YOU WON BEST IN SHOW AT WESTMINSTER WITH YOUR PEKINGESE , MALACHY , BACK IN 2012 . IN 2021 , YOU WON BEST IN SHOW AGAIN WITH WASABI , MALACHY ’ S GRANDSON . HOW WAS YOUR 2021 WIN AT WESTMINSTER DIFFERENT FROM YOUR FIRST WIN ?
Westminster at the Lyndhurst Estate was very relaxing . The ambiance will so “ chilled out ,” and everyone was so happy to finally get together after a year of canceled dog shows that there was a lot of joy there . It was also different because when you ’ ve already had the great victory of a Best in Show at Westminster , you don ’ t think you ’ ll be lucky enough to win again . It ’ s not that you don ’ t have confidence in your dog , but it is like lightning striking twice , you don ’ t think it ’ ll happen .
WHAT WENT THROUGH YOUR MIND WHEN JUDGE TROTTER POINTED TO YOU AND WASABI FOR BEST IN SHOW ?
I was so overwhelmed , I nearly started crying . The whole thing was emotional . Restrictions were lifted a bit , we ’ re finally having this show after a tough year , and Pat Trotter has such a great history at Westminster . When I walked into the ring , I thought to myself that this really is a moment in time . Here is this grand lady , the epitome of a breeder , judge , and dog person of the 20th century , and becoming the dog person of the 21st century . It was an honor to be in her ring and to have gotten that far . I thought , “ I ’ m going to try to enjoy every moment of this .” When she pointed at me , I was shocked and excited . It doesn ’ t seem real , but it is real .
YOU HAVE BRED 100 AKC PEKINGESE CHAMPIONS AND SHOWN THEM WITH GREAT SUCCESS , BUT NOT THAT MANY OWNER / BREEDER / HANDLERS MAKE IT ALL THE WAY TO THE TOP AT SUCH A PRESIGIOUS SHOW . WHAT ADVICE DO YOU HAVE FOR OTHERS HOPING TO FOLLOW IN YOUR FOOTSTEPS ?
On a breeding level , obviously they have to breed good dogs . I ’ m always trying to improve something to breed a better dog . As for as dog shows , the best thing they can do is to observe and watch others in the ring who are successful . Always be improving . There isn ’ t anyone who can ’ t do a little better , make his or her dog a little more noticeable , or have it show a little better . Keep a positive attitude , but be objective about your animals . Appreciate the qualities of other good dogs , but learn about all breeds so you have a reasonable expectation of where your dogs should place . I watched great handlers when I was younger : Frank Sabella and Peter Green . You try to learn and hope something positive rubs off .
STEVE SURFMAN
54 WESTMINSTER KENNEL CLUB 2022