Five dogs from Huntsville compete in world-class dog show

In an unusual turn of events, five dogs from two owners in Huntsville successfully competed at the prestigious, all-breed 148th Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show in New York City from May 11 to May 14, 2024. 

Ashley Martins, owner of four of the dogs presented, commented that it is exceedingly rare for these many dogs to place in a field that accepts only 2,500 dogs from entrants across North America. 

“The Westminster Kennel Club, established in 1877, is America’s oldest non-profit organization dedicated to the sport showing of dogs. The Club hosts the iconic Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show, the second-longest continuously held sporting event in the U.S. and, since 1948, the longest nationally televised live dog show,” notes their site.

The dog show assembles over 200 breeds of dogs, competing in a variety of categories. Finalists are judged on the basis of their performance against some of the best-bred, trained, and cared-for canines in the world. Preserving, improving, and fostering the well-being of breeds (some extremely rare) is one of the primary missions of the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show.

Ashley Martins has been keenly and passionately involved in dog showings across Canada and the United States since she was first introduced to the sport at the age of nine. Ashley is also the handler for her own dog showings, something that owners often relegate to professional handlers who prepare dogs for presentation. Her four dogs: Flint (registered name Katyra Ignite the Fire), a Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever, won first place in the award of merit; Groot (registered name Timaru Guardian of the North), an Anatolian Shepherd, won the Select Dog award; Riddle (registered name Riverhund Kyon’s He Who Must Not Be Named), a Norwegian Buhund, won the Select dog award; and Myrtle (registered name Riverhund Kyon’s Moaning Myrtle), also a Norwegian Buhund, won Best of Opposite Sex. Her dogs have won numerous awards in Canada and the United States—a prerequisite for attaining show status at the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show. 

Pattie Page, of Huntsville and co-owner of Kelkka (registered name MapleMyst’s Sledding Under A Pine Sky), a female Finnish Lapphund, won Best in Opposite Sex (2nd). Kelkka has won numerous awards over her show dog career: Best in Show, Multiple Best in Specialty Show, Multiple Reserve Best in Show, and Canadian Grand Champion. Chelby Marling of Team CCS is Kelkka’s handler for shows. 

Finnish Lapphunds are well known for their friendly characteristics, especially with children, and their lustrous coats, which Pattie states must be brushed thoroughly every two weeks. Pattie Page has a long history of working with and training dogs. She was excited to be taking part in and having Kelkka show at the Westminster Dog Show. Both she and her husband travelled to New York City to enjoy the show and take in the sights.      

Chelby Marling (Handler) with Kelkka. (Submitted photos)

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