From Ringside to Group One: A Winter of UKC Showing

This winter, we dove head-first into the world of dog shows—for the very first time ever. What started as a curiosity quickly turned into one of those “why didn’t we do this sooner?” experiences.

We began showing locally through the United Kennel Club, which hosts large, welcoming shows in our area. Right away, we were struck by how encouraging the atmosphere felt. Judges took the time to give thoughtful feedback—not just placements, but real insight into the quality of our dogs and the individual strengths each one brings to the ring. As breeders, that kind of feedback is priceless.

Over the course of the shows, we had the joy of presenting:

• Northwest Kaida Hi (Mother Dog)

• Northwest Wee Bandicoot (Future hopeful)

• Northwest Duke of Hastings (Father Dog)

• Northwest Bennett in June (Future Hopeful)

• Northwest Marquis (Congrats to his new family in New York!)

  
  

Each dog brought their own personality (and snack preferences!) along for the ride. Duke made it very clear that mozzarella cheese is the only acceptable form of motivation, while Bennett would happily do just about anything for a chicken heart. These little quirks quickly became part of our show routine—and part of what made the experience so fun.

One of the best surprises was the people. We met fellow handlers who were genuinely kind, helpful, and encouraging—whether offering tips, cheering each other on, or simply laughing together ringside between classes. The competition felt friendly, not cutthroat, and it was just as enjoyable to visit as it was to show.

The shining moment of the season came when Duke earned a Group One placement in the Terrier Group—a proud, unforgettable highlight for our first show season and a memory we’ll always treasure.

As we look ahead to 2026, we’re excited to continue expanding our time in the show ring by diving into American Kennel Club (AKC) shows alongside UKC. We’re looking forward to learning, growing, and gaining perspective across both venues, while continuing to showcase the quality, temperament, and structure we prioritize in our breeding program. This winter was just the beginning—and we can’t wait to see where the next season takes us.

Stay tuned for more dog show stories—because if there’s one thing we’ve learned, it’s that every weekend brings a new adventure (and probably more cheese).

Pictured: Leilani with Northwest Duke of Hastings and his son Northwest Marquis

Pictured: Mikkayla and Northwest Wee Bandicoot

(Father: Sandstones Knox x Mother: Northwest Piper)