The Western Washington Cluster in Puyallup, WA has been a very lucky series for Kanzu and Kuyu. This cluster of shows has special meaning for us as Kanzu earned a BOS and BOB at the Puyallup shows in 2012 with Breeder-Co-owner Mike Patterson, earning his Grand Championship there. Kuyu was entered in the shows in 2013 and earned a Best Opposite RR Puppy in Sweeps and Best RR Puppy in Sweeps with handler Emma Marshall. In 2014 Kuyu made an unexpected return to Puyallup. Kuyu finished his AKC Championship in October 2013 at the Idaho Capital City Kennel Club show in Boise Idaho. Unexpectedly, in January 2013 after the Championship certificate was awarded and registered by AKC an error was noted and it was determined that Kuyu was one point short of completing his AKC Championship. So, off to WA and OR he went with handler Don Rogers. On Day 3 of the Puyallup shows Kuyu earned a 5 point major under judge Dee Hyde with handler Alex Carter to finish up his AKC championship Xs 2. The Puyallup shows are indeed a very lucky show for our African Treasures.

The American Kennel Club (AKC) conformation championship is the much sought-after (must-have) title for a pure bred dog. However, there are other organizations that offer championships. One such CH title that is popular for many Americans is the Canadian Kennel Club (CKC) Championship. The process for achieving a CH title from the CKC is similar to the AKC process. A dog must compete with other dogs of the same breed and is judged against the standard for the breed. For the CKC championship title a dog must earn 10 points under 3 judges and at least one win must be 2 points or more.

Kuyu made his debut in CKC shows in January 2013 at the Ladies Kennel Club of BC in Cloverdale, BC. He showed for 3 days with handlers Don Rodgers and Emma Marshall. Kuyu earned 4 of the 10 points needed for his Canadian Championship. In December 2013 Linda, Kanzu and Kuyu made the long drive to Chilliwack, BC for Kuyu to meet up with handler Don Rogers at the Auld Lang Syne Dog Association shows. On Day 1of the show Kuyu won Winner’s Dog and Best of Winners for 3 points. On Day 2 under judge Mrs. Darle Heck he took Winners Dog, Best of Winners and Best of Breed. This led to a lovely and very competitive Group 2 placement in the Hound Group. On Day 3 he moved up to the Specials ring and again won BOB and again, a very competitive Group 3 placement in the Hound Group under judge Mr. Walter Pinsker.