Now we’d like to report on our ‘little’ Kona’s adventures and successes in the show rings in the United States. There are not a lot of Czechoslovakian Vlcaks in the USA, and even less with owners that compete. So far there are only about 10 in the entire country who have seen the inside of a show ring!
So Kona is a little bit of a pioneer, and she is showing under some judges who have never seen any of her breed. The US Club tries to give all judges some materials from the European specialty judges some weeks before the shows so that they have some insider’s notes too.
Right now all Czechoslovakian Vlcaks are shown under the United Kennel Club, the only kennel club they are fully recognized under. In the US, show rules are different than under FCI countries too – for example, any dog over 6 months can win any title. There is no Junior Champion title, and judges don’t rate each dog – either the dog wins something or he doesn’t..and of course other differences. Shows are sponsored by local kennel clubs or breed clubs and normally it is over an entire weekend with multiple judges, typically 2 shows per day running concurrently.
Debbie could not travel due to some scheduling conflicts, so Kona travelled with some friends going with other dogs. Sometimes Kona came first and sometimes she got reserve, but I will write all her placements thus far:

5 x Best Puppy, 5 x Best Female, 4 x Best of Breed, 3 x BOG 3

We are very proud of Kona for preserving without her owner, staying overnight in strange hotels, and doing well in the shows despite the weather, especially as a young puppy.
For these events Kona did have Czechoslovakian Vlcak competitors. Based on these results, Kona finished her first level of Championship in the United States! Now her ‘official’ name in the US is ‘U-CH. Gran Oro Sol Atropa Bella Donna’, or in other words, United Champion, USA.

Thank you to everyone who is taking such good care of Kona and giving her so many experiences in life! We look forward to other successes – in or out of the ring!