Our First Champion!

It was a lovely weekend at the Greater Humble Area Dog Show in Humble, Texas last weekend. Several of our Standard Schnauzer friends were in town for the event. The set up was organized and laid back, running like clock work, as we all learned our jobs and helped each other get the dogs ready. 

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Things were equally mellow on Sunday. Spirits were high as the gang sported little plastic cupcake rings, which were a momento of the occasion, and posed for the camera. Even the dogs were hamming it up for the camera.

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And we are "pleased as punch" to report that Kord showed well. He went first in his class and reserve winners dog on Saturday. Then he finished the weekend with Best of Winners and a 5pt Major which was enough to carry him to his championship on Sunday.

 Ch. Stahlkrieger's Southern Light, CGC - Greater Humble Dog Show: Oct. 10, 2010

A little shout out to our friend and handler, Maxine Petteway (Von Schaden Standard Schnauzers) and to our breeder, Cheryl Crompton (Stahlkrieger's Schnauzers).  We couldn't have done it without you!


We got into conformation in a way that is a little different than what is usually recommended ...  We wanted a nice puppy and knew that we wanted to do some performance sports with him (obedience and/or agility). We weren't originally looking for a show puppy, but we were curious about the sport.  I had only been to one or two shows and my husband hadn't even done that.. but we thought that it "might be fun" to try. Cheryl said she thought our boy could be finished if we wanted to try it and suggested that we talk to Max. Max spent months working with us, helping us to learn how to train him and getting his coat into condition... and low and behold, he did good. :-) But more importantly, we had a good time spending time together as a family, with our dog, and making new friends.

Everyone in our little circle of dog show friends has been amazingly kind and generous with both their time and knowledge. They are excellent role models both for the sport and as people. We feel very blessed to have them in our lives.


So, now we are hooked!

A little celebration as the judge chooses Kord!

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Although we have been attending handling classes and I have helped with other's dogs, I have been very anxious about getting into the ring with Kord myself. But after others did all the heavy lifting to get us to the major, I got brave and took my own dog in for Best of Breed judging. We both survived. Proof positive that "if I can do it... you can do it" :-)

Kord and I, in the breed ring for the first time together.