Yeh, the use of "faces" in describing a show scene is not uncommon. And those people that are "faces" at some point are definitely well known.....for reason...they've been around for years in the breed, have usually titled lots of dogs, and really made themselves known. Some even judge, yes. But it's the fact that they've made their way in the breed that's made them well known. When I see someone like this at a show...and know they are showing..or even see their name in a catalog for a show, I know they will have a good dog to show. Competition is stiffer in those cases. It's the case in any breed, but certainly so in poodles. To say you're up against someone like this isn't an insult..it's actually a compliment in a way....acknowledging you're aware of their contributions and experience/knowledge in the breed. Definitely.
But, that being said, it isn't *just* those people that have good quality dogs in the ring. A newer person can have a very good quality dog, but it often does take a number of years of breeding/showing/grooming/exhibiting to really be able to compete against those more well known people in any breed. To be able to do so, at any point, is indeed a great achievement, which you've gained for sure in your own. I've known people in certain breeds who've been around for decades, but they are only ho-hum in everything. Others I've seen work their way up in a shorter period of time....learning from those more experienced in the breed, and seeking to breed/exhibit, etc to the highest standards. So, time alone isn't a determination of quality or worth. Still, those that have been around years, made a good reputation for themselves....well, we know when they show up, there's stiffer competition...and whoever wins has gained something.
Your win at the Royal is awesome..it doesn't mean those you beat have bad dogs...just that you do have a good dog yourself...one that can compete with those other quality dogs. There's nothing negative in that. You've done well and deserve to enjoy the victory...as you said, next show you may not get anything, but you know you're worth it....you and Tana and Adam. We know it too!
