| Archer takes BIS and makes history at Montgomery
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Issue: 11/10/2024
The first weekend in October is the most exciting time of the year for terrier enthusiasts, with the number 1 Terrier show in the USA, Montgomery.
Competitors come from around the world for the opportunity to showcase their dogs here, and winning Best in Show is the pinnacle achievement for any true terrier fancier. The atmosphere is electric, the audience is huge and involved and the pressure is immense. What makes this show particularly remarkable is that the majority of breeds reaching the final group must first win their National Specialty—a daunting task even for the most seasoned professionals.
This kind of success doesn’t typically happen to owner-handlers like Antoinelle Vulpis, BUT that doesn’t make it impossible, and last weekend saw this happen when her Skye Terrier (her first Skye and her first show dog), MBIS MBISS GCHS Gleanntan’s Sure Shot Greyjoy, did just that.
Antoinelle told OUR DOGS: ‘If you absorb advice and knowledge from those you admire and dedicate time to conditioning and presenting your dog to the best of your ability, judges CAN find a great dog regardless of money, politics, or who’s on the end of the lead.
‘I’m fortunate to have amazing mentors who took a chance on me over seven years ago and entrusted me with a promising puppy. Balancing work and motherhood is a challenge, but I always find time to devote to my dog. I dreamed of one day showing him as a veteran at our National, and I’m deeply honored that a judge we had never shown to before yesterday—who is a Sporting judge, no less—found him in the breed ring.’
‘Mrs. Lorraine Bisso for awarding Archer Best of Breed at the STCA National Specialty from the Veteran Class. A heartfelt thank you to the esteemed breeder-owner-handler Judge, Mrs. Lydia Coleman-Hutchinson, for bestowing the incredible honor of Best in Show. Lydia gave Archer his second 5pt Major from the classes in 2018 at the Trenton KC where he went BOB over a steep entry of Specials that day. Her belief in him as a puppy despite my novice handling skills helped me realize what a true gift this dog was. It took everything in me to not cry when I put him on her table at nearly eight years old. A full circle moment.’
Archer has also made breed history as the first Skye Terrier to win the Montgomery County Kennel Club.
Antoinelle continues: ‘I hope our story ignites a passion in others to get involved with dog shows and support vulnerable breeds. With dedication, patience, and a heartfelt commitment, anything is achievable.
‘My First Show dog, my First Skye Terrier, my Shadow.’
Archer is bred by Gleanntan Kennel & Allen Smith, owned by Antoinelle & Frank Vulpis and handled by Antoinelle.
