[PyrNet-L] Tanuki's First Show -- a bit of a brag

[Dancingpyr@aol.com]

Hi Everyone,

This weekend, the Spartanburg (SC) Kennel Club held a sanctioned match at the 
USC-Spartaburg Campus.  It was a wonderful setting for a dog get together, 
and David and I took Zoe (who needed the practice) and Tanuki, our youngest 
male.  This was Tanuki's first show experience.  He'll be 2 1/2 on Christmas 
Eve, and up until now we've been reluctant to show him.  He spends his days 
really working -- keeping an eye on our goats, and up until his death in 
mid-October, our 30 year old horse.  He's tall (30" at withers), and with his 
longish legs seemed a bit ackward at best.  We were afraid his movement would 
be a detriment -- he had a tendency to "sachet" when he walks and he's very 
"laid back".  However, over the summer, he has seemed to mature and really 
come together as a pyr.

Well, we were very pleasantly surprised.  Zoe and Tanuki were the only pyrs 
entered, and while Zoe comes from excellent English lines she is still very 
much a pup.  The judge put Tanuki up over Zoe.  After judging, we had a 
chance to speak with the judge about Tanuki.  She loved his size, thought he 
had a beautiful head and colour, and felt his gait as viewed from the side 
was classic pyr movement.  She stressed that it was only HER opinion, but if 
she had him, she'd show him for sure. 

After all the working dogs were judged, it was time for the Working Group 
judging.  I took Tanuki back into the ring, and we trotted around with a 
Great Dane, Dobi, Rottie, Husky, and Mastif.  This time, the judge awarded us 
a Group III -- I was very pleased!

I know it was a match, and no points were awarded, but the positive feedback 
for this guy was incredible!  

Robyn 
dancingpyr@aol.com
Taylors, South Carolina