Items On Sale At Brandykegs' Store

Skull & Spooky Sign for Halloween Hanging

BRANDYKEGS STORE

Halloween Themed Tissue Box Cover

Halloween Bib/Costume For Big Dogs

Our model, Bernardo; is modeling the two Halloween themed drool bibs offered at Brandykegs' Store. Your big dog can also use this as their Halloween costume. For pricing vist our store.

New Products At Brandykegs' Store

BRANDYKEGS' Store will soon be offering award documents. If you are looking for something unique for your next Specialty or All Breed Show, you will want to take a look at these award documents. There will be framed parchment documents for the following:
Best of Breed
Best of Opposite Sex
Best of Winners
Winners Dog
Winners Bitch
Best Puppy
Best Bred-By Exhibitor
Best Junior Handler
Grand Champion Select
Award of Merit
Reserve Winners Dog
Reserve Winner Bitch
Best in Sweepstakes

Tips For First Time Exhibitor

Here are some tips for the first time exhibitor:

1. Make sure your dog is registered with the American Kennel Club.

2. Make sure your dog's vaccinations are current.

3. Learn how to properly groom your dog.

4. Learn how to properly present your dog in the show ring. Take some handling classes.

5. Familiarize yourself with the AKC Rules and Regulations for dog shows.

6. Beforehand view your breed at a show. Take note of how others are handling their dogs in the ring.

7. Get a program at the show you are entered in; so you will know the ring and time your dog will be competing.

8. Don't be afraid to ask questions of other handlers, your breeder, or even judges.

9. Join a local all-breed or specialty club.

Ribbon Colors

The color of the ribbon awarded to your dog by a judge indicates the type of award your dog has won.

Blue - This color is awarded for first place in any regular class.

Red - This color is awarded for second place in each class.

Yellow - This color is awarded for third place in each class.

White - This color is awarded for fourth place in each class.

Purple - This color is awarded to the winners of Winners Dog and Winners Bitch classes.

Purple and White - This color is awarded to the Reserve Winners, the runners-up to the
Winners Dog and Winners Bitch.

Blue and White - This color is awarded to the dog that wins Best of Winners, the better of the
Winners Dog or Winners Bitch.

Purple and Gold - This color is awarded to the Best of Breed.

Red and White - This color is awarded to the Best of Opposite Sex. The winner of this is
the opposite sex of the Best of Breed.

Red, White and Blue - This color is awarded to Best in Show.

Seven Groups At All Breed Shows

Here are the seven groups in an All-Breed Show:

1. Sporting - Dogs that are bred to hunt game birds on land and in the water.

2. Hounds - Dogs that are bred to hunt by sight or scent.

3. Working - Dogs bred to pull carts, guard property, and perform search and rescue.

4. Terrier - Dogs bred to rid property of vermin, like rats.

5. Toy - Dogs bred to be household companions.

6. Non-Sporting - Dogs vary in size and function, and many are considered companion dogs.

7. Herding - Dogs bred to help shepherds and ranchers herd their livestock.

Dogs Are Competing For Points

In the conformation ring the dogs are competing for points. In order to become a Champion of Record with the American Kennel Club a dog must win a total of 15 points. Of these 15 points, there must be two major wins (these wins consist of either 3, 4, or 5 points) awarded by at least three different judges. The number of points given at a conformation show depend upon the number of dogs (males) and bitches (females) competing. The maximum number of points awarded at a show is 5.

Role of the Judge

The role of the Judge at a Conformation Show is to examine each dog, and give awards to those dogs that most closely fit the breed's standard.

The Judge goes over each dog with their hands to see if the teeth, muscles, bones, and coat texture conforms to the breed's standard. The dog is observed in profile for overall balance, the dog is gaited (moved) to see how the dog appears in motion.

I have discussed with various judges how difficult it must be to pick a winner in the conformation ring. They have all agreed it is a difficult task and they take it very seriously. A few have told me it is really difficult to pick a winner, when none of the entrants match the breed standard.

Who Can Compete In Conformation Shows?

In order to compete in a conformation show the following must be met:

1. Registered with the American Kennel Club.

2. Six months of age or older.

3. Be of a breed which classes are offered at a show.

4. Meet any eligibility requirements in the written standard for its breed.

Spayed or neutered dogs are not eligible to compete in conformation shows, except for those old enough to be entered in the veteran class.

Conformation Dog Shows

There are three types of Conformation Dog Shows:

1. All Breed Shows - this is offered for over 150 breeds and varieties that are recognized by AKC.

2. Specialty Shows - this is offered for a specific breed or specific variety of a breed.

3. Group Shows - this is offered to the breeds in a particular group. For example: the Saint Bernard is part of the Working Dog Group.

Safety Tips For Children Regarding Dogs

Here are some safety tips to teach your children about dogs:

Make sure you always ask if you can pet someone's dog. Some dogs are afraid of children, some dogs are ill, and some dogs are being trained.

Never approach a dog from behind. You should always approach from the front or side.

Don't surprise or startle a dog, don't corner them, don't wave your hands around, and don't scream at them.

Dogs can be very defensive around their food or water bowls, don't approach a dog while they are eating or drinking.

Teach children to read some basic body language from dogs: if a dog is barking, growling, or showing their teeth, stay away; avoid contact if the dogs' ear are back, tail is up, or if the hair on their back is standing up.

Dogs are territorial, respect their space. Never put your hand inside an open window to touch a dog you don't know, don't reach through a crate that a dog is in. Some dogs feel threatened by this and react to protect themselves and their territory.

Dogs and Fire Hazards

It is important to keep your smoke detectors working properly, you should regularly test them and replace the batteries once a year. It is also a good idea to have a decal on your front window indicating there are pets inside. We all know not to leave candles burning. You might not think about it, but make sure your dog does not have access to the kitchen range. They just might accidently turn a burner on, if you have left something on top of the range a fire can get started.

Dogs and Pools

Most people think that a dog naturally knows how to swim, not true. They need to be taught. Pets just like children should never be left alone around a pool. Take the time to teach your dog the proper behavior for poolside. You don't want them running and jumping around the pool, it is much safer if they learn to be calm around a pool. Don't let your dog drink the chlorinated water in your pool. There are some dogs that love to be in a pool, just make sure you are there with them.

Keep Your Dog Safe From Busy Roads

Dogs and busy roads don't mix, keep your best friend safe and away from busy roads. We do not all have large fenced back yards, so we need to take other steps to insure our dogs get their daily exercise. Your dog will love a daily routine of going for a walk with you. Many people go to dog parks, your dog gets exercise and socialization. I am not an advocate of dog parks but many people love them, it is a matter of personal preference. Bottom line, see that your dog routinely gets exercise, dogs that are exercised tend to get into less mischief. Use a leash when you are out walking with your dog, it is the law in most areas today. A loose dog and a busy road is a recipe for disaster.

Halloween Decorations

Halloween Skull & Spooky Sign

To purchase visit Brandykegs' Store.

Award Plaques

Best of Breed Award Plaque
Visit Brandykegs' Store to purchase

Brandykeg Trophy Barrels

Brandykegs' Trophy Barrel
Visit our store to purchase

Halloween Saint Bernard Mat

Saint Bernard Halloween Mat
Use as a placemat/or wall hanging
Visit our store

Bats and Ghosts For Halloween

White Ghosts and Black Bats

Visit Brandykegs' Store

Halloween Tissue Box

Purple/Orange Halloween Tissue Box Cover

Vist our store to purchase.

Orange Pumpkins For Your Halloween Decor

Colorful Pumpkins For Halloween, visit our store to purchase.

Halloween Hand-Craft Items

Halloween tissue box to scare off the sniffles, visit our store to purchase.

Entries Close Tomorrow for SBCA National

This is a reminder that entries close tomorrow, September 8, 2010, for the SBCA National. Entries close at noon tomorrow, Central time, at Foy Trent Dog Shows in Sturgeon, MO. You can fax your entry at 888-685-8989, or you can go online at www.foytrentdogshows.com

Event Schedule for 2010 SBCA National (cont.)

Event Schedule fo 2010 SBCA National, October 9, 2010

2010 National Specialty Show-Day 3

National Breed: Horst Vogel

Educational Seminar: Judges Seminar

2010 National Specialty Banquet

Brandykegs Saint Bernards would like to wish all the exhibitors at the 2010 SBCA National the best of luck.

Event Schedule of 2010 SBCA National (cont.)

Event Schedule for SBCA National, October 6, 2010

Draft Test

CGC and Therapy Testing

Educational Seminar: Grooming From Start To Finish

Top Twenty Show

Event Schedule for SBCA National, October 7, 2010

Weight Pull

2010 National Specialty Show Day 1:

Sweepstakes: Wanda Pevahouse

National-Dogs: Horst Vogel

Event Schedule for SBCA National, October 8, 2010

2010 National Specialty Show Day 2:

National-Bitches: Joan Zielinski

Educational Seminar: Puzzle of Proportions by Jerry Wallin
Update on Epilesy by Liz Hansen

Event Schedule for 2010 SBCA National

Event Schedule for October 3, 2010 SBCA National

Weight pull sponsored by the North Texas Saint Bernard Club

Event Schedule for October 4, 2010 SBCA National

Specialty Show hosted by North Texas Saint Bernard Club
Sweepstakes: Jean Anne Dugger

Breed: Gerald Wallin

Obedience and Rally

Educational Seminar: CLUB VISIONING conducted by President Karen Bodeving

Event Schedule for October 5, 2010 SBCA National

Weight pull sponsored by the Saint Bernard Club of Greater St. Louis

Specialty Show hosted by Saint Bernard Club of Greater St. Louis

Sweepstakes: Bill Buell

Breed: Janice Dees

Juniors: Erin Hines

Obedience and Rally

New Jersey Saint Bernard Specialty Show

The Northern New Jersey Saint Bernard Club, Inc., is hosting a Specialty Show today and tomorrow. The location for the shows are Sussex County Farm & Horseshow Grounds, Plains Rd., Augusta, New Jersey. Mrs. Carole A. Wilson will be the judge today, Friday. Mr. Jack Terrio will be the judge on Saturday. BRANDYKEGS wishes the best of luck to all the exhibitors.

SBCA National Specialty for 2010

Check out the Saint Bernard Club of America's 2010 National Specialty website at http://www.2010sbcanational.com/ . There you will find info on the host hotel, events, show merchandise, airport info, show committee, top twenty, etc. Remember the dates October 3, 2010 through October 9, 2010, in Branson, Missouri.

2010 Saint Bernard Club of America National

The 2010 Saint Bernard Club of America National Shows are just a month away. They are being held in Branson, Missouri. The host hotel is the Ramada Resort and Conference Center, 1700 W. Highway 76, Branson, Missouri. The hotel's phone number is (417)334-1000. Make sure you tell them you are with the Saint Bernard Club of America Group to receive the special room rate of $69.00, there is also a one time pet fee of $20.00. Show dates are Sunday, October 3, 2010 through Saturday, October 9, 2010.