Specialty Clubs

Do you ever wonder why some states have several specialty clubs for one specific breed?  Look at California; there are 6 Saint Bernard Clubs. Then look at Texas; there is one.  Texas is bigger than California yet it only has one Saint Bernard Club.  Granted the population for California is larger than Texas.  Is there some incredibly large amount of individuals in the state of California that own Saint Bernards? 

Unfortunately I think the reason for so many clubs is quite simply too many people don't get along.  The sad thing is all specialty clubs struggle.  Memberships continue to decline in these clubs as well.  Membership participation for activities within the clubs is limited as well. So what is the answer?  Consolidation would be wise for some of these clubs; but the likelihood of that occurring is very low. 

Some of these clubs have been successful with putting on a cluster of shows together.  However if your club gets stuck with a Thursday, Friday or Monday show; your entry will be lower than the weekend shows.  A benefit for the clubs doing a cluster is sharing the cost of putting on the show.

It is not just Saint Bernard Clubs that are struggling; other breed specific clubs are in the same boat.  Often you hear that only four to five individuals are helping at a specialty show.  It is the same thing at club meetings, many don't have a quorum so they cannot even conduct club business.    Some clubs are so small that a quorum consists only of 4 individuals. 

I don't think there are any easy answers for this situation.  In the process more of these clubs will cease to exist.  A club needs members and members that are willing to be actively involved.  Some veteran members are burned out; they have been involved in their club for many years. 

I wish all these clubs well.  I hope at some point they can have congenial and productive conversations with one another.  None of us want to be on a sinking ship with no life-preservers.

(provided by Brandykegs Saint Bernards)