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.