Our visit to the Detroit Kennel Club Dog Show.

[April Cliber]

I've been wanting to go for years and was finally able to. Originally just Alyssa and I were going, but my husband got called into work this morning, so Aaron came too. He was less than thrilled, but did end up having a good time. We saw so many beautiful dogs! Some very fluffy, some HUGE and some very umm...unique looking.... The judging was interesting to watch, but the agility was our favorite! Everyone cheered for the dogs, even when they weren't perfect. I was especially interested in watching the Golden Retrievers. They were stunning! We also loved the poodles, but not their hair cuts so much. We saw some spinone's (spelling ?) that looked quite a bit like doodles. (Of course we didn't tell them that!) One of the dogs that played Marley in the movie was there. The line was too long, so my kids didn't get a picture with him, but I got a picture of someone else's kids with him, lol.

The only disappointing, but not terribly surprising thing was that along with the map and program, they handed out a page, front and back, about why the AKC does not recommend designer dogs. I almost thought it was a little funny that they made such an effort. Honestly, I'm perfectly OK with doodles not being in the show world. They are really better suited on a lap, couch or on the floor by their owners feet, IMO.

Many times flash wasn't allowed, so some of the pictures aren't so great. I took 98 pictures, so these are just some of them.

[Tante & Jordan & now Annie!]

I have always want to go to one. Your pictures were great,I felt like I was there. Thank you!
As for those Doodle look-a-likes.Someone a bit back posted on what there are and how they came to be. From what I remember they are doodle like as in Poodles are in their line.
They were from Italy I think?

[April Cliber]

Thanks Karen, I knew there had to be a reason. :o) I thought I had read that the "jacket" is for protection of the lungs, the "bracelets" are for joint protection, but I hadn't heard about the kidneys. You (I) learn something new every day. :+)

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

I'm not Ann, LOL, but the two puffs of fur on the poodles' behinds are to keep the kidneys warm when the dogs are retrieving in frigid water.

[Louise and Toby]

Your slide show is great! We go to the Houston Dog Show in the summer. Some people take their dogs with them but I know I'd be in for some dirty looks, if not nasty comments, if I ever took Toby. But it's fun to go see the the agility shows and flyball contests. The people are really fun to watch too! And all the show dogs getting groomed etc. BUT I am so much more than pleased with this wonderful designer doodle dog of mine!

[April Cliber]

Ann, I thought of you several times while I was there! I know the poodle cut is because of their retrieving history, but the kids wanted to know why the two balls of hair on their behind? Not all poodles had it, is this just a grooming preference?

[Missi]

I love your slideshow with the paw prints, that's awesome. And I like our doodle without all the attention, definitely better on the couch! Looks like fun though!