Locally owned Dalmatian wins Best of Breed at Westminster

Named for the markings around her eyes, a Dalmatian from Rossford is bringing home top honors in her breed from the 142nd Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show.

Spotlight Maybe It's Maybelline, or May for short, was named Best of Breed during Monday’s events at Madison Square Garden in New York City. The nearly 5-year-old female is owned by John and Elaine Bachey, who watched her compete from Florida via online streaming.

The Best of Breed Dalmatian named Spotlight Maybe It's Maybelline, or May for short, is co-owned by John and Elaine Bachey of Rossford. She got her title Monday, This photo of Spotlight maybe It's Maybelline is from another show.

“It was very thrilling,” Mr. Bachey said. “That is a very, very difficult field. It’s the best of the best.”

The Bacheys operate BretD Kennels and breed Dalmatians. They did not produce May, but she will become part of the breeding program at their kennel.

The couple has had a number of dogs entered at Westminster over the years that have brought home other titles in the breed. But May is their first Best of Breed winner, overcoming 25 other Dalmatians at the show.

Mr. Bachey noted when dogs get to the level seen at Westminster, determining which dog rises to the top comes down to minute, subtle differences.

“To go in and win any kind of award is really difficult,” he said. “But to be the best of breed is really a tough thing.”

May enjoys the show life, and it shows in the ring. Mr. Bachey said he saw her personality come through while watching her compete at Westminster.

“Some dogs have an attitude that just says, ‘Look at me,’” he said. “Sometimes that comes through, sometimes it doesn't. But she had her ‘look at me’ face on.”

May advanced to the non-sporting group ring Monday night and did not place, though Mr. Bachey said her show career is still ending on a high note. She is retiring and will return to the kennel to become a mother.

Other Westminster dogs with area ties and their results include:

• Crossroad Jockeyhill Big Girls Don’t Cry, English springer spaniel; co-bred and co-owned by Dick and Laurie Green of Toledo; Best of Opposite Sex in breed.
• Ehrmans Redwood Princess of Hearts, Irish red and white setter; co-bred by Jim and Rachelle Ehrman of Fostoria; co-owned by Mr. Ehrman, Amanda Mowery of Tiffin, and Mary Ehrman of Fostoria; handled by Ms. Ehrman; Best of Opposite Sex in breed.
• Hallmark Jolei Rock-Et My World, Shih Tzu; bred and owned by Luke and Diane Ehricht of Monclova Township; Select Dog in breed.
• Aramis Farms & Ehrman’s Knight Errant of Redwood, Irish red and white setter; co-owned by Jim and Rachelle Ehrman of Fostoria and Amanda Mowery of Tiffin; handled by Ms. Mowery; Award of Merit in breed.
• Circo El Ladron Nash, Havanese; bred and co-owned by John and Kim Sherburne of Toledo; did not place in breed.
• Crimsonacre Come Running, Irish setter; co-owned by Laurie Green of Toledo; did not place in breed.
• Crossroad Jockeyhill Man in the Mirror, English springer spaniel; co-bred and co-owned by Dick and Laurie Green of Toledo; did not place in breed.
• Hallmark Jolei Super Powers, Shih Tzu; bred and owned by Luke and Diane Ehricht of Monclova Township; invited by Westminster Kennel Club but did not compete.

Contact Alexandra Mester at: amester@theblade.com, 419-724-6066, or on Twitter @AlexMesterBlade.