meet ch. darby vom vreselijk, the skc's latest Best in show winner
How does it feel to win Best In Show?
It feels very well deserved. I knew Darby was the best dog going into that ring and when he took the win, it was like a weight lifted off of my shoulders. I wouldn't say I'm relieved to win because I knew he had it going into the ring but I would say that it is a good end to this prestigious show. Darby is a born show dog and nothing fazes him so I'm not even sure he realizes the importance of the show he just won. I think he just takes everything in stride.
Explain to us your thoughts throughout the show.
There wasn't much competition that was up to par with Darby, whether it be in breed or in group so I didn't worry myself with them. It was when the winners of the groups were announced that I knew we would have to be spot-on when we were in the BIS ring. During that ring, I'll admit, I was stressed out but once we had made our entrance, I put all that in the back of my mind. I didn't want to throw Darby off his game. We had a little stumble which threw me off my game a bit but it clearly didn't matter because we won.
What do you think made your dog stand out from the pack?
Darby has a kind of presence that just makes you stop and stare. He acts like a seasoned veteran in the show ring and that's what really makes you take a second look at him. Nothing fazes him and I think judges appreciate that when they handle him and he even bat an eye. He's kind of like a breath of fresh air, especially in a ring where he's normally surrounded by larger dogs. Even as a medium sized dog, he exudes power and presence in the ring.
What does winning this show mean to you/your dog. your breed?
I hope it encourages others to breed more proper American Staffordshire Terriers. There are not enough in the ring and the ones that are don't seem to be representative of the breed. Darby has proven that even a dog from a group that is unrepresented in shows can still make it and win big. This win finished Darby's championship so it means that he became the first Sims Kennel Club champion. As for me, it means that I can move onto to handling another dog to such a huge win.
Where do you go from here? Future plans?
Well, future plans from Darby are semi-retirement as we campaign him casually toward his Grand Champion title. We hope to find a suitable female to produce a litter in the near future and raise future Amstaff champions. As for myself, it's just another day for me. I'll continue to handle Darby but now I have time to campaign other dogs toward their Champion titles and Darby can relax. He's finished early in his life so he'll have many more years of campaigning toward his Grand Champion title and potentially other sports titles as well. Right now though, he's going to go back to his kennel and relax for a little while before we make a move on tackling anything else. He has earned a well deserved break.
It feels very well deserved. I knew Darby was the best dog going into that ring and when he took the win, it was like a weight lifted off of my shoulders. I wouldn't say I'm relieved to win because I knew he had it going into the ring but I would say that it is a good end to this prestigious show. Darby is a born show dog and nothing fazes him so I'm not even sure he realizes the importance of the show he just won. I think he just takes everything in stride.
Explain to us your thoughts throughout the show.
There wasn't much competition that was up to par with Darby, whether it be in breed or in group so I didn't worry myself with them. It was when the winners of the groups were announced that I knew we would have to be spot-on when we were in the BIS ring. During that ring, I'll admit, I was stressed out but once we had made our entrance, I put all that in the back of my mind. I didn't want to throw Darby off his game. We had a little stumble which threw me off my game a bit but it clearly didn't matter because we won.
What do you think made your dog stand out from the pack?
Darby has a kind of presence that just makes you stop and stare. He acts like a seasoned veteran in the show ring and that's what really makes you take a second look at him. Nothing fazes him and I think judges appreciate that when they handle him and he even bat an eye. He's kind of like a breath of fresh air, especially in a ring where he's normally surrounded by larger dogs. Even as a medium sized dog, he exudes power and presence in the ring.
What does winning this show mean to you/your dog. your breed?
I hope it encourages others to breed more proper American Staffordshire Terriers. There are not enough in the ring and the ones that are don't seem to be representative of the breed. Darby has proven that even a dog from a group that is unrepresented in shows can still make it and win big. This win finished Darby's championship so it means that he became the first Sims Kennel Club champion. As for me, it means that I can move onto to handling another dog to such a huge win.
Where do you go from here? Future plans?
Well, future plans from Darby are semi-retirement as we campaign him casually toward his Grand Champion title. We hope to find a suitable female to produce a litter in the near future and raise future Amstaff champions. As for myself, it's just another day for me. I'll continue to handle Darby but now I have time to campaign other dogs toward their Champion titles and Darby can relax. He's finished early in his life so he'll have many more years of campaigning toward his Grand Champion title and potentially other sports titles as well. Right now though, he's going to go back to his kennel and relax for a little while before we make a move on tackling anything else. He has earned a well deserved break.