Langdon collie participates in prestigious Westminster dog show
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By Christine Foshaug Times Contributor
Photo Courtesy of Jan Osterbauer
It was the first time at the prestigious show for Steel, whose registered name is CGCH, AMGCH Now and Then Watermark Cruisin at Kelkary, and his owner, Jan Osterbauer.
Steel, who just turned three, has been competing since he was a puppy. He was imported at nine weeks of age from Germany, and at six months he won Best Puppy in Show at the Spruce Meadows Alberta Kennel Club Dog Show, which is Canada’s largest summer show. In 2017, Steel was Canada’s Number 1 bearded collie puppy.
Puppies can start showing between three and six months of age. While they don’t get points, it’s a wonderful experience for them because they get used to the show atmosphere, said Osterbauer.
As a breed, the bearded collie originated in Scotland, where it was used to herd sheep and cattle for shepherds. So, when Steel is being judged in the herding group at a dog show, he’s being compared to the official standard for his breed.
“Bearded collies are known as ‘bouncing beardies,’” explained Osterbauer, “because they can bounce just like sheep. So basically, they’re judged on how well they can do their job.”
A dog can’t work toward a Canadian championship until six months of age; after that, they need to acquire 10 points under three different judges, including a two-point major. To be an American champion (which is a requirement to participate at the WKCDS), a dog must acquire 15 points under three judges, including two majors. A dog can win a maximum of five points at a show, with a major being a win of three, four or five points. Once a dog becomes a champion, CH is added to its registered name.
Steel was sponsored in the U.S. from March to November of 2019, where he worked with handler Lauren Hay-Lavitt. Together they attended limited shows in California, Texas and New Mexico, and Steel became the Number 9 bearded collie in the U.S. He’s also in the top five in Canada.
“Steel has a temperament to die for,” said Osterbauer. “He’s an easy-going boy, he loves to show, and he’s a natural herder. He’s long in the body and moves like a dream, so he’s everything I would want in a beardie.”
Osterbauer added that Steel also produces really pretty puppies and has sired three litters. A number of his pups have already embarked on successful showing careers of their own.
Going to New York City was something Osterbauer will never forget. “The experience was wonderful,” she said. “It was an honour to have Steel in the ring with the top beardies. I came away from this show feeling exhilarated and very proud of my Steel.”
Steel is staying in the U.S. to continue his show career, and Osterbauer hopes they will get to see the lights of New York City again.