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Dog Classes (continues)

WINNERS CLASS - The Winners Class is divided by sex and each division is only open to the undefeated dogs of the same sex that won first prize in one of the following:

• Puppy
• Twelve-To-Fifteen Month
• Fifteen-To-Eighteen Month
• Twelve-To-Eighteen Month
• Novice
• Amateur-Owner Handler
• Bred-By-Exhibitor
• American-Bred
• Open Classes

There is no entry fee for the winners class.  

Once the winners prizes have been awarded in one of the sex divisions; the second prize winning dog if undefeated except by the dog awarded Winners; competes with the other eligible dogs for Reserve Winner.  

The Winners Class is only allowed at shows where American-Bred and Open-Classes were given.  There is an exception to this when a member specialty club is holding a show for American-Bred dogs only, it is allowed to hold the Winners Class if the necessary regular classes are included in the classifications.  

Dog Classes (cont.)

OPEN CLASS - The Open Class is for dogs six months old and older except for a member specialty club show that is held for only American-Bred dogs.  If this is the case then Open Class is only for American-Bred dogs.

Dog Classes (continues)

AMERICAN-BRED CLASS - This class is for dogs six months old and older, that were whelped in the United States of America, by reason of a mating that took place in the United States of America.

Dog Classes (cont.)

BRED-BY-EXHIBITOR CLASS - The Bred-By-Exhibitor Class is for dogs that are six months old or older on the first day of the show; not a champion upon the close of entries for the show; individually registered with AKC upon the close of entries for the show; owned or co-owned by any of the breeders of record as of the show date.  The person who will be handling the dog must be a breeder of record and owner of record of the dog.  In subsequent classes; if this dog becomes eligible to compete; there are no restrictions as to who can handle the dog.

Dog Classes (continues)

AMATEUR-OWNER-HANDLER CLASS - This class is for dogs that are six months old and not champions.  The dog must be handled in the class by the registered owner of the dog.  This class is restricted to exhibitors who have not at any point in time been a professional handler, AKC approved conformation judge, or employed as an assistant to a professional handler.  You are not eligible for this class if a member of your immediate family or household is a professional handler.

Dog Classes (continues)

NOVICE CLASS - The novice class is for dogs six months old and older that have not (prior to the close of entries,) won three first prizes in the Novice class, a first place in Amateur-Owner Handler, Bred-By-Exhibitor, American-Bred, or Open Classes, nor one or more points toward their championship.

Dog Classes (cont.)

TWELVE-TO-EIGHTEEN MONTH - This class is for dogs that are twelve months old and over; but under eighteen months that are not champions.  Clubs are allowed to further divide this class into two age groups. The two groups would be;  for twelve months of age and under fifteen months; and fifteen months of age and under eighteen months.

SBCA 2011 National Specialty

The Saint Bernard Club of America will have its 2011 National Specialty at the Peek N' Peak Resort & Spa in Clymer, New York.  The SBCA National Specialty Week is from September 11 through September 17, 2011.  You should already have received your premium list in the mail from Roy Jones Dog Shows.  Entries will close for these shows at noon (EDT) on August 24, 2011.  Your entry should be mailed to Roy Jones Dog Show, Inc., PO Box 828, Auburn, IN  46706.  You can fax your entry with a cover letter (assigning Roy Jones Dog Shows, Inc. authorization to use your  credit card information to pay for the entry) at (260)925-1146.  On-line entry is also available at Roy Jones Dog Shows, Inc.

Dog Classes (cont.)

PUPPY CLASS - The puppy class is for dogs six months of age and over; but under twelve months of age; that are not champions.  Clubs may separate the puppy class into two age groups.  These two age groups would be for six months of age and under nine months of age; and for nine months of age and under twelve months of age.

Dog Classes

Here is a list of the regular dog classes from AKC:

• Puppy
• Twelve-to-Eighteen Month
• Novice
• Amateur Owner Handler
• Bred-By-Exhibitor
• American-Bred
• Open Winners

These regular dog classes are divided by sex (male and female).

Showing Your Dog (continues)

So you registered your dog with AKC; taken some basic handling classes; attended and participated in some fun matches; decided to show your dog yourself; or have hired a professional dog handler.  It looks like you are ready to enter the dog show world.  Keep in mind you will not win every time you compete at a dog show; always show good sportsmanship.  Good luck and most importantly have fun doing this with your dog.

Showing Your Dog (cont.)

Hiring A Professional Handler:

You may not be physically able or feel unsure of your ability to show your dog; consider hiring a professional handler.  You will need to do your homework prior to hiring a professional handler.  Before getting started with the search, be sure you are financially able to hire someone.  Some clubs can provide you with contact information for professional handlers, phone directories may be useful, search the internet, or check with the breeder you got your dog from.  A professional handler should provide you with a fee schedule, references, invite you to their facility and  also to observe them in the show ring.  Talk to several handlers before choosing one; ask each one the same questions.  Take mental or physical notes of their responses, weigh all of their answers when making your decision.  Make sure that your choice will be someone you can trust, as you will be leaving very precious cargo(your dog) in their care.

(concludes tomorrow)

Showing Your Dog (continues)

Learning To Show:

Local All Breed Clubs and some Specialty Clubs offer classes in handling.  Most of these classes are offered during the week (Monday-Friday) during late afternoon or early evening.  They will teach you the basics of dog handling.  You may also want to join a dog club, this helps you meet other dog fanciers, keeps you informed of dog legislation, health concerns, and local fun matches.  The local fun matches are a great way for you to practice your dog handling.  At the fun matches your dog will not be earning any points toward their championship; but both you and dog will be learning how to show and have fun while doing it.  

(more on showing tomorrow)

Showing Your Dog (cont.)

Some things you should know before starting:

In order to participate in an AKC Dog Show, your dog must be registered with the American Kennel Club.  Your dog must also be 6 months old or older on the day of the show.

If your dog has been spayed or neutered; they are not eligible to compete in Conformation Shows.  There are other events that spayed or neutered dogs can compete in such as Obedience/ Rally events.

Showing Your Dog

If you have a purebred dog, you might be interested in showing your dog.  Go to some local All Breed or even a Specialty Show to check out what the show world is like.  You may be able to talk to some breeders or handlers while you are there.  Keep in mind that it is just a common courtesy never to bother a handler and their dog while they are waiting to enter the show ring.

There is a lot going on at the dog shows.  You will see various vendors selling their wares, food/beverages places, grooming areas, exercise areas for dogs, check it all out.  

Maintenance And Saint Bernards

Saint Bernards are a high maintenance breed, that is a big consideration for those of you contemplating this breed.  The Saint Bernard becomes very attached to their family, and if left alone day after day behavior issues can develop.  They do best if someone is at home.  Grooming the rough/long-haired Saint Bernards is an ongoing chore, quick brushes daily is a good idea.  If you do this daily, you won’t have as many tangles in their coats.  The smooth/short-haired Saint Bernards do not require as much brushing.  Many Saint Bernards are plagued with ear issues.  Keep their ears clean, the amount of attention to this will depend upon the Saint.  Some a weekly cleaning will do the trick, others you must clean daily.    Saint Bernards should have regular exercise, they love going on walks with you.  If you are looking for a running buddy then don’t choose a Saint Bernard, daily exercise of that type will only lead to problems on down the road.  Because of their size; training and socialization should be a constant.

Is Your Saint Bernard A Show Dog? (continues)

Having a Champion or Grand Champion dog is fantastic!  Everyone is proud of these accomplishments and wants to brag to others about it and we do.  The feeling is intoxicating and addictive, that is why show people keep showing time after time.

Is Your Saint Bernard A Show Dog? (cont.)

Whether you show yourself or have a handler, the goal is to win!  Everyone wants their dog to become a Champion and now they want them to become a Grand Champion as well.  Everyone is driven to win their majors and minor points, which means going to a lot of dog shows.  You go to All Breed Shows and Specialty Shows, some are local but many are far away.


(concludes tomorrow)

Is Your Saint Bernard A Show Dog? (continues)

Hiring a professional handler has its advantages if you have the funds.  They already have all the necessary equipment for one thing.  A professional handler also has the experience and knowledge and will be able to showcase your dog in the ring.  This often means placing your dog in their hands for extended periods of time.  A professional handler may be charging hundreds or thousands of dollars a month for showing and handling your dog.


(more on this tomorrow)

Is Your Saint Bernard A Show Dog? (cont.)

If you are showing your own dog, then you will need some equipment.  Crate for safely transporting your dog, grooming equipment, pop-up canopy, exercise pen, show collars and leads, large receptacle to carry extra water, small generator to provide power, etc., etc.  The lists of things you need to show a dog goes on and on, plus you will then need a large enough vehicle to carry all of this from show to show.  The cheapest thing to purchase of the items listed here would be the large receptacle to carry extra water, that you can find for under $10.00.


(continued tomorrow)

Is Your Saint Bernard A Show Dog?

Is your Saint Bernard a show dog?  If so, then you either handle your own dog in the ring or hire someone to show them for you.  Handling your own dog can be a very rewarding experience, but the same can be said about hiring a professional handler.  The amount of money you have to spend on this endeavor usually decides whether you do it yourself or hire someone.

(more on this tomorrow)

Saint Bernard Specialty Clubs - (continues)

In times where Specialty Clubs are seeing their memberships dwindle, they should be reaching out to the pet community and rescued animal owners.  They could enlarge their membership this way and promote their breed.   Some of the Specialty Clubs just focus on their next show and spend their entire meeting time on that and nothing else.  It’s time to mesh together the pet owners, rescued animals, and show people, the breed and you will be better for this.    

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Check out the Saint Bernard Gifts page on Brandykegs Store.  On the Saint Bernard Gifts page you will find items themed around the big lovable Saint Bernard breed.  Products on this page are hand crafted, most are one of a kind; not mass produced at a factory.  Visit us today!

Saint Bernard Specialty Clubs

Many of the Saint Bernard Specialty Clubs are lacking in activities for those of us with Saint Bernards as pets.  I encounter many owners of Saint Bernards who are pets; they are looking for a club that offers something for them.  The Saint Bernard pet owner wants get togethers of people and their Saints.  Some of the Specialty Clubs offer fun matches and many pet owners do attend these functions. The problem with fun matches is that it still has the element of competition and pet owners are usually not into that.  


(more on this later)

Is Your Saint Bernard A Pet?

Is your Saint Bernard a pet or a show dog?  It doesn’t mean one is better than the other, just different.  If your Saint Bernard is a pet, then most likely you consider him/her a member of the family.  Reasons for having a Saint Bernard as a pet are as varied as the families who have them.