TULSA, Okla. – A Tulsa dog with an impressive show record is preparing for another turn on one of the biggest stages in the canine world. Kermit, a four-year-old Schipperke, has earned his third invitation to the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show, where he will compete in the 150th anniversary event.
His handler, Matthew Stroud, says the journey has taken early mornings, long weekends, and trips across the country but has also created an unmatched bond between them.
A rising competitor with deep roots
Kermit is a Schipperke, a Belgian breed that dates back about four centuries. Stroud says the dogs were originally bred for a very practical purpose.
“They were originally bred to hunt rats and mice on canal boats for people, so you can see he’s very alert, he’s always looking for something,” Stroud said. “They’ve got this thick, dense, double-coated fur which repels water. It keeps them warm during the wintertime.”…