Nikkie Kinziger-Francois, owner of nationally known Ri Lee Kennels in Oconto Falls, returned from the 52nd National Specialty dog show with a handful of awards.
More than 60 Tibetan terriers gathered at the Virginia Crossings Hotel in Glen Allen, Virginia, for the show, hosted by the Tibetan Terrier Club of America.
Kinziger-Francois’ dog Ivy, whose formal name is GCHS Ri Lee’s Diamond of Faith, was chosen the winner. In a 1950s rock ’n roll themed top 20 invitation only event, Ivy was the top pick of AKC Judge Betsy Humer, Handler Judge Mark Desrosiers and Breeder Judge Margy Pankiewicz.
Ivy won this event in 2023 and was runner-up in 2024. Ivy is the first in breed history since the inception of this competition to win this event with all three of her appearances.
She then went on to win an Award of Merit at the National Specialty show.
Winning is a family affair. Ivy’s sister Vivienne, GCHB Ri Lee’s Dreams Etched In Diamonds, was chosen as runner-up in the 2022 top 20 event, as well as her grandparents and great-grandparents winning top 20 honors dating back to 2004.
Vivienne won Select Female. Ri Lee, not 2 years old, was Best in Sweepstakes under Breeder Judge Brian Leonard. This award means he was chosen as the best puppy at the show.
Ri Lee Kennels was also awarded the Breeder Class competition. Ri Lee Kennels has won this class more than any other kennel since the inception of this class.
Another highlight for Ri Lee Kennels was seeing GCHB Ri Lee’s Give Me Diamonds, better known as Bradley, with co-owner and handler Tracy Doty chosen as Select Dog and Best Owner Handler at the regional the following day. Judges evaluate each dog and compare them to a written standard of perfection.
