Congratulations!!

 

The XCA celebrated it's twentieth year with a national specialty that will go down as a milestone in the Xolo’s 3000 year history. Although a rival group attempted to hurt our entry by staging an event the preceding week, it made no substantial difference. Our national had both quantity and quality, clearly illustrating twenty years of dedicated work.

The weekend began Thursday evening, as everyone found their way to the well hidden Hawthorne Inn on Boulder Highway in Henderson. This hotel was conveniently situated just half an hour from Vegas, although finding it was somewhat challenging. Once we got there, everyone had plenty of catching up to do. A room full of dog people will never run out of things to talk about, especially if they have not seen each other for a year. It was great having the opportunity to finally meet some of our new club members like Pattie Gerrie and the celebrated Frida. Throughout the weekend, Frida did not disappoint fans or fashion critics. She appeared in new outfits more often than a runway model. Just to make sure no one got bored, we proof-read our soon to be published Xolo book and critiqued the new XCA website now under construction.

The next morning the show committee convened at the “Paws and Claws” training center plenty early to set up the show by 9. And there was plenty to set up. Rings, tables and chairs were a snap. Just when we thought we had the situation under control, Kay began wheeling in the trophies…then we knew we were in trouble. Box after box after box was carried in, unpacked, labeled and arranged for display. By the time we finished, the room looked like a Xolo’s version of a Roman orgy.

Mr. Ray Stevens, AKC judge and Poodle breeder presided over our first show. This was his second time judging an XCA specialty. As a Poodle breeder, he definitely had the easiest time following the multi-variety judging procedure. His choices were logical and consistent. Each judge had been asked to give the club an impromptu critique following their judging. Graciously, all agreed. This was especially helpful since our breeders and exhibitors range from novice to expert, some well versed in AKC procedures and some more familiar with rare breed shows. This advice was especially helpful as the breed is poised to enter AKC.

Mr. Steven’s discussion with the club members was candid, upbeat and beneficial. He pulled no punches, telling them exactly where their dogs needed improvement and where they had an advantage. In particular, he mentioned the need to focus on breeding better shoulder construction and more critical about undershot bites.

By lunchtime, Elaine De Rosa, the consummate XCA raffle manager had arrived to supervise this vital aspect of the show. This year’s raffle featured the usual array of amazing Xolo items including a handmade Xolo quilt sewn and donated by Leah Getty and a hand painted Xolo jacket designed and painted by Ray Rushbrook. No one passed by that table without being tempted to buy tickets for at least one coveted Xolo collectible.

All too soon, everyone’s entertaining lunch break was interrupted by Showtime. Ms. Darlene Anderson, Afghan Hound and Crested breeder from CA stepped into the ring to select the best Xolo puppy of the year. The rest of our judging panel concurred with her choice. Canadian bred, Pastel’s Wild World managed to win sweeps and complete his title with three five point majors during the weekend. Wild World represents the first generation from one of our newest Mexican imports. His sire and several littermates also competed throughout the weekend, giving breeders an opportunity to evaluate this new bloodline.

After Sweepstakes, it was onto the afternoon specialty. AKC judge and Shar-Pei breeder, Judy Dorough is also a veteran XCA specialty judge. She had judged our Sweepstakes in Bloomington, CA four years earlier. Everyone was so impressed with her enthusiasm for the breed she was back by popular request. She lived up to their expectations. Her courtesy and excellent ring procedure made for a thoroughly enjoyable show. Her eventual choice for BIS was Ch. Wawahki, a popular favorite with many judges.

“I would like to take this opportunity to thank all of you for inviting me to judge your regional specialty show. It was wonderful judging all your wonderful dogs. Thank you again for inviting me. You are well on your way to becoming AKC accepted. And you sure know how to put on a fabulous show. Sincerely, Judy Dorough”

Although the club members were demanding a break after the PM show, it wasn’t in the cards. Despite grumbling and whining, they had to quickly prepare for yet another event! The XCA combination wine and cheese party/ hairless breed match, now in it's second year has proven to be an unprecedented favorite. This year’s judge was prominent Canadian Xolo breeder Leah Getty. In addition to the usual classes we decided to make things interesting offering prizes for highly competitive categories like best ears, waggiest tail and best trick in show. Competition was cut-throat and the judge had her work cut out for her. No one went home empty-handed. Every determined exhibitor left the ring with a fantastic prize.

I would like to report that the entire membership convened to Vegas for a raucous night out but I would be lying. At this point in the day, everyone gratefully packed up their Xolos and headed for bed.

They needed their sleep to be ready for 9 AM ring time.

Paws and Claws is a securely fenced indoor/outdoor facility. The lovely grounds and previous day’s beautiful weather convinced the show committee to move the show outdoors Saturday morning. Everything was in place when our judge arrived. Guadalupe Bravo has extensive experience judging Xolos at west coast rare breed shows. He managed his ring and judged his entry efficiently despite the brisk wind that  suddenly complicated our outdoor show. During this show, our show photographer generously volunteered his time to work with our show committee. He devoted several hours to this task, taking several hundred pictures for our upcoming illustrated breed standard at no charge.

Eric deserves a standing ovation from the XCA membership for his hard work and great attitude. His professionalism was impeccable and his pictures were excellent.  He set up a  spur-of-the-moment office in the kitchen of Paws and Claws, and spent all his free time reviewing and editing pictures.  By Saturday evening, everyone could order and receive any photo they chose on the spot. Eric also plans to set  up an online order page for XCA specialty pictures.

Although exhibitors wanted to order pictures and possibly eat lunch during the post-show break, there simply was no time. The XCA costume contest was underway before anyone had time to complain, sit down or take a breath. Of course, once they got a look at these breathtaking contestants, thoughts of lunch and rest breaks evaporated. It was undoubtedly our best costume contest to date. This year we split it into two categories, dogs in costume and dog/handler teams. Both classes were incredibly competitive. An amazing feat considering that most constants traveled from out of state with these complicated costumes. Immediately following the costume contest we unveiled our first Champions of the Heart parade. This event included an assortment of breeds ranging from a Maltese, a Cocker Spaniel, a White GSD and some small Taco Bell type dog dressed a venomous insect.. This effort was especially commendable because all proceeds from the hairless breed match and costume contest were earmarked for the XCA Rescue League.

Exhibitors barely had time to recover from the costume contest when the first class was called into the ring for our Twentieth Annual!! National Specialty. This was an exciting occasion for all dedicated Xolo lovers and our judge, Mrs. Helen Haas was well-aware of the honor. Mrs. Haas is an internationally known judge, and has judged enormous breed specialties the world over. The XCA specialty may not have boasted an entry of hundreds, but this did not lessen her keenness for the task. She had judged our 1993 national specialty judge so this was not her first XCA judging assignment. We were all very anxious to learn her opinion of the breed a decade later.

She definitely did her own thing, but there is no question that she had the breed’s future in mind when making these decisions. As an experienced Afghan Hound breeder, her ability to put faults in context was spot on. Throughout the judging her decisions were popular. But nothing prepared the crowd for her final choice: Ch. Krystal’s Lola Falana. This toy hairless bitch, bred by CA IG and Xolo breeder Jan Carson, was a move up, having just completed her title that day. Toys, especially bitches, have not traditionally dominated XCA specialties- to put it mildly. Regardless of that, this bitch as been consistently acknowledged for her quality. And when she was pulled out of the line up as the winner of our 20^th annual national- it brought the house down!

I have been trying to figure out how somehow I could write and thank the club for inviting me to judge   please let everyone know how much I enjoyed this judging assignment, I did exactly what I wanted to do with the best dog there. And after when I thought about it.,  I would not have changed any thing except maybe  telling Kathy what a bad handler she was.  But I really loved her bitch.  Helen Haas

PS the judges gift was really great I'm using all of it. 

The XCA owes a great thank you to Kay Lawson for her untiring work and dedication that made this  show such a wonderful experience.

Mark your calendars for our next specialty in St. Louis at Purina Farms. We expect to see all of you there!

2006 Specialty Wins

Friday October 20

AM show sponsored by Southern Alberta Xolo Association

Judge: Mr. Ray Stevens

Toy Variety

Winners Dog: Camino’s Remus (4 points)

Reserve: Krystal’s Don Quixote

Winners Bitch: Shida Forever (Young) (5 points)

Reserve: Krystal’s Lola Falana

Stud Dog: Krystal’s Juan Valdez

Brood Bitch: Krystal’s Gloria Estafan

Best of Variety: Shida Forever (Young)

Best of Winners: Shida Forever (Young)

Best of Opposite Sex: Camino’s Remus

Miniature Variety

Winners Dog: Pastel’s Wild World (5 points)

Reserve: Pastel’s Into The Mystic

Winners Bitch: Krystal’s Shakira (1 point)

Reserve: Pastel’s Brown Eyed Girl

Stud Dog: Mex. Ch. Kin

Best of Variety: Pastel’s Wild World

Best of Winners: Pastel’s Wild World

Best of Opposite Sex: Ch. Wawahki (Hoover)

Standard Variety

Winners Dog: Krystal’s Donald Duck

Winners Bitch: Rosita Alvires Caliente

Best Veteran: Krystal’s Donald Duck

Best of Variety: Ch. Azuwyn Answer Caliente

Best of Winners: Rosita Alvires Caliente

Best of Opposite Sex: Ch. Gringo Caliente

Best of Breed: Ch. Azuwyn Answer Caliente

Best of Opposite Sex to BOB: Pastel’s Wild World

Best Puppy in Show: Shida Forever (Young)

Best Bred By Exhibitor in Show: Pastel’s Wild World

Best Stud Dog: Mex. Ch. Kin

Best Coated in Show: Camino’s Funky Coal Madeena

Best Veteran in Show: Pastel’s Friend of a Lifetime

Best Brood Bitch: Krystal’s Gloria Estafan

National Specialty Sweepstakes

Judge: Ms. Darlene Anderson

Best in Sweepstakes: Pastel’s Wild World

BOS to Best in Sweepstakes: Pastel’s Brown Eyed Girl

PM show

Judge: Mrs. Judy Dorough

Toy Variety

Winners Dog: Krystal’s Don Quixote (4 points)

Reserve Camino’s Remus

Winners Bitch: Krystal’s Adelita Crawley (5 points)

Reserve: Krystal’s Lola Falana

Stud Dog: Krystal’s Juan Valdez

Brood Bitch: Krystal’s Gloria Estafan

Best of Variety: Krystal’s Adelita Crawley

Best of Winners: Krystal’s Adelita Crawley

Best of Opposite Sex: Krystal’s Don Quixote

Miniature Variety

Winners Dog: Mex. Ch. Kin (5 points)

Reserve Pastel’s Wild World:

Winners Bitch Pastel’s Brown Eyed Girl (1 point)

Reserve: Krystal’s Shakira

Stud Dog: Mex. Ch. Kin

Best of Variety: Ch. Wawahki (Hoover)

Best of Winners: Mex. Ch. Kin

Best of Opposite Sex: Mex. Ch. Kin

Standard Variety

Winners Dog: Krystal’s Donald Duck

Winners Bitch: Rosita Alvires Caliente

Best Veteran: Krystal’s Donald Duck

Best of Variety: Ch. Gringo Caliente

Best of Winners: Rosita Alvires Caliente

Best of Opposite Sex: Ch. Azuwyn Answer Caliente

Best of Breed: Ch. Wawahki (Hoover)

Best of Opposite Sex to BOB: Ch. Gringo Caliente

Best Puppy in Show: Shida Forever (Young)

Best Bred By Exhibitor in Show: Krystal’s Don Quixote

Best Stud Dog Krystal’s Juan Valdez

Best Coated in Show: Krystal’s Gloria Estafan

Best Veteran in Show: Pastel’s Friend of a Lifetime

Best Brood Bitch: Krystal’s Gloria Estafan

Saturday October 21

AM show sponsored by Gold Coast Xolo Club

Judge: Mr. Guadalupe Bravo

Toy Variety

Winners Dog: Camino’s Remus (4 points)

Reserve Krystal’s Don Quixote

Winners Bitch: Krystal’s Lola Falana (5 points)

Reserve: Krystal’s American Idol

Stud Dog: Krystal’s Juan Valdez

Brood Bitch: Krystal’s Gloria Estafan

Best of Variety: Krystal’s Lola Falana

Best of Winners: Krystal’s Lola Falana

Best of Opposite Sex: Camino’s Remus

Miniature Variety

Winners Dog: Pastel’s Wild World: (5 points)

Reserve Krystal’s Jesse James

Winners Bitch Pastel’s Brown Eyed Girl (1 point)

Reserve: Krystal’s Shakira

Stud Dog: Mex. Ch. Kin

Best of Variety: Ch. Wawahki (Hoover)

Best of Winners: Pastel’s Wild World

Best of Opposite Pastel’s Wild World

Standard Variety

Winners Dog: Krystal’s Donald Duck

Winners Bitch: Rosita Alvires Caliente

Best Veteran: Krystal’s Donald Duck

Best of Variety: Ch. Azuwyn Answer Caliente

Best of Winners: Rosita Alvires Caliente

Best of Opposite Sex: Ch. Gringo Caliente

Best of Breed: Ch. Wawahki (Hoover)

Best of Opposite Sex to BOB: Pastel’s Wild World

Best Puppy in Show: Camino’s Remus

Best Bred By Exhibitor in Show: Pastel’s Wild World

Best Stud Dog Krystal’s Juan Valdez

Best Coated in Show: Camino’s Funky Coal Madeena

Best Veteran in Show: Pastel’s Friend of a Lifetime

Best Brood Bitch: Krystal’s Gloria Estafan

PM show 20^th Annual XCA National Specialty

Judge: Mrs. Helen Haas

Toy Variety

Winners Dog: Krystal’s Mario Lopez (4 points)

Reserve Camino’s Remus

Winners Bitch: Camino’s Funky Coal Madeena (5 points)

Reserve: Camino’s Cara Rubia

Stud Dog: Krystal’s Juan Valdez

Brood Bitch: Krystal’s Gloria Estafan

Best of Variety: Ch. Krystal’s Lola Falana

Best of Winners: Camino’s Funky Coal Madeena

Best of Opposite Sex: : Krystal’s Mario Lopez

Miniature Variety

Winners Dog: Pastel’s Wild World: (5 points)

Reserve Pastel’s Into The Mystic

Winners Bitch: Krystal’s Shakira (1 point)

Reserve: Pastel’s Brown Eyed Girl

Stud Dog: Mex. Ch. Kin

Best of Variety: Ch. Wawahki (Hoover)

Best of Winners: Krystal’s Shakira (5 points)

Best of Opposite Pastel’s Wild World

Standard Variety

Winners Dog: Krystal’s Donald Duck

Winners Bitch: Rosita Alvires Caliente

Best Veteran: Krystal’s Donald Duck

Best of Variety: Ch. Azuwyn Answer Caliente

Best of Winners: Rosita Alvires Caliente

Best of Opposite Sex: Ch. Gringo Caliente

Best of Breed: Ch. Krystal’s Lola Falana

Best of Opposite Sex to BOB: Pastel’s Wild World

Best Puppy in Show: Krystal’s Shakira

Best Bred By Exhibitor in Show: Pastel’s Wild World

Best Stud Dog Mex. Ch. Kin

Best Coated in Show: Camino’s Funky Coal Madeena

Best Veteran in Show: Pastel’s Friend of a Lifetime

Best Brood Bitch: Krystal’s Gloria Estafan