Illinois seems to be quite the popular dog show breeding state although many people may not realize it. It is more recognizable when one of those said dogs becomes a Westminster Best-of-Breed winner. That type of status raises awareness.
Quantum Leap (Q) will be eight years old this year. He is the product of Meirleac’s Custard’s Last Stand (Custer) and Meirleac’s Sunny Side Up (Sunny), both Grand Champion Soft-Coated Wheaten Terriers. Although Q was never in the show ring, he is our Grand Champion!
Diana, Dan, Sharon and Katie Kauzlarich do have a dog in their midst that is Westminster’s Best-of-Breed. This two-year-old Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever lives in Farmington, Illinois. Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show takes place in New York each year.
Dogs like Diana, Sunny and Custer do not make big dollars from dog shows. They earn ribbons and once in a while, a trophy. As far as cash is concerned, there is typically more outlay than income. There is also a great deal of cost to keep the dogs, welp the puppies, train the dogs and then either travel with them or pay to have them kept by a show expert.
The dogs work hard and are away from their families for practically six months out of the year. They compete for several years and then some are bred for a few more before they are allowed to retire. We were actually very happy when Q ended up being slight of stature so was not right for the ring!
Thankfully many of the dogs still have a personality. They pose for photos, they have funny actions and they like their own space. They are not the uppity type individuals that famous humans tend to be although they assume an air when they are in the show ring. They more or less just let it all hang out at home!
In the show ring, however, Diana is not known as Diana. Instead, she has a crazy long name like GCH Princess Cut Diamond Beekauz CD RN JH. Each portion of her name is an indicator. Diana is just so much easier though!
Show dogs are typically bred for health and temperament. Good markings help their situation, however.
Diana fits this bill, too. In fact, when she is not showing, she is actually a therapy dog for the area hospital. Being a therapy dog, many may consider, is a much more important role, but the dog enjoys the show ring, so for her, she may benefit from both careers.
Illinois has several breeders and, so it seems, some very important show dogs. Not every state has a Westminster Best of Breed winner to claim for its own. If you would like information about the kennel where Diana was bred, check out www.beekauzkennels.com. Meirleac Wheatens was once located in Elgin, Illinois.
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