WHY DID YOU NAME HIM FEARLESS?
His famous sire was named Jet Li and the name Fearless came from one of the Jet Li movies.
FEARLESS’ HUMAN ANSWERS SOME OF ANIMAL SCENE’S QUESTIONS.
Q: CAN YOU TELL US MORE ABOUT THE APC NATIONALS AND BEING THE #1 POMERANIAN?
Once a year, all the best dogs of each breed in the USA, not to mention the best from other countries, converge to compete at the nationals. In this case, Pomeranians will compete for Best of Breed, very similar to the prestigious Miss Universe contest.
In 2013, more than 400 Pomeranians competed at the APC Nationals, of which there were more than 60 American Champions that included the top Pomeranians in USA at the time. Our Ph It Ch Canton Jet Li, then a regular or a non-american champion, arrived one day before the three-day show. As a non-american champion, he had to compete on day one with all the other dogs, win over them, and compete with the rest of the American champions. By day three, he emerged as the Best of Breed -- the Miss Universe, so to speak. Usually, the winner was one of the top American Pomeranians of the preceding year, and it had been 20 years ago that a non-american champion won this title from the classes. Such a win has never been achieved by any other Philippine dog.
In 2018, a Jet Li son named Am Gr Ph Ch Canton Fearless won Award of Merit at the APC Specialty Show and Select. A Select win meant being a second placer while an Award of Merit meant being one of the finalists. Fearless also won Select Dog at 2018 Westminister, which was the biggest and mosthyped dog show in the world. With all of his wins for the year 2018, he has defeated 1,248 Pomeranians, making him the Top Winning Pomeranian Breed in the USA. He is the only Philippine dog to ever have such an accomplishment.
Q: HOW DO YOU KNOW A POMERANIAN IS FOR SHOW AND HAS THE POTENTIAL TO COMPETE?
Each breed has a standard, which is sort of like a bible for that breed. As is the case for other breeds, the Pomeranian breed standard details what the dog should have in terms of the head, eyes, ears, stop, muzzle, proportion, size, tail, coat, etc. There are generalities that need to be there, too, such as the temperament and showmanship, and the overall soundness in structure. The judge, based on his interpretation of the standard, will decide the best Pomeranian in the ring.
In assessing a puppy or a youngster, the breeder will usually make a good guestimate based on his knowledge and the dog’s development cycle. For example, Canton Pomeranians will generally access a Pomeranian at three months, six months, and then a year. Generally, during this time, you can get a good idea of how good a puppy will turn out with more accuracy.
Q: WHAT MAKES A POMERANIAN STAND OUT?
From the show perspective, it is that star quality that stands out. Star quality refers to the temperament that says, “Look at me, I am a superstar!” just like in a Miss Universe contest. Then there is the breed standard and the favorite aspect of the beholder. Some are more attracted to the beautiful head, while others to the coat color and quality, just like how some would appreciate either the legs or pretty face during a Miss Universe pageant.
Q: HOW DO YOU PREPARE A POMERANIAN AS A SHOW DOG?
Preparing a Pomeranian for a show career is not just a matter of raising the dog to be beautiful. It is also mentally preparing the dog to become a Miss Universe. The puppy needs to be trained to stand on the table and pose. He should be trained to open his mouth and allow the judge to inspect his teeth and touch him. He is also lead trained and taught to pose when baited. He should be checked in terms of how he moves, and a trainer should also know how to bring out the best in him and hide his flaws.