PVIWC Irish Wolfhound Specialty Show

The Potomac Valley Irish Wolfhound Club's annual Specialty is held around the end of March or beginning of April (specifically, starting on Sunday of the 13th weekend of the year - March 29-30 in 2009; click here for specific dates up to the year 2018 ) at Quiet Waters Park, Annapolis, Maryland.  We host hundreds of wolfhounds and their people every year, so come on down and join us!

There is a lot of enjoyment to be found in spectating with so many hounds of all ages to admire. Also there is an information table, and a wonderful boutique with most things Irish Wolfhoundish, some not breed-specific, all very tempting and lovely, including items such as clothing, jewelry, wind chimes, door knockers, tote bags, ceramics, statues, prints, plaques, ornaments, and stationary as well as much, much more, for your shopping pleasure.

There is also enjoyment in having the show program and matching up hounds with their owners/breeders and getting a feel for who is doing what in the breed. It's a wonderful opportunity to get to know other wolfhound fanciers, too.

And, of course, the park itself is absolutely gorgeous.

Information shortcuts:

• Directions to the Show Site
• Judges
• Obedience
• Puppy Sweepstakes
• Regular Classes
• Heart Testing
• Hospitality Reception
• Accommodations

Results and Pictures from past shows

• 2008 - results (sweepstakes, conformation and obedience results including judges' critiques), marked catalog, show pictures (movement, wins, placements), candid pictures (part 1 and part 2)
• 2007 - results (sweepstakes, conformation and obedience results including judges' critiques), candid pictures (part 1 and part 2)
• 2006 - results (sweepstakes, conformation and obedience results including judges' critiques), candid pictures
• 2005 - results (sweepstakes, conformation and obedience results includes judges' critiques), candid pictures
• 2004 - candid pictures
• 2003 - results (sweepstakes, conformation and obedience results), Conformation Judge's comments, candid pictures
• 2001 - results (sweepstakes, conformation and obedience results), Conformation Judge's comments, Sweepstakes Judge's comments, candid pictures
• 2000 - results (sweepstakes, conformation and obedience results)

Directions to the show:

From Route 50 east, take exit 22 onto MD Route 665 ( Aris T. Allen Blvd.). Follow Route 665, which becomes Forest Drive, about 3.5 miles to Hillsmere Drive. Turn right onto Hillsmere Drive, the park entrance is about 50 yards on the right; follow dog show signs in the park to the show.

Judges:

Planned judges:

2009 (pending AKC approval)
Conformation - Marion Finney, Gulliagh
Sweeps - Joe Roland, R Noble
Obedience - Debra Barrows
Rally - Debra Barrows

2010 (pending AKC approval)
Conformation - Espen Engh, Jet Greyhounds, Norway
Obedience - Mike Mooney
Rally - Mike Mooney

Obedience:

The obedience trials, which start about 8 a.m. on Sunday in the ring up the hill from the conformation ring, are wonderful to see - some hounds so very focused, some really struggling to get the concept together, all very enjoyable for spectators (there is a great need for well-behaved spectating here). The participants are happy to have lots of support.

Puppy Sweepstakes:

The puppy sweepstakes are divided into age groups and gender, 6-9 months; 9-12 months, 12-15 months, 15-18 months. The sweepstakes are in addition to the regular class conformation judging, and there is an extra enjoyment just in seeing what babies look like and how they behave. Sweeps start early Sunday morning in the main show ring.

Regular Classes:

After all the puppy sweeps judging is done, regular classes of conformation begin (dogs, then bitches) - this usually goes until about 3 or 4 every afternoon both days, culminating in the Best of Breed on Monday afternoon.

Heart Testing:

The Irish Wolfhound Foundation will be doing EKGs and blood pressure screening on Sunday at the PVIWC Specialty Show (donations welcome but not required for Heart Study participants; non-participants must pay a nominal fee). Registration information will be available at the show site.  No pre-registration is required. PVIWC encourages you to plan on testing your dog. Please help us support this worthy effort!

Hospitality:

PVIWC hosts an informal hospitality at the show site on Monday at lunchtime. Who says there's no such thing as a free lunch! The reception is held at the band shell behind the boutique area. Everyone at the show is most welcome to attend :-)

Accommodations:

The following list of accommodations is taken from the 2007 premium listing. Check with hotels for rates and additional fees/restrictions for dogs.