Our first field trials of the season (Maryland)

Last weekend I went to my first field trial of the season. Metropolitan Washington Dachshund Club held two field trials (Saturday and Sunday) at Maryland Beagle Club in White Hall, MD.

It was great to see my friends and their dogs after a long winter break. As I mentioned in my previous post, the weather on Saturday was unbelievably bad, and I could not take any pictures in the field. The only pics available from the Saturday trial were taken indoors, and they are posted click here. In total there were 20 open bitches, 13 open males and 40 field champions. I ran Quenotte in the open stake (this was her first field trial ever); she is just 11 months old. Considering how difficult conditions were (pouring rain and gusting winds, thunder and lightning), I was pleased with Quenotte but surprised that she managed to place 1st in her stake. Our young field champions Paika, Tommy and Joeri had some good runs but the competition was tough.

Quenotte with her 1st place rosette. This picture was taken at our place after I got home.

Pete Mercier handled his mini long Trooper to the first place in the field champion stake. Trooper was also Absolute Winner of the trial.

Janice Koslow's wire Jett placed 2nd in field champions. Jett is our Elli's niece.

On Sunday the weather was more comfortable though still it was very windy, and conditions were difficult. The number of entries went somewhat down, and we had 15 open bitches, 14 open dogs and 40 field champions. Since I was running Quenotte in the morning, and then Paika, Tommy and Joei in the field champion stake, I could take pictures only after the second series in the field champions was called back. Two braces came back and they were Guiness (standard long), Zuni (mini wire), Ollie (standard smooth) and Dixie (standard wire). This is also how they placed in the end. Open classes were won by Rhett (mini long) and Lilah (mini long). The Absolute win went to Guiness owned by Melanie Simmons.

The grounds have very good visibility. The supply of rabbits is excellent.

Melanie Simmons with Guiness and Linda Snyder with Zuni in the second series.

Linda Snyder with a very adorable Zuni

Dixie (FC Anja von Moosbach-Zuzelek) owned by Sherry Ruggieri placed 4th in the field champion stake.

Luke is Alice and Phil's new puppy. A dream subject for a photographer.

This is Luke again... He was irresistable.

Lilah owned by Phyllis Damron was first in the open bitch stake.

Rhett owned by Jill Blake won the open dog stake.

Melanie Simmons with Guiness, who was 1st in champions and the Absolute Winner.

More pictures can be viewed click here. Congratulations to all the winners!

After a long and snowy winter it is good to be outside with dogs again. They are rusty after such a long time of inactivity, but this is the price we pay in spring by living in the Helderbergs - it takes a while for the dogs to get into a good running shape.