Breeder's dog to compete at Westminster

GCh. Nox’s George Bailey’s Irish Crème with his muscular 140-pound frame is as sweet as the drink he is named after.

The champion Greater Swiss Mountain Dog, after taking best of breed honors at the GSMD National Specialty and AKC/Eukenaba dog shows, is headed to the “Superbowl” of dog shows at Madison Square Garden in February for the Westminster Kennel Club 136th Annual Dog Show. His breeder and co-owner, Colleen Robson, of Rixeyville, said a dog of George’s stature comes along once in every 10 or so years. At 32 months old, the working group pooch is still considered a puppy.

“For him to have such an accomplishment at such a young age is quite remarkable,” said Robson. She said that early on, they knew he was a special dog. “Every show we put him in, he won.”

With a slew of 2011 wins, George finds himself atop the mountain dog class and Robson described him as the favorite going into Westminster.

With such a prestigious entrant, comes the need for a professional handler. Robson and George’s other Charlottesville co-owners, Nancy Kechner and Julie Comer, decided to hire handlers Jessy and Roxanne Sutton, of Narvon, Pa., to show him at competition. Robson, who has experience handling, said her nerves might hurt George’s chances.

The hobby breeder Robson said that with a champion dog, it makes the pricey hobby worthwhile.

“You feel like there’s finally the fruit of your labor … has paid off. That it was all worth it,” she said. Of George’s most recent win, she said “It’s just an honor to be invited,” but to actually win, “it’s almost surreal when it’s happening.”

Kechner, coach of the University of Virginia women’s rugby team, uses George as the team mascot and said the competition is always stacked against him because “we don’t show him very often.”

Judges check a variety of things including bone structure, head, top line, muscle tone, animation and temperament to name a few. “Temperament is huge,” said Robson. She mentioned how judges sometimes pass on a perfect dog because of a flat demeanor.

For George’s class, “they need to be large, powerful, have those working capabilities,” said Robson.

Families looking to add a mountain dog to the family, be forewarned: their size and power can be overwhelming for inexperienced owners. “They’re great family dogs, they’re great with kids,” said Robson. However, “they’re not a dog I recommend for first-time dog owners.”

Being a puppy is still George’s biggest weakness at competition as his attention span is sometimes rather short. “He’s finally getting more focused and less immature,” said Robson.

She gave credit for picking George to her husband, Todd.

“I think we knew when he was a baby,” she said. “Everything was correct.”

As with anything, becoming the best in a field does not come without hard work.

“There’s a lot of things that you have to give up to do it at this level,” said Robson. “When they win the national, you’re like, ‘That’s why I do this.’”

The Westminster Kennel Club dog show will be held Feb. 13 and 14. Check local listings for air times as the date nears.

The AKC/Eukenaba National Championship will air on ABC Feb 4. George’s brother, Otis, also competed at this event and was handled by Robson.