Dandy's First Show l Southern Sophisticats
A Lot of Firsts!
In Dandy's first ring, on his first day, at his first ever cat show, he was the youngest of the Maine Coon kittens in the longhaired kitten class at just four months. Despite the age disadvantage, we are excited to say he was awarded Best of Breed Maine Coon kitten by TICA Allbreed judge, Rene Knapp, who is also our South East Division Regional Director. We know Rene is a very experienced judge with a keen eye, so this was a good sign for good things to come! We were over the moon when Rene commented that Dandy was not a bit shy and that his eyes were a standout. A very nice start to his day and show career when competing against other talented Maine Coon breeders!
Best of Breed x Four
The show lasted all day Saturday and a half-day on Sunday, for a total of 12 rings. Dandy was awarded a total of four best of breed Maine Coon kitten awards, five second bests, and three third bests. The three judges who are also current or former Maine Coon breeders all awarded him Best of Breed. This is a great sign that, at least at this time, Dandy conforms tightly to the breed standard. We were very pleased with his performance.
Five Finals
After judging the Maine Coon kittens and other kittens of all breeds (longhaired and short-haired), each judge was allowed to call back their Top 9 favorite kittens in the show. Dandy was called back to five judge's rings and won 9th Best, 8th Best, 5th Best, 3rd Best, and Best Allbreed Kitten. Each final award resulted in a white ribbon, which you can see hanging from his show cage in the photo. Goooo Dandy!
See You Soon!
Dandy's next competition will be New Year's weekend in Largo, Florida. We are looking forward to some sunny Floriday weather, to spending more time networking with other Maine Coon breeders, and to getting this handsome fellow back in the ring with the other Maine Coon kittens, where he had so much fun strutting his stuff!