Bhe-Jei Maltese

The Making of a Maltese Champion

Many have asked about how a Maltese changes and goes through development to become a champion.  Below you will find pictures of Ch. Bhe-Jei's Wish'n On A Star, ROM (Patty) as she became a champion. 
 

Patty was an adorable little girl and she showed how she could "strut her stuff" winning Best In Match at 5 months of age at the Santa Clara Valley Kennel Club match under judge Rita Perko.

Part of being a show dog means starting as a puppy at 3 months of age going to puppy training classes.  Week-ends there are "puppy fun match" shows, many times called B-OB sanctioned matches where puppies can train for the regular point show.  These are great opportunities to get a youngster out and exposed to the dog show world.  You always go with the thought of "this is training", but its equally gratifying to come home a winner!

Patty started her AKC show career at 6 months and 3 days of age -- and she won!! Two points -- her first time in the ring under judge Mrs. Martha Olmos-Olliver.

See ALL ABOUT DOG SHOWS for more details on how dogs shows really work -- points, classes, etc.

Like puppy training classes taking a puppy to a regular AKC point show is something important in their development.  I take mine as exposure to the people, noise & the confusion of the big shows -- and of course for socialization.  As with the puppy matches I enter my puppies in shows for experience.  I am always thrilled when a judges recognizes the quality in young puppy and is willing to give them the points.

Patty went to the American Maltese Association National (AMA) specialty when she was 8 months of age.  She was competing in the 6-9 puppy bitch class with a record entry of 30 other puppy girls.  She was 2nd in the sweeps and first in the regular classes under judge Mrs. Michelle Billings.  This is quite an honor to win in such strong competition.

The AMA national specialty is held each year usually in one of the months of May through August.  Maltese from all over the US & sometimes international compete.  The AMA national brings together top breeders from all over.  Entries generally range well over 125 Maltese.  The three day event includes workshops on issues such as health, grooming and understanding conformation.  More information on the American Maltese Club and national specialty can be found by CLICKING HERE.

Patty took 6 Best of Breeds from the classes enroute to her championship.  Shown her finishing under judge Mr. Bob Jacobsen at the age of 13 months.

Patty was shown from the time she was a 6 month old puppy --taking a Best of Breed as well as the points many times.  It takes 15 points to become a champion, including two wins that are known as "majors" -- which are points of 3 to 5 at a time.  The number of points a dog wins is determined by the number of dog competing. Points awarded are from 1 to 5, with 5 being awarded with the stiffest competition.

Patty is shown taking a Best Of Breed at one of her final ring appearances -- here winning under the late judge Mitch Wooten over an entry of 6 BOB specials and 32 Maltese.

Once a dog is a champion they can retire from dog show competition or they can continue to compete in the specials class for Best of Breed wins.  Patty continued competing for a year following completing her championship, then retired to motherhood and to be her mama's "favorite pet".

Patty, as she is called, is now retired and lives the life of luxury as one of mama's spoiled little girls.  Along the way she has produced 3 champions, 1 group placer and 4 other pointed kids. Patty's 3 champion kids make her eligible for ROM status -- Register of Merit with the American Maltese Association) as a top producer.   Her legacy has lived on with her first "grandkid" Mia -- CH. Bhe-Jei's Rock My World -- finishing with 4 majors from the Bred By Exhibitor class.

This web page was designed by Bobbie Linden and is maintained by the
members of the "Maltese Forum" as a tribute to Bobbie Linden of Bhe-Jei Maltese
Contact sharon@foxstonemaltese.com at Foxstone Maltese for more information 
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