
06/25/2025
Bumpers: Claudia’s Day in the Sun
Claudia Orlandi’s Basset Hound Ch. Topsfield Bumper Cars, CD, ROM, in a painting by Anthony Valentino Robinson (AKC collection).
The portrait was commissioned upon the occasion of Orlandi being named 2009 AKC Breeder of the Year. Bumpers, winner of 45 Bests in Show, retired as the top group-winning Basset in breed history, with 250 group firsts. Bumpers was Number One Hound, All Breeds, in 2001 and Number Two Hound, All Breeds, in 2002.
In all, Orlandi’s Topsfield line has produced some 180 champions.
In a 2023 Showsight interview with Allan Reznik, Orlandi recalled one of her show-ring mentors, Joy Brewster:
“For several years I was her part-time assistant at shows, and in addition to teaching me how to present a Basset Hound, she taught me the ins and outs of the dog show world. Joy had a balanced take on winning and losing, and one particular weekend after I experienced an especially disappointing loss, she said, ‘Claudia, everybody deserves their day in the sun.’
“It was a gracious comment about that day’s winner and a lesson in good sportsmanship. I still remember it and have often repeated this phrase to others.
“Joy’s strict rules and attention to detail were reminiscent of the high standards of my 4-H horse club, and working with her contributed greatly to my success as a breeder.”
June AKC Gazette and back issues
https://www.akc.org/products-services/magazines/akc-gazette/
YouTube Slideshow: “AKC Breeder of the Year Portraits”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qlVQ3scozyE
AKC Podcast “Bloodhounds: Super Sleuth, Heroes, and Icons”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=566CrBjOzS8&list=PLPfEv_pKgm7eKlYtGTtMNag4L1QAYaogi&index=2