Meet the local dogs in the Westminster Dog Show

Local dogs competing in the Westminster Dog Show

Winston

Name: Winston

Age: 2 years old

Breed: Beagle

Owner: Emily Goldstein of Chapel Hill

Registered name: GCh Lochnaw Speaking in Hyde Park

Winston and Emily's story: Emily is the first in her family to be involved in the dog sports. It was entirely her idea to bring a dog into the house and to compete in dog shows. She is a member of the Durham Kennel Club and was introduced to the Beagle breed by a fellow DKC member. The woman provided mentoring and shared her experience (40+ years with beagles!), and together they have bred several litters. Winston is from the first litter Emily co-bred. She helped whelp the litter, chose him out of the litter of six puppies and trained him. She is considered his owner, breeder and handler. Winston was born May 6, 2010 and is a 15-inch beagle. He finished his championship when he was 11 months old. This was followed by his grand championship a year later. He earned an Award of Excellence at the 2012 AKC/Eukanuba National Championship Dog Show. He loves traveling to dog shows on weekends and relaxing around the house with his pack during the week.

Izzy

Name: Izzy

Age: 2 years old

Breed: Belgian Malinois

Owner: Lynn Daniel of Raleigh

Registered name: Ch Broadcreek's Issabella Queen Of Hearts

Izzy and Lynn's story: "Izzy is the first dog I have ever shown myself, from start to finish. In a very short time, she has won group placement and earned national ranking in the Top 10 for her breed. I was raised with Doberman Pinschers that were always shown by professional handlers. This has been a very new and rewarding experience for the both of us. She is all a Belgian Malinois should be with beauty, brains, movement and a temperament that is better than I could have ever wished for. Whether we take her to shows, the beach, on the boat or just ball play, she is just happiest to be with her people. She is a pleasure to be around and to work with. We love her!"

Tashi

Name: Tashi

Age: 8 years old

Breed: Tibetan Terrier

Owner: Joyce Killinger of Raleigh

Registered name: GCH CH Moonrize Doubleshot Espresso RN CGC

Tashi and Joyce's story: "I never thought I'd be showing a dog at Westminster! Tashi is the first dog I've ever had in my life. Growing up, we had a couple of cats. My husband grew up with a dog at home. When our daughter and son were young, we talked about getting a dog, but I was hesitant with no experience since I knew I'd be the primary responsible person. So, we got a guinea pig instead. Five years later, we decided we were ready for a dog. We researched breeds and liked the Tibetan Terrier, but had never seen one. We chose a breeder from Charlotte and met them at the Raleigh dog shows in September. They show their dogs in AKC conformation shows and asked if I would be willing to let them show him. We just wanted a pet, but I said yes. He is a great dog and I met wonderful people, and the couple that bred him have been great mentors and friends. I took handling classes and began to show him myself. I do all his grooming (long double coat) and didn't even pick a breed that has little grooming. I handled him to earn his Grand Champion and he is a Bronze level Grand Champion. Tashi and I also earned his Rally Novice title, which is an offshoot of obedience. Tashi also earned his Canine Good Citizen Award. He has sired litters and has three AKC Champion kids so far with more on the way and two grandkids that are Grand Champions. I co-bred his last litter at my home and kept his daughter. He was ranked No. 14 in the country for 2012 with limited showing and tied for first place in the country in our breed for the new Owner Handler Series that AKC began in 2012. I am a member of the Tibetan Terrier Club of America and vice president of the Greater South Tibetan Terrier Club. We are hosting our Tibetan Terrier National Specialty in Greensboro in August 2013. My daughter also was involved in Junior Showmanship handling Tashi and helped me at shows when she could."

Jelly

Name: Jelly

Age: 5 years old

Breed: Labrador Retriever

Owners: Sally Sasser and Beverly Shavlik. Handler: Sally Sasser

Registered name: GCH Teracrofts Jelly Doughnut

Tashi and Joyce's story: I have had Labradors for 37 years and have competed in obedience, tracking, hunt tests and conformation. Jelly was born and raised at Teracroft Kennels. She finished her championship from the bred by exhibitor class. She is a fun dog to show because she thoroughly enjoys showing. She never quits. Beverly and I won the breed at Westminster two years in a row back in the 90s and also took a judges award of merit one of those years with a second dog we were showing. It is always exciting to compete there and of course it is even better when you win!

Henry

Name: Henry

Age: 4 years old

Breed: Scottish Terrier

Owner: Amanda Thomas

Registered name: GCH Rock Castle's Mr. President

Henry and Amanda's story: Henry is appearing in Westminster for the first time this year after ending 2012 as the number one Scottish Terrier in North Carolina and the No. 7 Scottie in the country. He won Select Dog at the national terrier show at Montgomery County Kennel Club and Best of Opposite Sex at the AKC/Eukanuba championship in December. His father won an Award of Merit at Westminster in 2004 and 2005 and now does AKC agility; a sport for which stumpy legged Scotties are not typically known! Henry's great, great grandmother, Ch. Gaelforce Post Script, a.k.a. Peggy Sue, was the Best in Show winner at Westminster in 1995 so he has a lot to live up to. I showed Henry to his championship but he is now with professional handler, Santiago Pinto, a terrier expert. I started showing Scotties at age 10 and except for a few breaks during college and then finishing my doctorate, I have shown many of our dogs to their championships. We've had Scotties in my family for 50-plus years because, well, we're a little obsessed! Henry loves to show off (especially when his handler sneaks his tennis ball into the ring) but he also loves to wear his life preserver and head out on the water. Westminster is a thrill for all those involved in the sport so we look forward to just being a part of the action!