Dog Show a Great Part of Thanksgiving
This year, my holiday tradition is going to have to take a back seat to reality. Normally, we get up early on Thanksgiving, eat cinnamon rolls fresh from the oven, watch some of the Macy's parade, watch a little football while I'm getting the turkey dressed and then sit down in front of the TV and actually watch the dog show - every bit of it.
This year, we're going to be different.
My oven went out over the weekend. Can I get it fixed in time for Thanksgiving? Maybe. Maybe not. So instead of planning a big meal, I'm going to just practice what I preach and take a couple of my dogs to a long-term care facility to visit with the residents. Then I'm going to come home and stuff myself with a store-bought pumpkin pie while watching the dog show. I can always eat turkey. The Thanksgiving dog show is only once a year. Check your local listings.
And, while we're talking dogs and Thanksgiving, I have some trivia questions for you. The answers are at the end of my column.
Question: According to the American Kennel Club, which two breeds of dogs accompanied the pilgrims on that first trip from England to Plymouth Rock in 1620? I'll give you a hint: Since they came from England, they have English roots and one has English as part of its official name.
While you're trying to come up with that one, here's another one for you:
Question: The Alaskan Malamute is one of only a few truly American breeds, fully developed in this country. Can you name any others? Hints: Many breeds of dogs, such as the American pitbull terrier, American Foxhound and American cocker spaniel, actually were developed elsewhere and then refined and named here. And oddly, one truly American breed has another country in its official name.
Question: True or false, because it is a registry for purebred dogs, mixed-breed dogs may not compete in dog shows sanctioned by the American Kennel Club.
First answer: The first answer is, according to the American Kennel Club, the mastiff and the English Springer spaniel were the two breeds of dogs to accompany the pilgrims on their long voyage.
Second answer: The Boston terrier, Catahoula leopard dog and, surprisingly, the Australian shepherd are considered three truly American breeds.
Third answer: False. Go to www.AKC.org/mixedbreeds to register any mixed-breed dog in order to show your dog in all but the specific breed conformation shows. Mixed breeds can show in obedience, agility and rally - all of the fun stuff.
So, get that pesky dinner over with so you can sit down and watch the dog show.
Happy Thanksgiving everyone.
Terry Jester is a nationally recognized companion animal behaviorist. To learn more about companion animal training, visit www.rockymountainrawhide.com. For questions about your own pet, call Jester at (970) 568-7585 or send e-mail to arriniranch@aol.com.
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