SEQUIM — When dog breeders Lorraine and Howard Shore left Sequim for two dog shows in New York City — taking along Dazzle, their Papillon, and Max, their German pinscher — they hoped for the best.

After all, Max (full name: Ch Immer Treu Midnight Express), who was entered in the prestigious Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show, had already won Best in Breed at the 2011 National German Pinscher Club of America National Specialty Event in September.

And 2-year-old Dazzle (alias Ezee’s Dazzle em at GraMel RN BN), who was entered in the Papillon Club of America show being held Saturday at the Pennsylvania Hotel near Madison Square Garden, where Westminster was taking place, had finished her American championship at the Columbia River Specialty Show in Oregon in December.

Reached in New York on Tuesday, Lorraine said that although Dazzle didn’t place, she wasn’t disappointed, as “we were going up against the ‘biggest guns’ of the country.”

Meanwhile, 2-year-old Max, raised and trained in Sequim and handled at Westminster by Howard, was edged out for Best in Breed on Tuesday.

But at least it was by another Washington state dog, Lukas (aka GCH Oakwood V Kaitlers Revival), who is owned by Judy Vandervort of East Olympia.

Not only that, said Lorraine, who is vice president of the Hurricane Ridge Kennel Club in Sequim, Lukas also happens to be Max’s father.

Lorraine was still glad they made the long flight from Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (with Dazzle traveling under the seat and Max flying as checked baggage).

For one thing, Dazzle’s picture was captured by Associated Press photographer Mary Altaffer as Lorraine was grooming her, which splashed her name and image across the country.

And for another, “this is the first time we’ve been to a show on the East Coast. New York is so exciting, and the weather is really nice,” Lorraine said.

The Shores, who moved to Clallam County in 2008 from Anchorage, Alaska, were planning to relax for a few days and then return to the Peninsula on Thursday.

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News Editor Margaret McKenzie can be reached at 360-417-3539 or at margaret.mckenzie@peninsuladailynews.com.