3.1 Photographs
Scope and Contents
Most National Specialty photographs are in color. The 1981 event was shot by Louis Gossett, and all others were covered by John Ashbey. Date, location, and dog name are indicated.
In addition to win shots, most series of photographs after 1993 are accompanied by brochures, and other photos of the trophy and award table, venue, and event.
Small collections of photos were contributed by the handler Ruth Cooper and Omaha, Nebraska-based Standard Poodle breeder Lorraine Means. Some of Means's champion certificates, including American, French, and Mexican examples, are also present.
Dates
- 1935-2015
Language of Materials
English
Language of Materials
The bulk of collection materials are in English, with a few catalogs and books in French and German.
Access Restrictions
Only membership applications and select financial and legal documentation are restricted, as noted in the container list. The collection is otherwise open to all researchers.
Biographical Note
Frequent win shot subject Frank T. Sabella, a native New Yorker, began in dogs with a Standard Poodle in 1953 and by 1955 had finished his first champion and group winner.
By the early 1960s he had become one of the most sought-after professional handlers of his time, known for his flair with Poodles and other coated breeds. Mr. Sabella’s handling career culminated in 1973, when he guided Standard Poodle Ch. Acadia Command Performance to a Westminster Best in Show. Mr. Sabella’s grace and showmanship in the ring can no doubt be attributed to his success as a professional dancer. His career had included a stint with the New York City Ballet and touring with his own troupe.
Mr. Sabella served as bench-show chair of the Santa Barbara Kennel Club and a member of the Greyhound Club of America and the Poodle Club of America. Approved to judge all terriers, hounds, toys, and non-sporting breeds, and several breeds from the remaining groups, his assignments take him "all over the world." He has judged Westminster several times, including Best in Show in 1990.
Among the books authored by Mr. Sabella are a highly influential dog-handling manual. His many awards include Kennel Review’s Male Handler of the Year and Gaines FIDO Dog Man of the Year.
Physical Description
From the Series: 17 Linear feet (in 10 doc boxes; 6 album boxes; and 2 A/V drawers)
Processing Information
National Specialty photographs have been maintained in their original plastic sleeves but removed from their original binders and combined; original order was maintained.
Creator
- From the Collection: Poodle Club of America (Organization)
- From the Collection: Poodle Club of America Foundation (Organization)
- From the Collection: Clark, Anne Rogers (Person)
- From the Collection: Jenner, Edward Baker (Person)
- From the Collection: Wurmser, Ruth (Person)
- From the Collection: Poodle Club of America (Organization)
- From the Collection: Carneal, Thomas (Person)
Repository Details
Part of the American Kennel Club Library & Archives Repository
101 Park Avenue
5th floor
New York New York 10178 United States
2126968216
kim.ross@akc.org