One of the things that I like best about showing Chessies is that for the most part, dogs are shown at an acceptable weight and in fit condition. At least that is the way it is here in Michigan.
This was evident at the show last weekend during the Veteran Sweeps and Veteran Class competition. The Veteran Sweeps and Veteran Classes are for dogs over 8. Each is divided by sex and by age–over 8 and under 10, and 10 and over.
Thunder is first in line and is 8 years old. The other dog is 9. They can still both strut their stuff around the ring.
Thunder got Best Veteran in Sweeps. It just so happened that the Sweepstakes judge has judged Thunder a few times over the course of his life, but not in the show ring. She is a Chessie breeder, but also trains, runs and judges hunt tests. She was one of the Judges when Thunder ran the Working Dog Excellent Test at the Chessies Specialty in 2009. He was one of two dogs that passed that day. He also ran a Senior test under her, which he also passed. It was kind of fitting that she judged him during one of his last times in the ring. Her comments to hubby as Thunder’s handler was that it was nice to see such a fit solid Veteran Dog. Many thanks to Kathy Heintel for judging Sweeps.
Thunder was also entered in the Veteran Dog Class (over 8 and under 10). There were three dogs entered. As you can see in the video, it was a very nice group. All the dogs looked fit, healthy and moved nicely.
Thunder did a nice job and came in second. He gets really excited when he hears applause which you may be able to spot in the video. As a tribute to the Veteran entries, it is customary to clap as they go around the ring.
Every dog has good points and bad points. One of Thunder’s good points has always been how straight he is when you look at him from the back. There is no evidence of weakness or cow-hocking. It is how he is put together, but we make sure he gets enough exercise so that his rear end stays strong. As dogs age, sometimes their rears get weak. Our pal SlimDoggy has posted some exercises to help Senior dogs strengthen their rears. Check them here and here.
I suppose part of this post could have been a FitDog post, but it is hunting season and the birds are calling the brown dawgs so we will be away from the blog tomorrow and back on Monday.
Have a fabulous weekend!
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Nice one Thunder. Have a great time hunting this weekend and see you next week. Have a tremendous Thursday.
Best wishes Molly
Nice job Thunder! Very impressive! Have fun hunting this weekend!
Hi Y’all!
Thunder, you have the best lookin’ back quarter and should have been the winner in both classes! Just another Chessie’s opinion. 🙂 !
Happy hunting!
Y’all come by now,
Hawk aka BrownDog
Love seeing Thunder and the other Veterans. You know one of our pet peeves is how UNFIT and overweight show Labradors seem to be. It’s a shame. I’m glad to see Chessie owners have held the line against going down that same path as the Labs. Thanks for the shout out for our back leg series.
You can tell Thunder shows well just from the still photos…but the video is great! He moves so nicely around the ring. It’s great that the brown dawgs get so much exercise from all their hunt tests and hunting. You can see how healthy they are, even in their senior years like Thunder.
Oz
All I can say is, your dogs weren’t nearly this old when I started reading your blog two years ago. 😉
Correct me if I’m wrong, but most people who own Chessies use them for hunting purposes, hunt tests or show, is that right?
I think that is one of the key reasons they are is such great shape, because they are being exercised and worked. Lots of other working dogs aren’t being worked, which is sad because their peeps should be making sure they get the proper exercise.
It is good to see Thunder finishing strong in his ‘ring’ career. Have a great weekend and I hope the Brown Dawgs get lots of hunting. 😀
Congratulations Thunder! Well done!! I didn’t know senior dogs lose strength in their rears, thanks for sharing that.
I applauded too as I saw you and the other two dogs. Bravo!!! It was great to watch you in the ring! and now I know what you meant with the muddy shoes and pants, that looked like a strong wind there :o)
“Fit solid Veteran Dog” is such an amazing compliment. Congratulations. It’s so nice to see dogs in such great shape; proof that as a dog ages they don’t have to become just a couch potato. I think Thunder should have won the Veteran Dog Class as well, I’m not a show person but I think he looks the best 🙂
Congrats Thunder!! Looking fab and MUCH younger than your age, if I do say so myself 😉 xo
Katie has issues with her back end collapsing sometimes. It isn’t from lack of exercise, it has to do with her muscles and arthritis. We do exercises and it has helped her out some. It is nice humans applaud the seniors. We dogs do understand when people make us feel special.
Very nice! Congrats on your wins! We are heading to a show tomorrow. 🙂
Yay for hunting season….hope you enjoy yourselves! It’s so wonderful to see the seniors looking good, and getting that special recognition. Our Kobi had problems with his hind quarters, but not until he was 12. We always kept him fit and trim and were proud of that (it’s so common to see overweight beagles). If it wasn’t for an overbite, he could have been a show dog (corrective surgery was possible but we never even considered that).
Just so good looking.
Thunder looks good, and it’s nice that there’s opportunities like this to keep them active.
Sweet Thunder you are looking good and we really enjoyed the video and pictures. Good job!! Hugs and nose kisses
I don’t understand the trend in some breeds to show the dogs when they’re fat. It seems like judges would want healthy dogs in top condition, but I must be wrong. I’m glad Chessies are more down to earth – owner-handled and fit.
Senior dogs are the best!
You’re looking so good for a senior, Thunder. Congrats on your compliment and your performance.
They’re beautiful dogs. I love my Lab (just got a older rescue after losing my last one Barkley to cancer) but I could be tempted to add another sporting breed. Thanks so much for sharing your stories and beautiful picture . Thunder especially is a fine looking dog.