2017 Bichon Nationals – Atlanta, GA

Now normally we wouldn’t consider flying a baby at the tender age of 5 1/2 months all the way across the country to a dog show.  

But then came Oliver. A resilient little guy whose motto seems to be “Eat fast and play hard”.

The BFCA held a beginner puppy competition for the first time this year at Nationals.  Puppies entered must be between 4 and 6 months of age.  Even with a month of training under his belt we really had no idea how Oliver would behave in the ring.  The nationals ring is an entirely different environment and can be quite scary for such a baby.  As Karen puts it, puppies at that age are like having a frog on a string. But Oliver was impressing us and we felt he was up to the task.  Besides his Grand Daddy Simon would go along to keep him company.  

Photo by Dina Taylor (Absolutely Bichons Team Member)

While at Nationals we just hope our dogs will show well.  The best of the best compete at Nationals and just getting a ribbon is a thrill for us.  All of the puppies entered looked sooooo good and I mean seriously good!  It was anyone’s game.  

Little Oliver showed like he was made for the ring.  He displayed his puppy exuberance with his amazing vertical leap (repeatedly) and was more than happy to visit with his neighbors.  At the end of his “down and back” he hit his free stack like an old pro! COULD NOT HAVE BEEN BETTER!

Well respected breeder judge Ann Hearn thoroughly scrutinized all the puppies.  She pulled out her 4 favorites for her final cut then on the last go around she pointed to Oliver as the Best Puppy!  Whoooo Hooooo!  

There is no big prize for winning Best Beginner Puppy at Nationals.  There is not even any points toward an eventual championship.  But you do walk away with a feeling and a memory that you won’t forget, and a very pretty ribbon.  

Ollie is going to be a lot of fun!