Paw Nation

National Dog Show - Behind the Scenes with Curry the Champion Glen of Imaal Terrier

Rob Shuter — Thu, 25 Nov 2010 16:00:00 EST

Filed under: Dogs

Curry with co-owner/handler Bruce Sussman at the NDS. www.topk9s.com

You may remember Curry, the celebrity Glen of Imaal terrier who has occasionally toiled as Paw Nation's canine advice columnist. Unfortunately, with her go-go show-dog life, she's been too busy to write for us lately, so her co-owner (and PopEater columnist) Rob Shuter, stepped in to give us the scoop on Curry's winning day at the National Dog Show presented by Purina.

Since her triumphant Best of Breed win at the Westminster Kennel Club Dog show last February, Curry, our beloved Glen of Imaal terrier, has been a busy little showgirl. She's competed at American Kennel Club shows from Maine to Indiana and won Best of Breed 35 out of 36 times.

Along the way, Curry racked up an amazing 18 terrier-group placements, including three times in first place, a new record for the breed, making her the No. 1 Glen of Imaal terrier in the land. With this brisk wind at her back, she arrived in Philadelphia for the National Dog Show,

Like Westminster, the National Dog Show is one of the few remaining benched shows, i.e. the dogs are each assigned their own holding/grooming area and must remain on display all day so the public may have the opportunity to meet all the breeds. Curry spent the morning greeting her public, answering their probing questions, kissing many a face, and posing for photos and video shoots. A bit past noon, it was time to make her apologies to her adoring fans and get to the serious job of grooming in order to prepare herself for the Best of Breed competition.

Continue reading National Dog Show - Behind the Scenes with Curry the Champion Glen of Imaal Terrier

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Ask Curry! - Would You Ever Wear a Diamond-Studded Dog Collar?

Rob Shuter — Mon, 05 Apr 2010 14:00:00 EST

Filed under: Dogs

Kate Lacey

Meet jet-setting show dog Curry, Paw Nation advice columnist. In between competing at the top dog shows, Curry finds time to answer the questions all dogs long to ask. From grooming advice (Curry just won Best in Breed at Westminster, so she knows a thing or two about looking gorgeous) to tips on getting along with the craziest of canines (she lives in Manhattan so she has to make friends with the many other dogs on the block), this 3-year-old Glen of Imaal terrier has all the answers to your crucial canine queries.

Did you hear about the new dog collar that cost $52,000? I know that as a glamorous show dog you have appearances to keep up, but would you ever wear a diamond collar? What do you think about other pricey pet accessories like booties and coats?
--Katie, a 6-year-old Irish terrier

Katie, what a great question! I can see you are right up to date on all the important breaking news.

The handcrafted $52,000 collar with 18 carat diamonds made me laugh. (And you know that dogs do laugh thanks to my insightful previous column)

I don't want to sound harsh, but only a human would be stupid enough to waste all that money on diamonds, a completely useless mineral, when they could be buying bacon. We love them dearly but they will never learn that wasting money on expensive collars and embarrassing coats is really all about them rather than us.

Have you ever seen a poor four-legged brother or sister hopping down the street wearing one of those ridiculous doggie raincoats? I'm sure the human has the best intentions, not realizing that both dogs and our embarrassing distant cousin, the wolf, have their own built in raincoats. It's called fur.

Also, for me, a heavy collar makes me worry that I'm in trouble. Pressure on my neck and back reminds me of when I was a very free-spirited pup and my mom would have her mouth on the back of my neck to reprimand me. I'm happy to have a nice lightweight but lovely collar to wear every day, but that's about it.

Humans, keep your diamonds and coats. We dogs are perfect just the way we are. After all, you wouldn't put a bumper sticker on a Bentley!

Ask Curry your questions by e-mailing her at curry@pawnation.com.

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Ask Curry! - Do All Dogs Recognize Their Owners' Smell?

Rob Shuter — Mon, 29 Mar 2010 15:00:00 EST

Filed under: Dogs

Kate Lacey

Meet jet-setting show dog Curry, Paw Nation advice columnist. In between competing at the top dog shows, Curry finds time to answer the questions all dogs long to ask. From grooming advice (Curry recently won Best in Breed at Westminster, so she knows a thing or two about looking gorgeous) to tips on getting along with the craziest of canines (she lives in Manhattan so she has to make friends with the many other dogs on the block), this 3-year-old Glen of Imaal terrier has all the answers to your crucial canine queries.

Can all dogs recognize their owner by smell?
--Barry, a 6-year-old Basset Hound from Vegas

Yes!

Of all the wonderful senses we have, Barry, our sense of smell is the most important. Our humans sweat and create special smells they leave that behind on everything they touch. It is just yummy! My trail is wagging just thinking about it! Even the air is perfumed with sweat which we find incredibly easy to identify. Before I see my owner, I can smell him coming down the street and I'm not even a trained in the smelling department.

A friend of mine, Rex, has been trained not only to notice different smells, but also to understand changes in odor over time as it diminishes with every second that passes. That takes smarts and a great nose. Rex puts his amazing sense of smell to good use with the police force. (See, I don't just run with the glamour-show dog crowd.)

My sniffer, however, is not used to catch criminals or locate missing people. Mostly I use it to find my Daddy. I love everything that smells like him and don't understand why he is constantly bathing and squirting himself to smell like Calvin Klein. Why he would want to smell like another gentleman is beyond me! I even found a stinky sock in the bottom of his closet and I liked it so much I put it beneath the pillow where I sleep!

Ask Curry your questions by e-mailing her at curry@pawnation.com.

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Ask Curry! - "How Can I Compete In Dog Shows?"

Rob Shuter — Mon, 22 Mar 2010 16:00:00 EST

Filed under: Dogs

Kate Lacey

I am an 18-month-old Glen of Imaal terrier, and your most ardent fan! I follow all of your show ring performances and read your column as often as I can get my paws on my owner's laptop. My other interests include hunting the mice and squirrels in my yard and digging after the delicious scent of moles in their burrows. I do however have dreams of breaking into the exciting world of competition. Any advice for a pup that craves a bit of the limelight?
--Monroe, Your Number-One Fan

Monroe pudding, what a doll you are sending such a nice note. I simply adore my pet followers. Remember, you don't need to be a glamorous showgirl lto enjoy a lot of attention. Even when I'm not dolled up for the show ring, I am still the apple of my humans' eye as I'm sure you are too, Monroe.

You sound like you have a lovely life. Oh how I wish I could enjoy the delicious scents of moles rather than Jo Malone perfume. In the city it's really hard to find anything natural including some of the human's faces.

If you really do want to experience the world of showing, look at yourself in the mirror and ask yourself how close you are to the official AKC breed standard. Every breed has a breed standard, a written document detailing what the perfect dog of each breed should look like. The Glen standard is what every Glen of Imaal Terrier, including me, is judged against. If you feel like you make the cut, find a small local show where you can find out not only a judge's opinion of you, but also your own feeling about how much you enjoy participating in a show. Some dogs don't like this kind of competition. -- and its not your only option.

Continue reading Ask Curry! - "How Can I Compete In Dog Shows?"

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Ask Curry! - March 15, 2010

Rob Shuter — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 15:00:00 EST

Filed under: Dogs

Kate Lacey

Do you have any famous dog friends that you "hang" out with? Or dogs whose owners are famous? And what does a Westminster winning diva do on a play date? Please tell all. And keep walking that walk girl!
--Kimberly from New Jersey

Kimberly darling,
It's true that I am a Westminster winning leading lady. But at heart I'm a girl of simple tastes.

My people told me that a Hollywood reality TV star had recently been in touch to arrange a playdate with me and her pooch after my spectacular performance at Madison Square Garden -- but I said no. If they didn't want to be my friend before I became famous then I don't want them as friends now. (With the natural exception of any of Oprah's pups.)

You see Kimberly, little old me likes to keep it real. I hang out with Butter, a cute French Bulldog in my building that has quite the wardrobe. Other friends include my Kerry Blue Terrier neighbors, Mr. and Mrs. Smith. (Who doesn't love a naughty Kerry Blue or two..) They live on the floor above me in a posh apartment with a terrace. Oh how I wish I could go to the bathroom with just the swinging open of a door instead of those long 15 flights down in the elevator.

For me, the perfect play date would be a run at the doggie park--but not too long a run. When my tongue hangs down past my nose, this girl knows it time to head home. Then I jump on the sofa and turn on The National Geographic Channel where Cesar Millan can whisperer in my ear all day long

The only famous non-show dog I have ever met is a sassy Papillon that lives with Debbie Harry from the band Blondie. (She lives down the street from me.) And just like her human, this dog's cheek bones are to die for, I keep telling her to "Call me, call me any, anytime."

She hasn't yet, but I'm still hoping.

Ask Curry your questions by e-mailing her at curry@pawnation.com.

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Ask Curry! - March 8, 2010

Rob Shuter — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 15:00:00 EST

Filed under: Dogs

Kate Lacey

Meet jet-setting show dog Curry, Paw Nation's newest advice columnist. In between competing at the top dog shows, Curry finds time to answer the questions all dogs long to ask. From grooming advice (Curry just won Best in Breed at Westminster, so she knows a thing or two about looking gorgeous) to tips on getting along with the craziest of canines (she lives in Manhattan so she has to make friends with the many other dogs on the block), this 3-year-old Glen of Imaal terrier has all the answers to your crucial canine queries.

Like you, I'm proud to be from Ireland and have big plans for St. Patrick's Day. What about you? I would also love to meet some of the other terriers from the great Emerald and Isle - what do you know about them?
-- Polly. a 5-year old Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier

Hi Polly,

I am planning on going to see the parade in NYC to celebrate the great day. My daddy brings out my special green leash, which is a huge improvement from the Leprechaun outfit he once tried to squeeze me into.

But getting back to your question, nine dog breeds were developed in Ireland to hunt and retrieve birds, herd sheep, track down fox and badger, turn the spit on the fire, rid the farm of vermin and keep the bed warm at night. These include the Irish Wolfhound and the Irish Setter -- but let's be honest, you and I only, really care about the terriers. They are:

The Glen of Imaal Terrier
This is me. Glen of Imaal Terriers are rough-and-ready working terriers -- big dogs on short legs that were originally bred to rid the home of vermin and rotate the turnspit over the hearth. (To this day, we are all excellent cooks.)

The Kerry Blue Terrier.
Originally bred to hunt and retrieve, the Kerry Blue's trademark soft wavy coat looks like velvet. They have a typical terrier personality and are true hunters -- so cats beware!

The Irish Terrier
Known for their fire red coats that are short and wiry, the Irish Terrier is one of the oldest terrier breeds known. If you ever find yourself at a museum, look at the dogs in the old pictures. Bet some of them look like Irish Terriers!

The Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier
Any dog that is named after the coat it is wearing is definitely something out of the ordinary -- which is exactly the case with a Soft-Coated Wheaten. Polly, you already know of course, but my other fans will be interested to learn that these elegant and friendly dogs sport a soft, warm, wheaten colored coat with a texture that is so silky they should be in ads for hair product.

Clearly, all of us Irish terriers are gorgeous -- even if we've earned our reputation for being a wee bit stubborn. But one thing is sure, if you're lucky enough to live with one of us, I think you will agree it's better than finding a pot of gold at the end of a rainbow!

Ask Curry your questions by e-mailing her at curry@pawnation.com.

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Ask Curry! - March 1, 2010

Rob Shuter — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 15:00:00 EST

Filed under: Dogs, Pet Health

Kate Lacey

Congrats on your Westminster Best in Breed win. You looked darling and seemed to have a great sense of humor. Question: Did I catch you laughing when the judge wanted you to move on and you wanted to stay and eat the bait other dogs had dropped?
-- Charlie, a lab-mix from Miami

Charlie you are absolutely right. You did see me laughing at Madison Square Garden.

Most humans don't know it but dogs laugh all the time -- I know I do. It sounds like an excited burst of panting when you are interacting with others. Some experts have called it social panting, as it occurs when we are playing or trying to get someone to play. It's a sign of enjoyment which I was certainly having the night of the big doggie show.

Did you know that research shows that playing a recording of dogs 'laughing' at animal shelters has been found to reduce sign of stress in those poor dears looking for a home?

So laugh away Charlie, it's far better than getting all grumpy.

Ask Curry your questions by e-mailing her at curry@pawnation.com.

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Confessions of a Westminster Stage Parent: Fur, Drool and Tears

Rob Shuter — Wed, 17 Feb 2010 00:25:00 EST

Filed under: Dogs

Gail Van Bergen

Rob Shuter, the co-owner of show dog and Paw Nation canine columnist Curry, shares his experience competing with the first-time entrant at the 134th Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show.

It's Feb. 16 and the morning started at 6 a.m. with the alarm blaring. Not that I needed it. I didn't sleep a wink. In a few hours, our Glen of Imaal terrier, Curry, would be showing at the Westminster Dog Show for the first time.

I live in New York City, just 10 blocks away from Madison Square Garden where the Westminster show is held. I'd converted the living room into Curry's personal beauty parlor. While other Glen owners were at the Garden at 5 a.m., bathing their dogs in rubber tubs, I was drying and grooming Curry comfortably at home as the snow fell outside our window.

Still, there was no time to waste, and I soon was down on the corner of 23rd Street and 10th Avenue, hailing a cab along with Curry's co-owner Bruce Sussman, the Grammy-award winning songwriter of Barry Manilow's "Copacabana." Ten blocks and seven minutes later, we found ourselves at the backstage access door.

Westminster is a benched show, which means every dog is lined up backstage in an area where the public can stroll by and ask questions. I'm sure the New York Rangers don't allow fans that kind of access to the athletes right before they play. In fact, I was told that the only time the Garden ever removes the ice beneath the main floor where the concerts and other sporting events take place is for the dog show, because the dogs sense the ice under the flooring and refuse to walk on it.

Continue reading Confessions of a Westminster Stage Parent: Fur, Drool and Tears

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Ask Curry! - February 15, 2010

Rob Shuter — Mon, 15 Feb 2010 10:00:00 EST

Filed under: Dogs, Pet Grooming

Kate Lacey

Meet jet-setting show dog Curry, Paw Nation's newest advice columnist. In between competing at the top dog shows, Curry finds time to answer the questions all dogs long to ask. From grooming advice (Curry's competing at Westminster, so she knows a thing or two about looking gorgeous) to tips on getting along with the craziest of canines (she lives in Manhattan so she has to make friends with the many other dogs on the block), this 3-year-old Glen of Imaal terrier has all the answers to your crucial canine queries.

You are so glamorous that I have to ask: what should a single, slightly overweight fox terrier like me do to look great? Do you have any beauty secrets from your showgirl friends?
Liza from Georgia

A girl should always put her best paw forward, and that's the very place where I start with my beauty routine. It's all about the nails, darling. Make sure you get them trimmed regularly. I recommend grinding them instead of cutting because that can sometime hurt. Being a city girl myself, I like to keep mine as short as possible to cut down on the clickety-clack noise I make when running up and down on my gorgeous wooden floors. (Madge, the rottweiler in the apartment downstairs, is very noise sensitive.) A good manicure will make you feel like a million bucks.

Next, treat yourself to a bath. The water should be warm, not hot. A genius trick to remember is to brush or clip out any mats before you jump in. Wet matty hair is scarier than getting adopted by Paris Hilton!

Now we come to the most important part: The haircut. The right trim can hide a multitude of figure flaws and give the illusion that you are any shape you want to be. I wear mine a little longer on my legs and head, and shorter on my back. I recommend you do the same if you are a plus-size girl

Finally, remember to have fun with your look. Try different hairstyles; it always grows back. Well, for most pooches. I do know a poodle that wears a hairpiece!

Ask Curry your questions by e-mailing her at curry@pawnation.com.

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Ask Curry! - February 8, 2010

Rob Shuter — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 15:00:00 EST

Filed under: Dogs, Pet Health

Kate Lacey

Meet jet-setting show dog Curry, Paw Nation's newest advice columnist. In between competing at the top dog shows, Curry finds time to answer the questions all dogs long to ask. From grooming advice (Curry's competing at Westminster, so she knows a thing or two about looking gorgeous) to tips on getting along with the craziest of canines (she lives in Manhattan so she has to make friends with the many other dogs on the block), this 3-year-old Glen of Imaal terrier has all the answers to your crucial canine queries.

I'm a 2-year-old poodle mix who is totally adorable in every way... except for one big, smelly problem. I'm embarrassed to admit it, but I have horrible breath. I can tell that the humans I live with don't like it. Deep in my heart I know this is probably why they don't let me sleep on the bed. I don't know what to do. Can you help me?
Daisy from Texas

Don't be ashamed, Daisy. I too once suffered from slightly smelly breath, but I found an amazing solution that I'm happy to share. It's called doggie toothpaste. I'm partial to the beef flavor (yummy!), but there are other flavors like chicken and mint to suit your tastes. But you have to use it!

You may not realize it, but most cases of bad breath are caused by not looking after your teeth. If you don't start taking care of them soon, you'll need to get a professional cleaning from a veterinary dentist, which requires being put under general anesthesia. Yuck. So get your human to brush your teeth every day and your problem should go away. Your breath truly will smell as fresh as a daisy, Daisy! Well, a beef-flavored daisy.

Ask Curry your questions by e-mailing her at curry@pawnation.com.

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