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Wednesday, February 16, 2011

Best in Show win mean for dog’s price

What does a best-in-show win at the Westminster Dog Show mean for a dog breed in terms of popularity — and price? A lanky 85-pound Scottish Deerhound named Hickory won the top prize at the Westminster Kennel Club dog show on Feb. 15 in New York City. This marks the first win for the breed in the show’s 135-year history. But don’t expect to see Deerhounds clogging dog runs or sidewalks around the U.S. any time soon, dog enthusiasts say.

Although interest in a winning breed always surges after a win, breeders tend to be pretty choosy when it comes to selling dogs, says David Frei, director of communications at the Westminster Kennel Club.

Last year’s winning breed also hails from peppy Scottish stock — Sadie the Scottish Terrier. “I had been forewarned to expect an onslaught of inquiries from numerous enthusiastic prospective new owners, propelled by Sadie’s charm and newly gained notoriety. It didn’t happen,” says Nancy Aaron of the Scottish Terrier Club of America.

That’s because Scottish Terriers “were pretty popular already,” says Frei of the Westminster Kennel Club. However, Frei, who provides much of the commentary at the dog show, has noticed a spike in Beagle registrations — the family-friendly breed took home the best in show prize in 2008.

And an uptick in demand for a pedigreed pooch doesn’t necessarily correspond to a spike in prices, Frei says. “Responsible breeders are interested in finding good homes for their dogs rather than making money. The cost of a dog doesn’t even make a dent in terms of what breeders spend to breed happy, healthy dogs,” he says. As for pet stores, they may try to capitalize on trendy breeds, he notes.

Often mistaken for an Irish Wolfhound, the Scottish Deerhound is large — which is one reason why experts don’t expect to see a surge in popularity. The typical adult bitch weighs about 86 pounds, and male dogs top 100 pounds, according to Bette Stencil of St. Clair, Michigan, who is the breeder referral contact for the Scottish Deerhound Club of America. In addition, the dogs don’t have a long lifespan — the average Scottish Deerhound lives for 11 years, although Stencil has bred two dogs that lived to be 13.

Despite the breed’s large stature, Deerhounds have a small presence in the U.S. — the club has only about 500 members, Stencil says. Overall, she estimates there are about 1,000 Scottish Deerhounds around the country.

Scottish Deerhound puppies cost anywhere from $1,200 to $2,500, depending on the breeder, and breeders are “very fussy about where they place dogs,” Stencil says. “You have to be committed to a big dog. They do need exercise.”

Scottish Deerhounds were originally bred for hunting deer in the highlands of Scotland. “Yes, they can still bring down a 250-pound stag,” says Stencil. They are loyal to their family and affectionate, “but not smothering or yippy.” And while Scottish Deerhounds are not guard dogs, “if someone comes to your front door, the size is intimidating,” she adds.

To get a full appreciation for the Scottish Deerhound, however, you need to see one running across a field. “They are beautiful,” Stencil says. “They fly through the air.” For the latest updates PRESS CTR + D or visit Stock Market news Today

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