Big dogs, little dogs, big handlers, little handlers.  A well-organized six-ring dog show in Anchorage in June confirmed, on at least the dog show level, the connection between dogs and humans.  It also confirmed dogs' willingness to cooperate with humans who are pursuing human endeavors that are probably of little intrinsic interest to their dogs. The dog-human connection goes back thousands of years, and new research and analysis have raised intriguing questions about which species trained the other.  Most dog people are well aware that they are being trained by their dogs about as much they think they are training their dogs.  

In any event, the show dogs were on their best behavior during primping and showing and they tolerated well all the grooming, handling, blow-drying, hugging, trotting around the ring, prying, and checking of teeth and intimate parts. Without complaint, they seemed to pretty much do what the owners, groomers, handlers, and judges wanted them to do. A few appeared to be into it, but some looked studiously disinterested, their minds possibly elsewhere.  Most of them simply ignored other dogs: no sniffing or eye contact, much less any barking.  

First, the Big dogs.  There were, to a stranger's eyes, a surprising number of Great Danes.  Even if this may not have been the most numerous class, their collective weight and dimensions exceeded those of all other breeds.    

A Great Dane can keep up in the ring by striding
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or ambling (or shambling).

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All the Great Danes seemed docile and mellow. Maybe when you are that big you can afford to be laid back.  Some looked pretty stoic.

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A little extra muscle may be needed to get Great Danes into the right pose.

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Ditto if they tire of posing.

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And if they decide to lean, they lean. 

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Big is when the tip of the ear almost reaches your shoulder, the back is even with your waist,

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or the top of the head is level with your chest.
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Obedience is trotting without eyeing the morsel in hand too obviously.
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There was a warm and kindly connection between the judge and the dogs  EF4A1694

even during intrusions.
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The Great Danes attracted unattached admirers.

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You can see why, given the Great Danes' striking lines and fine coats. These brindle stripes shine in the sun. EF4A1665

A light touch of reassurance in the ring

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First place
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