Posts tagged "wayne ferguson"

Everything You Ever Wanted to Know About the National Dog Show

by Rose Martelli (Subscribe to Rose Martelli's posts): Nov 25th 2009 10:00AM Filed Under: Dogs

Rufus, the NDS Dog Ambassador, greets fans. National Dog Show

Planning on watching the National Dog Show for the first time this Thanksgiving Day on NBC? You might wind up with more questions than answers. Dog shows have their own quirky sets of rules, manners and habits. We spoke to Wayne Ferguson, longtime announcer at the National Dog Show, to help answer some questions about how the whole thing works.

What is a "benched" dog show?
A benched dog show is one in which spectators are allowed backstage, where the dogs must be kept throughout the show to be available for public viewing. The exhibitors cannot pack up and leave early even if their dogs bow out of the competition.

Why is the National Dog Show one of only five benched shows left in the U.S.?
"Basically, they're very expensive for us to put on," Ferguson explains. "They take a lot of manpower and man hours, and they're not popular with the exhibitors, because they don't like sitting there all day with their dog. They'd rather be able to take their dog outside, go out for lunch, hang out in their motor homes, or just go home." Benched shows are, however, very popular with spectators, because no matter what time of day you arrive at the show, you're guaranteed to get to see your favorite breeds even if you miss them in the ring. It's a good opportunity for those who are thinking about getting a new pup to meet with breeders, too, since many of them show dogs.

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Miniature Dogs

Miniature Poodle
Miniature Poodles, like all Poodles, are excellent swimmers who originated as a water retrievers. All Poodles, Standard, Miniature and Toy are actually one breed, just different sizes. Miniature Poodles, who can be white, black, apricot or gray, are usually 15 inches or under, according to the American Kennel Club.

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Miniature Dogs

Miniature Dachshund
The Miniature Daschund, only 11 pounds or under, is not a separate classification of the Daschund -- it's just a smaller version of the Standard. The miniature dog, with its long bodies and strong sense of smell, are both hunters and lapdogs, according to the American Kennel Club.

Miniature Dogs

Miniature Schnauzer
The Miniature Schnauzer is of German descent and was originally bred to be a small farm dog. The most popular of the three Schnauzer breeds, the Miniature Schnauzer is a attentive, lively and a favorite among celebrities like Mary Tyler Moore and Bill Cosby. The strongly built miniature dog is between 12 to 14 inches, according to the American Kennel Club.

Miniature Dogs

Miniature Bull Terrier
Just like the playful Bull Terrier, the Miniature Bull Terrier, who originated in England, has a similar personality. Don't let its size fool you – the Miniature Bull Terrier is strong, energetic and audacious. Miniature Bull Terriers are between 10 to 15 inches and can be solid white or colored, according to the American Kennel Club.

Miniature Dogs

Miniature American Eskimo Dog
The American Eskimo Dog is one of three separate categories of the American Eskimo Dog. Between 12 to 15 inches, the bright white dog is loving, protecting and sociable. Now a great companion dog, the miniature dog was once a circus dog, according to the American Kennel Club.

Miniature Dogs

Miniature Pinscher
Also known as the "Min Pin," the Miniature Pinscher is a German Breed whose ancestry includes the Daschund, Italian Greyhound and the shorthaired German Pinscher. The quick, curious dog is the perfect apartment dog. Despite its small size, the compact pooch makes a wonderful watchdog. The spirited miniature dog, about 10 inches to 12 1/2 inches, can be red, black, or chocolate with tan, according to the American Kennel Club.

Miniature Dogs