Who is going to be top dog in the Sieger Show this year? Who are going to be the leading VA (“select”) and high-V (excellent) dogs?

As I have been an SV conformation judge, handler, and tour leader (sometimes all three concurrently) for many years, and have followed the competition and breeding careers of the world’s best German Shepherd Dogs, I am frequently asked for my prognostication on the outcome of this, the world’s largest single-breed dog show. My predictions have been almost “right on the money” in the past, but that’s not a guarantee that I will hit the bull’s eye again. Although I know the judges well, and most of the dogs to a good extent, a number of factors can foil my accuracy. Some great dogs are considered by their owners to be a little too old this year. Some of the top-dogs’ owners want to move them aside to give their younger kennelmates a shot at the same fame. Some dogs may have been sold to China, and moved there since the previous year’s Sieger Show (that country is the current big-money market for high-priced dogs). Others will be held back from the competition because the owner fears they were not as appreciated by the judge as they should have been.

In the following discussion, I’ll mostly mention the dogs’ individual names; for full identification and other details, see my report on the 2008 show. Many websites carry my annual reports of the shows and the tours I lead after them. Based partly on dogs’ previous performance and partly on my personal observation of their movement and anatomy, I am again gong out on a limb and predicting the winners, and in roughly descending order. Now, remember: there are those “if”s to consider. If Vegas shows, he’ll retain his VA-1 Sieger title. Several other dogs who placed high in the VA category last year are on the border of being a bit old for the competition, according to tradition, and might not appear. Most likely after the possible repeat of Vegas would be Agassi, in spite of his age (he’s 6, and Vegas is 5 ½), followed maybe by Odin Holtkamper Hof (also 6), Yerom (at 4 years of age, unlikely to go higher then VA-3 or maybe 2 this year). Competing for the next slot will be Yukon and Furbo (I have a feeling Furbo will pass the former), then Negus if he is shown again. Quantum Fiemereck will be around VA-6 or 7 if present, and Uran Wilhelmswarte will move into the VA category this year. If they are entered, also look for Kwantum K and Taureg in the low-VA to high-V range. Clinten should make it to top-V if not VA. Yabax Bad-Boll is likely to move up, and Panjo K. should present very well again this year. Godalis Tino has not been heard from recently, so I wonder if he’s in the Far East now, and if so, who Uday Jani will be running for high honors this year.

In the high-V section in males, look for Ushigarten’s Dexter, Nick Holtkamper-Hof, Digger, Dax Intercanina (he is on a hot winning streak as I write this, and might even get V-1), Djenges Khan, then maybe Ustinov, Remo, Joker, and Schicco.

On the distaff side of the field, most likely will be Alisha Eichenplatz, Viva H., Chayenne, and Lea U. in that order, and Ronja Haus Burow pretty close. I would advise my tour group to watch that side of the arena when those bitches take the field during Friday’s courage tests, as well as later in the gaiting portion of the contest. Most bitches are seen once or twice, then become busy rearing litters.

For those readers who are new to this, or at least my annual predictions and activities re the Sieger Show, let me tell you that for the past couple decades I have been offering a guided tour of the show and fascinating parts of Germany and adjacent countries. I usually have one or two van-loads. After the 3 days of the big show, we visit breeding kennels and clubs, and “see the sights” as well. Regardless of where the show is held, there are very interesting parts of Europe nearby that you might never otherwise have opportunity to see. Nobody gets any younger in the next year, so if you are thinking about joining my group next time, start planning now. Contact me by e-mail at Mr.GSD@netscape.com if you have an interest. It’s usually an 8-to-9-day tour, including a day to get there and a day returning.