Spring 2016 Saber Tails 15
Petit Basset Griffon Vendéen Club of America
Westminster 2016
by Tiffany Cannon
F
or many of us, Westminster is the dog show that
started it all. Easily, the most recognized show in the
United States, Westminster was probably the way most
of our club members and PBGV owners were intro-
duced to our wonderful breed. I certainly would never
have known of their existence if not for seeing them
proudly gaiting around Madison Square Garden from
the comfort of my living room. Long before getting my
first show dog, my personal bucket list included attend-
ing Westminster in person. This year, I am able to put a
check in the ‘Completed’ column for that wish.
T
he AKC has worked to expand this big and well-at-
tended show over the past few years moving breed
judging to the Piers from Madison Square Garden,
adding Meet the Breeds, Agility trials, Obedience etc.
Consequently, the show has gone through some clunky
adjustments...but overall, I think it is working well. For
the exhibitors who attend in person, I know there are
still a lot of rough spots that need adjusting to make the
showing experience more seamless and ‘user-friendly.’
But I am impressed with the experience of the show for
the general public. New additions to the show are be-
ing made every year to bring it more in line with some
of the bigger international shows and, while it will take
a while to work out the kinks, the public seems to be
responding very positively and comes out in droves!
T
his year, Westminster officially kicked off on Saturday
with Meet the Breeds. I will admit, and you will see
if you read the Board Meeting notes, that the PBGVCA
originally turned down the invitation to participate in this
pre-show event. There are A LOT of rules imposed by the
show committee and the city about when participants
must arrive, be set up and ready to meet the public, how
long they must stay and when they must be completely
vacated, where they must park, etc. There are also some
significant costs associated with participation as well. But
Sue Smyth stepped up and offered to jump through the
required hoops and organized a tremendous effort to
represent PBGVs at this incredibly well-attended exhibi-
tion. Huge thanks to all who participated: Shelley Bar-
clay, Doug Canfield, Coady Egan and her parents, Megan
& Dave Esherick, Jana Kolpen, Pat & Nick Reading, Mona
Stiles and Sue Smyth. Also amazing is how well the dogs
did in the crush of people all clamoring to get their hands
on our happy little
hounds.
A
gility also took place
over the weekend
and we are excited that
our breed was represent-
ed by Megan Esherick
with her girls Chili and
Salsa. Amazingly, both
girls ‘Qualified’ complet-
ing the course with no
DQ faults (which can be
an incredible feat for
PBGVs at any show, but
at a show with
Cont’d p 19