three Judges Saw Her

(click image to enlarge)

Rounding things up this Westminster week, enjoy some dog show humor as illustrated by Sheila Dolan for The Dachshund Club News (England) some time in the late 1950's or early 1960's.

Have a great Friday!

Westminster 2011: One, Two, Three.....You're Out!

As nearly expected, the Dachshund failed to place in the Hound group at the 135th Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show last night in New York City.  Smooths:  You're Outta Here!  Longhairs:  See Ya Later!  Wirehairs:  You made the initial cut, but better luck next year!  Regardless, night one of the event was exciting to watch, and congratulations to all the stunning Dachshunds who strutted their stuff in the prestigious show.  Catch Best in Show tonight 8-11 p.m. (ET) live on USA Network after the Sporting, Working, and Terrier groups. 
Enjoy the 2011 Best of Breed videos for the Smooth, Longhair, and Wirehair Dachshund - such Champions!


Relive the Dachshund (Smooth) breed judging at the 2011 Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show.


Relive the Dachshund (Longhaired) breed judging at the 2011 Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show.


Relive the Dachshund (Wirehaired) breed judging at the 2011 Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show.

Westminster Starts Today: Disappointing Dachshund Lovers For 135 Years

One Hundred Thirty Five Years on, not a single Dachshund Best in Show.  Oh, Westminster, so much to answer for.  Will this be our year?  Don't hold your breath.  According to NBC Sports, a terrier is expected to take the crown this year, as they have done 46 times:  According to Johnny Avello, the famous Las Vegas wizard of odds who has correctly predicted the winning breed for the past five years, a Smooth Fox Terrier is likely to take the top title in dogdom.
However, this year, there will be a further battle within that breed, as Smooth Fox Terrier contender Dodger will go leash-to-leash against a fellow Smooth Fox Terrier named Adam to take the breed title before the battle to win the terrier group even begins.
Avello has a Smooth Fox Terrier ranked at 6-1 to win, a Pekingese named Malachy listed at 7-1 and a Boxer named Scarlett ranked 8-1.

Sigh.  But we're still rooting Dachshund!  We haven't even taken the Hound group since 1998 - and there's always hope.  Keep up with all things Westminster at the official site. 

Catch the Hounds live tonight:

NIGHT 1:
Monday, February 14
Hound, Toy, Non-Sporting and Herding Groups
8-9 p.m. (ET) live on USA Network
9-11 p.m. (ET) live on CNBC

NIGHT 2:
Tuesday, February 15
Sporting, Working and Terrier Groups, Best In Show
8-11 p.m. (ET) live on USA Network

Dachshunds To Watch Out For: It's Raylene!

Katherine Dettmer nuzzles up Monday to her 6-year-old Dachshund 'Raylene' in her back yard in Gilroy, California.  Raylene, whose show name is Champion Wagswells Ray of Cambria, will compete in the upcoming Golden Gate Kennel Club All-Breed Dog Show at the Cow Palace in San Francisco this weekend.  Go get 'em Raylene!  Read all about the Dettmer family, who have several Dachshunds and a 140-pound bullmastiff(!) at the Gilroy Dispatch.

Dachshunds To Watch Out For: Tug, the No.1 Smooth Dachshund in the United States

Swoon!  Did someone say handsome?  This is 'Tractor Tug,' or just 'Tug' for short.  He was born and bred in Washington Island, Wisconsin, and is the No. 1 all-breed smooth Dachshund in the US.  He will be heading to the next Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show in February.  We're rootin' for ya Tug, it's time for a Dachshund Best in Show!  Read all about this big guy at the Green Bay Press Gazette. 

We're Tired of Being So Pretty

We'd really rather just roll in something stinky.  Owners and their dogs take a break at The 78th Greenwich Kennel Club's All-Breed Dog Show at Taylor Farm in Norwalk, Connecticut on Saturday June 12, 2010.

Photo: Stamford Advocate, Kathleen O'Rourke / Stamford Advocate

Australian Dachshund Survives Deadly Brown Snake Encounter

Meet pretty smooth show dog 'Tinsel,' and her human Melissa Purich, who hail from Holtze, an outer rural area of Darwin, in the Northern Territory of Australia.  The area is apparently just crawling with deadly snakes.  Ms. Purich's mother had just lost 3 baby goats to monster pythons when Tinsel, who lived nearby, had a tussle with a deadly Brown snake.  Excerpt from ntnews:

"Last Monday afternoon I heard a commotion in my front garden amongst my dogs," she said.
"Knowing instantly there was trouble, I rushed over, screaming to my husband Steve Russell to follow.
"There we found my champion show dachshund Tinsel lying collapsed on the ground with her tongue hanging out.
"We noticed the dead and mutilated snake close by."
Both Tinsel and the snake were taken to the Palmerston Veterinary Hospital where Dr Ian Gurry confirmed it was a western brown snake and began Tinsel on three anti-venom injections over nine hours.
Ms Purich said Tinsel made a miraculous recovery.
"It appeared that she was bitten a number of times," she said.
"After three days of treatment and intensive care by Ian's wife, Dr Susan Gurry at Parap, Tinsel made a remarkable recovery after being very close to death.
Ms Purich said Tinsel had qualified for the Best in Show just days before the ordeal.
"Tinsel has proven that for such a little dog she has a lot of fight in her, whether it be fighting snakes or fighting off the competition in the show ring."

Glad to hear that Tinsel is doing so well after her troubling ordeal.  Read more at ntnews.

How's The View From Up There?

'Bugsy' the Dachshund waits for his turn with his handler on March 12, 2010 at the Purina National dog show, which took place this last weekend at the International Centre in Toronto, Canada. (VERONICA HENRI, Toronto Sun)

Dachshunds and Dogs at Chicago's International Kennel Club 2010

Over 10,000 dogs showed up 2 weeks ago for the 2010 International Kennel Club of Chicago. Once again we didn't get to go. Dad took about 50 photos though, (he FINALLY got them uploaded, ahem), and there were some beautiful Dachshunds and dogs.

Crufts Begins Today

Crufts, the  "world's largest dog show" begins today in Birmingham, England, and despite the troubling press the organization has received, the show will go on, with nearly 28,000 dogs competing over the next several days.  Above, 12-year-old Elliot Haywood, who hails from Devizes, will be one of the youngest handlers competing at this year's event; he will be handling his grandmother's Dachshunds seen here, 'Cleo,' and 'Razzy.'  We're rootin' for ya!  His grandmother said:  “Elliot is not in the least nervous about competing against adults. In fact, I think he prefers that to being in competition with people his own age.”  Source.

Keep up with Crufts at the official site.  Hounds are being judged on Friday.  We'll do our best to provide highlights. 

It Should've Been ME, It Could've Been ME, Everybody Knows, Everybody Says So

Handler Jeani McKenney, from Putman, Connecticut, holds 'Joey,' a Smooth Haired Black and Tan Dachshund belonging to Jim and Gail Andreyka, of Monroe, CT, at the Westminster Kennel Club dog show, at Madison Square Garden, NY, on Monday, February 15, 2010.

After missing the cut, Joey barked and ran deliriously in circles as his handler directed a red laser beam along the floor.
"He loves to chase laser lights," McKenney said of Joey.

Read about some more Dachshunds who didn't make the cut at the Danbury News-Times.

Oh Westminster, so much to answer for.