National Dog Show

I don’t know how it is with you, but I know I always end up watching the National Dog Show on Thanksgiving while I finish up the pies at my parents’ house.  All those pretty pooches… plus it takes place in our own backyard, did you know?  So I get a little kick out of having my neck of the woods projected from the tiny TV in my parents’ kitchen in New York.

But if you want to know who wins before everyone else does, you can go see it in person!  This weekend!  Tickets are ridiculously reasonably priced, and you have your choice of days—Saturday or Sunday.  So why not go and watch champion-level dogs parade around the Oaks expo center?  I can just hear the dulcet tones of John O’Hurley now…

Leading off in the terrier group is the Scottish Terrier.  Often called the Scottie, this dog is best recognized for its distinctive profile and hard, wiry, weather-resistant outer coat in a black, brindle or wheaten color.  Its beard, eyebrows, legs and lower body furnishings are traditionally shaggy.  Like many breeds in the Terrier Group, Scotties are small yet strong and known as fast, alert and playful dogs.

Aww!  The Scottie Dog is a pump for Scottie-lovers, all right—a handsome little guy decked out in a red polka dot bow tie adorns the right shoe, and the leash trails off to the left shoe.  (There’s a polka dot bow over there too!)  And three hearts, just because.  The heel is just under four inches—and look, do you see the print on the back of the heel?  It goes all the way down the sole!  Yours for $118 from Irregular Choice.

Next up, we have the non-sporting group.  First, we have the Standard Poodle.  The Poodle, though often equated to the beauty with no brains, is exceptionally smart, active and excels in obedience training. Poodles can be a variety of solid colors, including white, black, apricot and gray, but never parti-colored.  The breed comes in three size varieties, which may contribute to why Poodle is one of the most popular breeds.  The Standard is the largest.

The Zarek by Isaac Mizrahi New York is chockablock with poofy Poodles!  White on black, with little pink eyes and noses.  Plus, it’s in the smoking slipper shape that’s so hot this season.  Also available in a sort of red paisley; your choice for $78 from 6pm.

Up next in the non-sporting group is the Boston Terrier.  Truly an All-American dog, the Boston Terrier is a lively and highly intelligent breed with an excellent disposition.  Conveying an impression of determination, strength and activity, he is short-headed and compactly built, and must be black, brindle or seal with white markings.

That is the distinctive black-and-white face of the Boston Terrier, all right!  And just look at the little hearts in his eyes.  This shoe is both graphically pleasing and makes my heart smile—a pretty rare combo!  If you’re not into dogs it also comes as black-and-white cats… or if you are an equal opportunity pet lover, you can get the pair that’s one of each.  Find them at DHgate for $15.

Even if you’re allergic, you can get behind these dogs!

Sales this weekend:
Aerosoles: Fall boot sale-- up to 25% off select styles
Bakers: 40-50% off all boots
Lord & Taylor: Online only-- save 25% on regular and sale shoes
Macy's: Holiday preview-- save 20-30% on select styles
Nine West: Buy 2 pairs and get 20% off (web only)
Nordstrom: Save up to 40% during their half-yearly sale
Payless: Fall boot sale!  Up to 40% off