Vincent Scanlon's Show Dog

INTERVIEW WITH VINCENT SCANLON

Vincent Scanlon and his wife have lived in Upper Makefield Township since 2019. Scanlon has owned dogs throughout his entire life and learned about various breeds while working at a boarding kennel during his youth in Rhode Island. Retired from the consumer banking industry since 2020, he is currently the owner of a Sussex spaniel named George who competes in professional dog shows.

How and when did you come to be the owner of your Sussex spaniel, George?

Some nearby friends owned two Sussex spaniels, and we were intrigued by their unique look and gentle temperament. The breed’s personality and temperament make the dogs very easy to fall in love with, and their deep, throaty howl will instantly bring a smile to your face.

Obtaining a Sussex spaniel is no small task since there are generally less than 100 Sussex puppies born a year. George was born in Bonita Springs, Florida, in 2021 and came to Upper Makefield Township in 2022. His official name registered with the American Kennel Club (AKC) is Ziyadah Duke George Augustus. To keep it simple around the house, he is just George.

My favorite thing about George is his loyalty and willingness to please. He always stays close to his owner and is willing to show his affection to all those around him.

Why did you start entering George into dog shows?

After continuous urging from George’s breeder and the owners of George’s father, we decided to enter dog shows. The feeling was that George was considered an excellent specimen of the breed and would do well.

In October 2024, George entered his first show in Virginia and attained the award for Winner Dog for top male in the show. In 2025, he won five separate major shows in Fort Myers, Florida, and garnered the title AKC Champion, which made him eligible for the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show. Some additional awards he’s received include Best of Breed at a show in Bloomsburg and Select Dog at the National Dog Show in Oaks.

Why is the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show a big deal?

The Westminster Dog Show is the biggest and oldest dog show in the world. Since entries are limited to 2,600 dogs, just getting an invitation is extremely difficult. Only the top 100th of 1% of AKC-registered dogs get an invitation.

The 2026 Westminster show was a special one because they were commemorating the show’s 150th anniversary. George competed in February. Unfortunately, he did not receive any awards but will continue to compete in six to eight more shows in 2026.

Whether George wins or loses, I am most proud of his resilience and willingness to compete. When he gets into the show ring, George always appears to be the happiest dog in the world, not to mention his love of the competition.

What advice would you give to people considering entering their dogs in professional shows?

While watching a dog show on television seems easy, you must understand the amount of time and energy it takes to compete and win. Training for dog shows includes aerobic conditioning for both owner and dog.

There is also a significant amount of practice required to have George learn the movements required in the show ring. The most difficult part is the stacking requirement, which requires George to stand perfectly in the classic hunting dog pose. There is also a significant amount of grooming and coat conditioning required to ensure George is in top shape for every show.

Where are the best places to take a dog for a walk in Upper Makefield Township?

When George is not at his home on Jericho Mountain, he loves spending time at Washington Crossing Historic Park. The beauty of the Delaware River combined with the historic ambience of the park makes it one of George’s favorite places to explore. This also might have to do with the fact that the park is named after a person named George.

Photograph by Bud Hayman Images