Being an aficionado of the Wirehaired Dachshund, I was of
course hoping to see my favourite breed win Best in Show. Alas, it was not to be, though the coveted title did go to a wiry-haired compatriot (albeit on the other end of the
size scale),  a magnificent Scottish
Deerhound named Foxcliffe Hickory Wind. The contenders were narrowed down over a two day period. Firstly, the
dogs compete against other dogs of the same breed. The Best in Breed then go on
to compete against others in their respective group (the seven groups being Sporting,
Non-Sporting, Working, Hound, Terrier, Toy and Herding). During the evening
part of the two-day schedule, spectators get to watch the group
competitions with one dog being selected as the winner from each group. Those
seven group winners then go on to compete for Tuesday evening’s prize title,
Best in Show. It’s all very suspenseful with loads of pressure on both the handlers
and their dogs. The crowds cheer for their favourites and everyone speculates
on just who will be this year’s winner, with the Best In Show champion
attaining  celebrity status in the dog-world.    

photo John Ashbey

Congratulations to gentle giant, Foxcliffe
Hickory Wind, the 2011 Best In Show champion!!

Click here to see
the WKC’s Best In Show video