'Though hunting, hunt tests and field trials are the major focus of what we do with our Brittanys, we also spend much time showing them in the AKC conformation (dog show) ring.  We do this for several reasons: 

1) First of all we strongly support the Brittany "Dual Concept."  That is, a Brittany should excel in the field and the show ring.  Here is a quote from a fellow field trialer and Brittany enthusiast:
    "Heck, during the average hunting day you might spend at most 5 minutes of the total day with birds in the air, shooting at them.  The rest of that whole day, you are looking at the hind end of your Britt.  It may as well be a pretty dog..." 
    We think that there is nothing more pretty in the pointing dog world than a Dual Quality Brittany hunting hard and locking rock-solid on point, on a crisp fall day!  There is true artistry in the whole affair.  Todd

2) Conformation shows help maintain the breed.  In other words, they keep the breed (Brittanys or Pekingese) true to the AKC Breed Standard [Brittany | Pekingese].  Dog breeds are created and maintained by people.  Conformation shows reward those dogs that best represent the breed standard and are a large part of the breed maintenance process.

3) One of the AKC activities we can do with our Pekingese are conformation shows.  Their beautiful flowing coat and their personality (which is defined as a "...combination of regal dignity, intelligence and self-importance...") lend themselves to the show ring environment.  As long as we are showing the Pekes, we may as well show the Brittanys!!

4) Our daughter Skye, born with Downs syndrome (trisomy-21) is having success with our Pekingese in the conformation ring!  She can do this and compete equally with every one!!  There are not many other activities where she can compete equally and have success...

5) Our daughter Sari enjoys showing the Brittanys in the breed ring and participating in Junior Handling.  In Junior Handling the young handler is judged on how well they handle the dog rather than the dogs conformation being judged.  This helps young people be better handlers in the future.

6) AKC conformation shows are one of the many ways we keep our kids busy and out of trouble!

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Brittany Show Links: Wyndy's Show Photos Show Links	Pekingese Show Links: Showing Pekingese Show Links
Sari Handling	Skye Handling

We like to take flower photos where ever we travel-England.  Photo by Todd

Europe.  Photo by Jan

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