I recently went the same route and added a boy (Brando - also a retired show dog) as playmate to Ruby. If it goes anything like it has gone at my house, you are in for a blast and so is Ziggy.
The coat looks gorgeous - it's just the skin…I have noticed since it is persisting it down here (and cold - well it is Summer...) that the flaking is much better - I wonder if the flat is too dry for him? It has got central heating...which is till occasionally switched on - and it's nearly June :(
Sahara has pawed my hand if wanting attention, pawed at my face, but smack, never. My cat has smacked me before, is the smack like a cat's? Describe it in more detail please.
I think a nice long walk does help with car anxiety. It allows them the time to "do their thing: and everyone knows an exercised B is a calmer B….the only other article I once read offered advice on giving a small bit of ice cream to settle their belly. Most dogs do not do well with ice cream but they do make ice cream for dogs (Frosty Paws) and you could try that I suppose. Perhaps if the car ride was associated with "good times" it might lessen the anxiety a little. Like any species, if your B really has motion sickeness all you can do is to try and be alert to it and maintain hydration. It's good you are aware and I'm sure you will take care. My best to you and your Chance. M