{"version":1,"type":"rich","provider_name":"Libsyn","provider_url":"https:\/\/www.libsyn.com","height":90,"width":600,"title":"Morris & Essex: The Quintessential Dog Show","description":"In this podcast episode, we tour a century and a half of dog shows. In particular, the 30-year heyday of Morris & Essex Kennel Club\u2019s show. With research from the AKC Library and Archives, we will explore how dog shows have been dramatically reinvented over generations and how those reinventions speak volumes about the ever-evolving bond between humans and dogs. For three glorious decades, the hottest ticket in stateside high society was the Morris & Essex dog show. The event ushered in the platinum age of dog shows. To celebrate the long-awaited return of the great show, attendees of the 2021 rendition (originally slated for the 2020 plague year) donned fine period costumes in tribute to the show\u2019s original creator, financier, and dog lover Mrs. Geraldine Rockefeller Dodge. And, to commemorate the re-emergence of this dog lover\u2019s quintessential event, the AKC digitized the official marked Show Catalogs and AKC Gazettes from the show\u2019s run. Bonafide Bits: The first formal dog show is believed to have been held in New Castle, England in 1859 and sponsored by a gun maker. On May 28, 1927, Geraldine Rockefeller Dodge staged the first Morris & Essex dog show featuring 595 dogs from 17 breed categories. In 1899, the American Pet Dog Club had 4,000 visitors attend its dog show at New York\u2019s Metropolitan Opera House. Heralded as the first lady of dogdom, Mrs. Geraldine Rockefeller Dodge became the first woman to officiate as sole judge for Best in Show at Westminster. Based on the historic AKC Gazette coverage of Morris & Essex, 1935-1957, Rock Ridge Night Rocket won back-to-back Morris & Essex Best in Show in 1947 and 1948. Featured Breeds Irish Setter The Irish Setter is a high-spirited gundog known for grace, swiftness, and a flashy red coat. They are famously good family dogs: sweet-tempered companions for the folks, and rollicking playmates and tennis-ball fetchers for the children. Discover more about Irish Setters at AKC\u2019s Irish Setter Breed Biography.   Pointers The noble Pointer is the ultimate expression of canine power and grace. Unquestioned aristocrats of the sporting world, Pointers carry themselves proudly and are capable of great speed and agility. The coat comes in several colors, solid or in patterns but as the breed\u2019s devotees like to say, a good Pointer can\u2019t be a bad color. A large male can stand 28 inches at the shoulder and weigh up to 75 pounds; a small female might weigh as little as 45 pounds and stand 23 inches. Discover more about Pointers at AKC\u2019s Pointer Breed Biography.   Japanese Chin Chin are the unrivaled noblemen of Japanese breeds. They\u2019re tiny \u201cindoorsy\u201d companions, with an unmistakably Eastern look and bearing. The head is large, the muzzle short, and the round, dark eyes convey, as Chin fans like to say, a \u201clook of astonishment.\u201d The profuse mane around the neck and shoulders, the plumed tail arching over the back, and the pants or \u201cculottes\u201d on the hind legs project the elegant, exotic appearance so typical of Asia\u2019s royal line of laptop cuddle bugs. Discover more about Japanese Chins at AKC\u2019s Japanese Chin Breed Biography.   French Bulldog The one-of-a-kind French Bulldog, with his large bat ears and even disposition, is one of the world\u2019s most popular small-dog breeds, especially among city dwellers. The Frenchie is playful, alert, adaptable, and completely irresistible. Discover more about French Bulldogs at AKC\u2019s French Bulldog Breed Biography.   Irish Terrier Irish Terriers are the prototype of a long-legged terrier. Standing about 18 inches at the shoulder, they\u2019re sturdy but lithe and graceful. Every line of the body is eye-catching, and the overall picture is beautifully balanced. The tight red coat is as fiery as the breed\u2019s temperament. Irish Terriers are a dog lover\u2019s delight: If your heart doesn\u2019t go pitty-pat at the sight of this technicolor terrier framed against the vivid greens of the Irish countryside, forget dogs and buy a goldfish. Discover more about Irish Terriers at AKC\u2019s Irish Terrier Breed Biography.   Saint Bernard The Saint Bernard does not rank very high in AKC registrations, but the genial giant of the Swiss Alps is nonetheless among the world\u2019s most famous and beloved breeds. Saints are famously watchful, patient, and careful with children. Discover more about Saint Bernards at AKC\u2019s Saint Bernard Breed Biography.   English Cocker Spaniel English Cocker Spaniel lovers often use the word 'merry' to describe their breed. Upbeat in the field and mellow at home, this compact, silky-coated bird dog is widely admired for his delightful personality and irresistible good looks. The English Cocker Spaniel is a compactly built sporting dog standing between 15 to 17 inches at the shoulder. The softly contoured head, with its dark, melting eyes that convey an alert and dignified expression, is framed by lush, close-lying ears. Discover more about English Cocker Spaniels at AKC\u2019s English Cocker Spaniel Breed Biography.   Beagle Not only is the Beagle an excellent hunting dog and loyal companion, but it is also happy-go-lucky, funny, and \u2014 thanks to its pleading expression \u2014 cute. They were bred to hunt in packs, so they enjoy company and are generally easygoing. Discover more about Beagles at AKC\u2019s Beagle Breed Biography.   Bloodhound Bloodhounds are large, substantial dogs standing 23 to 27 inches at the shoulder and weighing up to 110 pounds. Their most famous features are a long, wrinkled face with loose skin; huge, drooping ears; and warm, deep-set eyes that complete an expression of solemn dignity. Coat colors can be black and tan, liver and tan, or red. Powerful legs allow Bloodhounds to scent over miles of punishing terrain. As pack dogs, Bloodhounds enjoy company, including other dogs and kids. They are easygoing, but their nose can sometimes lead them into trouble. A strong leash and long walks in places where they can enjoy sniffing around are recommended. Bloodhounds are droolers, and obedience training these sensitive sleuths can be a challenge. Discover more about Bloodhounds at AKC\u2019s Bloodhound Breed Biography.   German Shepherd Dog There are many reasons why German Shepherd Dogs stand in the front rank of canine royalty, but experts say their defining attribute is character: loyalty, courage, confidence, the ability to learn commands for many tasks, and the willingness to put their life on the line in defense of loved ones. German Shepherd Dogs will be gentle family pets and steadfast guardians, but, the breed standard says, there\u2019s a \u201ccertain aloofness that does not lend itself to immediate and indiscriminate friendships.\u201d Discover more about German Shepherd Dogs at AKC\u2019s German Shepherd Dog Breed Biography.   Bedlington Terrier Bedlingtons are lithe, energetic Englishmen. The crisp, curly coat; arched back; tasseled ears; scimitar-shaped tail; and fleecy, pear-shaped head are identifying features of this one-of-a-kind breed. As the curvy contours indicate, there\u2019s a sighthound Whippet most likely in their family tree. Bedlingtons move with a light, springy step and when roused to pursuit, can run like the wind. Rollicking, charming, and full of fun, Bedlingtons want most to be their family\u2019s center of attention and are known to be protective of loved ones. For an active family looking for a no-shedding, lively, and loyal companion, the search might end here. Discover more about Bedlington Terriers at AKC\u2019s Bedlington Terrier Breed Biography.   Poodle (Miniature) Poodles come in three size varieties: Standards should be more than 15 inches tall at the shoulder; Miniatures are 15 inches or under; Toys stand no more than 10 inches. All three varieties have the same build and proportions. At dog shows, Poodles are usually seen in the elaborate Continental Clip. Most pet owners prefer the simpler Sporting Clip, in which the coat is shorn to follow the outline of the squarely built, smoothly muscled body. Forget those old stereotypes of Poodles as sissy dogs. Poodles are eager, athletic, and wickedly smart \u201creal dogs\u201d of remarkable versatility. The Standard, with his greater size and strength, is the best all-around athlete of the family, but all Poodles can be trained with great success. Discover more about Miniature Poodles at AKC\u2019s Miniature Poodle Breed Biography. For more information about a specific breed visit the breed\u2019s parent club or AKC.org. Shareables In 1927, Mrs. Geraldine Rockefeller Dodge staged the first Morris & Essex dog show, featuring 595 dogs from 17 breed categories. The first Morris & Essex dog show ushered in the platinum age of dog shows for high society dog fanciers. Today\u2019s modern Morris & Essex dog show is both an excellent show and a fond throwback to the show\u2019s heyday. ","author_name":"Down and Back: AKC Dog Podcast","author_url":"https:\/\/www.akc.org\/about\/down-and-back-akc-podcast\/","html":"