IT'S SHOW TIME!

Wilkins Photography Feature Photos As Noted

HOUSTON WORLD SERIES OF DOG SHOWS RETURNS JULY 19-23 AT NRG CENTER

While there are many reasons to admire the canine species, one of the most compelling is the incredible diversity in both their physical attributes and their skills. From the huge Mastiff to the tiny Papillon, dogs come in all sizes, shapes and coat types. Beyond their curious physical differences, dogs can also accomplish amazing things including racing through an agility course, pulling weight through snow, catching flying discs, saving avalanche victims, sniffing out bombs and much more.

Rarely is there an opportunity to view so many types of dogs and learn about their breed’s heritage while also watching them perform jaw-dropping sport routines as you

Meet Chester The Champion

If ever there was a lot of “punch” packed into a tiny package, it would be America’s favorite Champion Affenpinscher, “Chester”. Formally touted as GCHG TAMARIN TATTOO, this adorable Top Dog is the pride and joy of his mom, Laura McIngvale Brown, who graciously shared her little “monkey dog” (as they are described by the AKC), with PetTalk for a photoshoot. Yes, we will witness at the 46th Annual Houston World Series of Dog Shows. The cluster of shows takes place at NRG Center July 19-23. Over 150 breeds will be on display plus performance sports and exhibitions including Flyball, Obedience, Canine Frisbee, Canine Freestyle, Scent Work, Barn Hunt and more. Plus, don't miss the student art exhibit, pet adoptions and shopping in McScotty Market. were thrilled at the idea of having a cute national champion dog for the cover of our Annual Houston World Series of Dog Shows issue, but we were not prepared for the big personality and literally flawless behavior of this multiple Best of Breed nugget! He modeled perfectly for every pose we asked of him, looking in command of his world as he was surrounded by his championship ribbons and trophies.

If you want total dog submersion, the show is the place to be...and it's indoors! Enjoy our feature story to learn all about the show's activities, schedule, parking and how to map out your canine adventure in advance so you don't miss a thing!

It’s long been known in dog show circles that some dogs just have that “something extra” in their personality and showmanship that sets them apart from their competitors. Several dogs in the ring may have great conformation (breed characteristics) but the one with extra pizazz on that day is the one who takes home the trophy. And getting the trophy became Chester’s mark! He racked up numerous wins on the show tour, much to mom Laura’s delight who tweeted after Chester’s Toy Group win at the National

Dog Show, “To say I’m an elated dog owner today is an understatement! This is such a huge accomplishment and honor and I am forever grateful.” Brown went on to thank Chester’s amazing handlers who have shown him throughout his career, Alfonso Escobedo and Ashlie Whitmore.

Both Ashlie and Alfonso escorted Chester to our photoshoot so we were able to glean a little inside “scoop” about this 11 pound phenom. Turns out

CHESTER’S ACHIEVEMENTS

» 11 Best In Shows

» 28 Reserve Best in Shows

» 141 Group Firsts

» Best of Breed at Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show

» 2021 and 2022 Affenpinscher Club of America National Specialty Winner

» 2020 and 2021 Toy Group winner at the National Dog Show that Chester is like most canines…he loves steak and he loves to play! The interesting part about the latter is that he approaches his job, be it showing in the ring or modeling for the camera, with stoic professionalism and once he knows the job is done, the suggestion of play makes his eyes light up and that cute little tail wag feverishly back and forth. We got to witness this compact little guy go from “serious-minded to let’s have some fun” and it was so darn cute!

Both Ashlie and Alfonso admit that he is a dream dog to show given that he loves to do his job well, enjoys the praise, cooperates with no fanfare and he takes up very little space in the travel van!

To keep his physique in tip-top shape, Chester exercises on a doggie treadmill (yes, they exist) and he is totally cool with the grooming and coiffing required to make his ombre coat its maximum show quality. Alfonso notes, “When he is in the ring, he just lights up the place. His tail wags, he exudes energy and you can just tell he loves it.” Hmm…it’s that pizazz thing we were talking about!

Among Chester’s many accolades, he achieved the envied title of the number one Affenpinscher in America. He was judged as the best in the nation and that elite position belies the fact that Chester DOES love to show and competes with ferocity. Although he gets a steak dinner after big shows, we’re pretty sure he would still strut his stuff to the best of his ability even if he just got a hot dog. But we also know that Chester’s mom and handlers want only the best for this little guy…and that means sirloin!

As a steward of his breed, Chester embodies all that an Affenpinscher should be. The breed is described by the AKC as: “A balanced, wiry-haired terrier-like toy dog whose intelligence and demeanor make it a good house pet. Originating in Germany, the name Affenpinscher means "monkey-like terrier." The breed was developed to rid the kitchens, granaries, and stables of rodents. In France the breed is described as the "Diablotin Moustachu" or moustached little devil. Both describe the appearance and attitude of this delightful breed.”

For those that are new to breed showing, the AKC publishes a breed standard for all breeds recognized by their organization, which totals around 200 breeds. Each dog is judged against the standard for the breed, not against one another. You will see the judges put their hands on the dog to feel for coat quality, structure, etc., and they will also observe temperament and overall appearance. Next, they observe the dog’s gait in various directions, which also goes to evaluating structure. It is a tough job for judges to discern between small nuances of very good dogs that all made it to the championship round, so ultimately at a national show it comes back to…you guessed it…pizazz in the ring! At this year’s show, come and stay for the Best In Show event at the end of each day’s show on Friday, Saturday and Sunday and you can witness this pizazz for yourself.

As for Chester, he is slowing down his show schedule and is happily basking in the glory of attaining number one in his breed and a Westminster Best of Breed win. He will not be shown at the Houston World Series of Dog Shows this year, but you can enjoy the many clips of his performances online, including his Toy Group win at the National Dog Show on NBCSports.com.

On a final note, Chester is not only set apart by his accomplishments and good looks, but he is also the granddog of legendary businessman and philanthropist, Jim McIngvale, affectionately known as “Mattress Mack” for his incredible success as the owner of the Gallery Furniture retail chain. Jim and his wife Linda gifted Chester to their daughter Laura for Christmas in 2019. Little did they all know how this toy breed would attain such great success. Mattress Mack is famous for his TV commercials where he often ends with his signature motto, Saves You Money! but he admits that Chester may not save anyone money given his royal life of travel and steak dinners, but he will DEFINITELY steal your heart!