The Wire Fox Terrier Flornell Spicy Piece of Halleston won Best in Show at Westminster in 1937, fresh off the boat from England. The handler (right) was Percy Roberts; the judge was George S. West. | |
One of the top professional handlers for many years, Russell Zimmerman, stands in front of what was the latest mode in dog travel in 1939. One of his advertisements read, "This modern equipment will be a familiar sight throughout America, being seen at all the major shows." Zimmerman lived in Van Nuys, Calif. | |
The Dalmatian Ch. Four-in-Hand Mischief set new standards for his breed by becoming one of the top Best in Show winners of any breed in the late 1930s. He was bred and owned by Leo Meeker in California but shown by Harry Sangster. | |
Maxine Beam with the English Miniature Poodle import Ch. Adastra Magic Fame and the Toy Ch. Ty-Del's Dancing Girl, both multiple Best in Show winners in the 1950s. Fame won more than 40 all-breed Bests and was Runner-up to Top Dog in both 1956 and 1957. | |
Two of the greatest handlers of all time, Anne Hone Rogers (later Rogers Clark) and Jane Kamp (now Forsyth), in the early days of their show careers, winning with two English Setters under judge Geraldine Rockefeller Dodge in 1957. | |
Most professional handlers in tthe United States today work out of motor homes specifically outfitted to house dogs. The trend took flight in the 1960s; Jack Dexter's setup includes both the obligatory grooming tables and exercise pens.. | |
Mrs. Geraldine Rockefeller Dodge awards Best in Show to the Irish Setter Ch. Conifer's Lance, one of the top Sporting dogs of 1961, handled by Dick Cooper. The trophy presenter is Mrs. Groverman Ellis of Killybracken Irish Wolfhounds. | |
Ch. Coughton Sungable of Perryacre, imported from England and America's top Toy dog in 1965 and 1966, placed high among all breeds both years. He is shown with handler Elaine Rigden and judge Bea Godsol at Palm Beach County Dog Fanciers Association in 1966. | |
Brace classes were popular at Westminster for many years. They have been discontinued there but are still held at other shows. James Edward Clark is shown winning Best Brace in Show at Westminster in 1968 with Whippets Ch. Rimskittle Seashell and Ch. Stoney Meadows Sealark. The judge was Major B. Godsol. | |
The top Terrier of 1970, West Highland White Terrier Ch. De Go Hubert, was one of the Top Dogs of all breeds that year. He was handled by Cliff Hallmark. | |
The Toy Poodle Ch. Hell's-A-Blazen Fagin's Pride strides out ahead of handler Richard Bauer in the Toy Group at Westminster in the late 1970s. | |
Frank Sabella with Standard Poodle Ch. Acadia Command Performance shortly before winning Best in Show at Westminster 1973. | |
Ted Young, the top Cocker Spaniel handler of the 1960s and 1970s, moves the Top Dog of 1972, Ch. Sagamore Toccoa, for the judge. | |
Lina Basquette specialized in Great Danes and is shown on her way to a Group placement at Westminster in 1977 with Ch. Heather of Braeside. Before settling on dogs as her second career, Basquette had danced with the Ziegfield Follies, acted in Cecil B. DeMille and Frank Capra movies, and been married to Sam Warner. | |
The top Non-Sporting winner of both 1983 and 1984, the Chow Chow Ch. Wah-Hu Redcloud Sugar Daddy. He was among the Top Dogs of all breeds in 1983 and is shown winning the Ladies Kennel Association of America under judge Elaine Young in 1984, handled by William Trainor. | |
The Italian-born Standard Schnauzer Ch. Parsifal di Casa Nezer not only took home Top Dog of all breeds in the United States in 1996 and the top spot at Westminster in 1997 but also won Best in Show during the FCI World Show circuit in Puerto Rico the same year. He was handled by Doug Holloway under judge Carla Molinari from Portugal At right is club official Roberto Velez Pico. | |