It hasn’t taken long for a dog from Robinson to discover what it takes to win in the world of dog shows.

Asti, a 2-year-old Belgian Malinois bred by owners Sue Shapley and Gina Bujalski of Quail Creek K-9 Services in Robinson, placed sixth in her breed at the Westminster Kennel Club 135th Annual Dog Show held earlier this month.

“She’s a young pup,” said Shapley, noting that Asti entered her first show only back in July. But by Labor Day 2010 Asti became a champion, and on Jan. 29 she was crowned grand champion at the Alexandria Kennel Club Dog Show in Alexandria, La.

Asti and handler Tiffany Knox walk in the show ring during the Westminster Dog Show.

“She just kept winning,” Shapley said.

Only the top five dogs in each breed receive automatic invitations to the prestigious Westminster competition. Shapley and Bujalski submitted an entry for Asti and were accepted.

They drove Asti to New York City for the show. Despite competing against 17 other Belgian Malinois entries — most older and more experienced in the show ring — Asti made the final cut of eight and placed sixth in her breed.

“It was like, ‘Here’s our little Asti from Quail Creek Kennels (competing at the most-renowned dog show in the world)’,” Shapley said. “It was an exciting experience.”

Most of Asti’s competitors that made the cut were between 5 and 7 years old and from the same two kennels, she said.

Asti’s full name reads: GCH Asti Spumante Harmonie Du Chien BN. “GCH” designates the grand champion win. A champion only would have a “CH” for the title. The “BN” at the end is an obedience title (which is a separate process) and stands for “Beginner Novice.”

“Harmonie Du Chien” is the AKC-registered kennel name, Shapley said. It’s French for “harmony of the dog.” Pups born to Asti will have the kennel as part of their name.

Asti stands in the blocks with handler Tiffany Knox after winning a competition in Dallas in December.
Photo submitted by Sue Shapley

Asti is ranked ninth in the country for her breed. She has a busy March scheduled, competing in shows in Gray Summit, Mo., Kansas City and Fort Worth. The Fort Worth show is the only one Shapley and Bujalski plan to attend, because their Quail Creek K-9 Services business keeps them busy.

Asti will be in the capable care of handlers Linda Clark and Tiffany Knox, who showed the dog at Westminster.

Shapley thinks the Belgian Malinois breed is gaining in popularity. One of their dogs is with the Federal Emergency Management Agency and is used to hunt for cadavers.

“They’re smart and loyal and tough as nails,” Shapley said.

She said anyone interested in learning more about the breed is welcome to visit the kennel at 293 Hillside Drive in Robinson.

ksury@wacotrib.com

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