For Drew DiDonato, dogs have always been part of his family, from his days as a youngster growing in Lawrence up to his full grown adult years.
That’s because the DiDonato family has a long and respected history breeding English Springer Spaniels. They are known as Maidenhead Springers which was started in Lawrence, NJ by his father Camillo “Bud” DiDonato and is now carried on by Drew who resides in Levittown, PA.
I have had dogs, mostly English Springer Spaniels for literally my entire life. Show dogs and breeding have been a big part of my life. I absolutely love them and am honored to be heading back to Westminster with Nick, explained Drew DiDonato.
This year Drew, Bud, and their English Springer Spaniel “Nick” are heading to the “Super Bowl” of AKC conformation dog shows, The 143rd Annual Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show.
The Westminster Kennel Club is America’s oldest organization dedicated to the sport of purebred dogs. Established in 1877, Westminster’s influence has been felt for more than a century through its famous all-breed, benched dog show held every year at New York City’s Madison Square Garden.
How big is The Westminster Dog Show? It receives almost as much media coverage
But this not Maidenhead Springers first time at the big show. Nick – who is known by his AKC registered name as GCHB. CH. MAIDENHEAD’S RENEGADE is following in his Great Grandfather Blu CH. Maidenhead’s Advocate footsteps, who was
This year has just as much meaning if not more for Drew DiDonato, as he will be showing Nick as an owner-handler.
Most show dogs that make it to the level of competive shows such as Westminster are shown by professional handlers.
But Nick and Drew have risen the ranks together as a team. Nick has been exclusively shown & Conditioned by Drew as a Breeder Owner-Handler.
Nick is currently the Nations #1 Ranked English Springer Spaniel. (Nohs) #2 Ranked Sporting Dog and the #10 Ranked in All Breed standings (Nohs)
Nick- GCHB CH Maidenhead’s Renegade is one of 28 of the top English Springer Spaniels in all of America competing in Westminster and with Drew wearing lucky number 7 as his armband and his Dad at his side the team may have just what it takes to have the most popular dog in the world at the end of the day.
You can watch Nick in action at
Click this link to watch the live stream at 10:30am
If you or someone you know is interested in more information about Maidenhead Springer Spaniels contact Drew DiDonato at maidenhead65@gmail.com