Dog shows are where bad '80s hairdos go to die

Scott Yamane from Wahiawa keeps his bulldog Trixie on a tight leash during the Hawaiian Kennel Club's 132nd All-Breed Show at the Blaisdell Exhibition Hall.

Story by Michael Tsai
Advertiser Staff Writer

Photos by Jeff Widener
The Honolulu Advertiser

A line of French papillons line up to be judged at the dog show at Blaisdell.

Dog shows are where bad '80s hairdos go to die.

Consider the collection of fur a la Feargal Sharkey at the last weekend's Hawaiian Kennel Club's 132nd All-Breed Show: No split ends visible, but there was at least one terrier version of Split Enz, and more than a few poodle variations on the Thompson Twins.

Indeed, the scene at the Blaisdell Exhibition Hall looked like "That '80s Show" gone to the ... never mind.

Bradley and Arlene Odagiri are friends with Surrey Spice Girl's handler, breeder and sponsors, and they share similar responsibilities. For them, getting ready to show their miniature poodle, Teazer, is a serious undertaking

"It takes at last two hours for my husband to wash, comb and blow-dry him," Arlene said. "His fur is really condensed."

But a good wash 'n' dry is just the start for a show dog. Bradley, principal of Hau'ula Elementary School, also has to shape and scissor Teazer's fur to get it into competitive form.

And, as Flock of Seagulls taught us, good hair spray is essential. The Odagiri's favor Grand Finale (it's not just for humans!) to keep Teazer's carefully sculpted hair in place.

Teazer finished the competition with the curious title of Best Opposite in his breed category, meaning the overall winner was a female and Teazer was judged best of the male runners-up. After his showing, Teazer retired to his designated dressing table, where his hair was promptly secured with rubber bands, "to keep it out of his mouth," Arlene explained.

Susan Miyasato's Norwich terrier, Arthur, took a more spartan, Morrisey-type look to his competition.

"He has a harsh outer coat that has to be hand-stripped every two weeks," Norwich said.

Arthur, who just started competing in September, took top honors in his breed and group. Miyasato attributed his success to his winning personality and, of course, "nice head."

Dinah Gallagher makes sure her Yorkshire terrier's hair is taken care of at all times. After a strong showing in the judging arena, Mug-Z ("I wanted to give him a tough name since he's so small," Gallagher said) donned a thin red-and-gold suit specially designed to help his fur grow.

Mug-Zs look? Think Toto. As in Dorothy's mutt, not the lame '80s supergroup.

Angelica Voje holds onto her toy poodle, Little Ricki, at the kennel club show.

"He's a high-maintenance breed," Steer said. "We started getting him ready three to four weeks ago."

Steer entered her Afghan to get him used to the show life. At just past 2 years old, he's not expected to hit his prime for another few years.

"He doesn't have the temperament for it yet," she said. "He's not a showy dog, but he had a lot of personality. He did better than I expected."

Perhaps a little Aqua-Net next time?

On the Web:
infodog.com