HHC's Shakespeare at Ticketty-Boo
D.O.B.: August 11, 2006
Red-Tri Male (Neutered)
He was my first show dog and we trained for his debut intensely. He was such a quick learner and from one week to the next learned in leaps and bounds. During his first conformation show, at seven and a half months, he performed like a seasoned Champion. He stood like a statue, except when the judge came up to him, he gave her a happy bum wiggle. Shakespeare impressed the judge and he took the breed. I was thrilled and waited for group. Shakespeare's performance was consistent and he went on to take group over some very tough competition. We waited, again. Then we were in the ring for "Best in Show". The feeling was overwhelming, but little Shakespeare showed no sign of nerves. Shakespeare performed and loved every moment of the crowds clapping. Judge Pat Reid took her final look and said, "These are all very nice dogs, but I am going to give it to ... you." Was she pointing at Shakespeare and I? A moment of disbelief and then it was clear, she was walking right over to us!
To this day, Shakespeare does not realize he's neutered and no longer a "show dog". Every morning when I turn on the blow-dryer, Shakespeare comes running for me to dry him off, too! Regardless of how dry he is already! He just loves to be groomed and brushed, it's too funny for words. If you ask him to show, he puts on a serious face and does his best stack.
But now, Shake's time is dedicated to playing with the two loves of his life, Kiah and Dizzy, and training for an agility career.
He is our goofy boy with a heart of gold! We just adore him!
A note about the "Mini" Aussie:
As you see, Shakespeare is a "Mini Aussie". When I first saw a "Mini Aussie" at a dog park, I thought the breed would fit into my life perfectly. They were close to the same size as a Sheltie, a herding breed and seemed to be less noisy and require less grooming. While the breed is not CKC recognized, at the time that did not matter to me. Having always been interested in showing, I agreed to purchase Shakespeare on a show contract. Because minis are not recognized by the CKC, they must be shown as a rare breed. At Shakespeare's first show, I was hooked on showing. However, I became very disappointed with my breed of choice. I was upset with the fact that not only are they not registered, they are not even accepted as an Australian Shepherd by the CKC or ASCA. I began to understand the reasons why "Mini Aussies" are not considered a variety of the Australian Shepherd. The Australian Shepherd standard states that size is not to be sacrificed for quality. As such, I neutered Shakespeare and am now committed to breeding the Australian Shepherd to the ASCA and CKC breed standards and to help maintain and better the breed.
D.O.B.: August 11, 2006
Red-Tri Male (Neutered)
He was my first show dog and we trained for his debut intensely. He was such a quick learner and from one week to the next learned in leaps and bounds. During his first conformation show, at seven and a half months, he performed like a seasoned Champion. He stood like a statue, except when the judge came up to him, he gave her a happy bum wiggle. Shakespeare impressed the judge and he took the breed. I was thrilled and waited for group. Shakespeare's performance was consistent and he went on to take group over some very tough competition. We waited, again. Then we were in the ring for "Best in Show". The feeling was overwhelming, but little Shakespeare showed no sign of nerves. Shakespeare performed and loved every moment of the crowds clapping. Judge Pat Reid took her final look and said, "These are all very nice dogs, but I am going to give it to ... you." Was she pointing at Shakespeare and I? A moment of disbelief and then it was clear, she was walking right over to us!
To this day, Shakespeare does not realize he's neutered and no longer a "show dog". Every morning when I turn on the blow-dryer, Shakespeare comes running for me to dry him off, too! Regardless of how dry he is already! He just loves to be groomed and brushed, it's too funny for words. If you ask him to show, he puts on a serious face and does his best stack.
But now, Shake's time is dedicated to playing with the two loves of his life, Kiah and Dizzy, and training for an agility career.
He is our goofy boy with a heart of gold! We just adore him!
A note about the "Mini" Aussie:
As you see, Shakespeare is a "Mini Aussie". When I first saw a "Mini Aussie" at a dog park, I thought the breed would fit into my life perfectly. They were close to the same size as a Sheltie, a herding breed and seemed to be less noisy and require less grooming. While the breed is not CKC recognized, at the time that did not matter to me. Having always been interested in showing, I agreed to purchase Shakespeare on a show contract. Because minis are not recognized by the CKC, they must be shown as a rare breed. At Shakespeare's first show, I was hooked on showing. However, I became very disappointed with my breed of choice. I was upset with the fact that not only are they not registered, they are not even accepted as an Australian Shepherd by the CKC or ASCA. I began to understand the reasons why "Mini Aussies" are not considered a variety of the Australian Shepherd. The Australian Shepherd standard states that size is not to be sacrificed for quality. As such, I neutered Shakespeare and am now committed to breeding the Australian Shepherd to the ASCA and CKC breed standards and to help maintain and better the breed.
When my little sister, Keely, comes up for a visit, Shakespeare becomes "her dog" on her request. Shakespeare plays the role perfectly. He follows her around allows her to hold him and hug him... This photograph taken through the window tugs at my heart. They were alone in the yard together and Shakespeare was doing his best to be her best friend.
The first BIS by a Mini in Canadian History. Go Shakey!
The photo above and to the right are some of my favorites of Shake, because they capture is lovable personality. Above he is throwing his toy to see if treats come out. The expression on his face, one of curiousity and hopefulness!
To the right, asking nicely if Kiah would like to share her bone with him. She does! One chews one end and the other chews the other end.
To the right, asking nicely if Kiah would like to share her bone with him. She does! One chews one end and the other chews the other end.
In the Best in Show ring at 7.5 months!