2014 WUSV Universal Sieger, Go USA! - Page 2

The Universal competition is a competition where a dog is placed on the results of the IPO3 trial and the conformation show. Therefore both working lines and conformation lines compete for the same award. The winner is determind by the placement in the trial added to the placement in the show. Which ever team has the lowest score is the winner. If there is a tie as there was in the male class, the winner is the team with the highest protection score (C). If there is a tie, the obedience score (B) determines the winner. 

There's a real human interest story here, actually two. It's a story someone that can write better than I write should write. A few years ago Erin bought a puppy. First dog. She decided to train it and train it she did. She went about it correctly and she had a bit of good luck. The puppy she purchased had the ability and she hooked up with excellent trainers. She applied herself and the rest is pretty much history with her and Zambo winning the WUSV World Universal title twice and placing third with the same number of points as first this, his final year.

Through this experience Erin acquired a feel for the dogs and as Zambo was bred to females, Erin looked at his results and acquired some of his offspring. During this process there was a female, Honey vom Finkenschlag that was training with a mutual friend. Honey was one of those rare dogs that has many excellent working qualities. Check out her pedigree and you'll see she's from one of the few families of dogs that actually produce the working ability that can compete with the working lines.

Honey was in season when she was at the Canadian Sieger Show. Her owners had discussed the options of males to breed her to and her breeder had been consulted. The decision was made to breed to Zambo for a few reasons. The genetics were right as there was a 2,4 linebreeding on Yello St. Michaelsburg, one of the three families of dogs for working ability, the breeders recommendation, and there was enough interest in the combination where the puppies all had working homes.

The female was named Elle and she went to Erin. Erin began her training and as Elle was progressing Erin's husband Doug began campagining her. Doug is a newcomer to the trial field and this trip to the WUSV was his third or fourth trial.

So the story here is the husband and wife getting involved with the dogs, finding opportunity, getting some good dogs in the beginning and finding success. It's not the only story this year.

A few years ago Kevin and Vandal were rising to the top with a similar story. His wife Cheryl picks up a dog after researching the options and together Cheryl and Chloe begin their quest. This year his wife Cheryl places third in the world with Chloe.

Congratulations to the USA team!

Randy,

Thank you for the post and you articulated the byline "stories" well.

To those interested, the event featured 49 total entries 6 of which were showlines; 5 of those were from North America; and, two of those made the podium (top 3).

Kevin

Kevin,

It would be great if you could expand a little on your and Cheryl's journey.

Great job, all American competitors!  Congratulations to everyone.  You are an elite bunch!