UKC Premier Specialty – June 13-15, 2008

For the second year in a row – the FBGDA will be offering a Breed Specialty show in conjunction with the prestigious UKC Premier in Kalamazoo, MI. Every year, literally 1000’s of people and dogs converge on Kalamazoo for nearly a week of events; including 3 UKC all breed shows, obedience trials, agility, dog sport [protection dogs], weight pulls and terrier races. Also, for the second year UKC will also be featuring their version of “Dock Dogs” – that exciting sport you see on TV where the dogs compete by seeing who can jump the furthest into a huge tank of water. It’s called “Ultimate Air Dogs” and is a blast for spectators and dogs alike. 2007 was the first time FBGDA sponsored a Specialty Show for our breed at Premier. The turnout was excellent and competition was fierce all the way from Novice Puppies (otherwise referred to as the “Free-for-All” class) to the Champion Class and award of the Best of Breed title. This year promises to be even MORE interesting as several NEW [non-licensed] classes have been added; new as far as our breed is concerned, but long recognized by UKC. The new classes are: Braces, Stud Dog, Brood Bitch; and Veteran. The primary thing the judge is looking for in the first three classes is CONSISTENCY in breeding. In the first class – Braces – two dogs of equal size, markings, movement and characteristics are shown simultaneously by one handler. (This requires the use of a “coupler” or similar device that allows the two dogs to be controlled by one person.) Typically one would expect the two dogs to be related, but they don’t necessarily have to be. You pay ONE entry fee per brace. In the Stud Dog and Brood Bitch classes, the theory is the same. Each entry is based on the individual Stud Dog [Sire] or Brood Bitch [Dam]. (The sire or dam must be present but can be neutered or spayed.) The “entry” then consists of the sire or dam and at least two but not more than four of its progeny [pups]. Again, the entry fee is per sire or dam – the other dogs are all included in that entry fee but must be handled individually (each dog must have its own handler). These dogs can be of any age or sex but at least two of the dogs need to be entered in a regular class in the main show. Again, what the judge is looking for is consistency in the produce of that dog – how much do the pups look like their parent; are they all consistently within “type” for the breed? On a larger scale – these classes are similar to the Lot d’Elevage. In France this class, consists of a number, sometimes MANY, dogs all from the same kennel (but not necessarily from the same sire or dam). This is a very prestigious competition and the winner receives almost as much recognition as the winner of the Best of Breed for the show. The competition is fierce and the class is typically HUGE. They pull out all the stops for this one. The French also recognize the contribution of the foundation stock – the “old dogs” – the ones who often are responsible for their success. This is called the “Veteran” class. The dogs in this class can be of either sex, in tact or neutered/spayed, but must be at least seven years old or older. We don’t want to forget these special dogs who have given us so much over the years – whether it’s just all those years of hunting – or the wonderful puppies they have produced. They deserve to be recognized for their contribution to our lives – one more time. The UKC Premier offers the opportunity to get “more bang for your buck” since you will have FOUR opportunities to show your dogs – all in one trip – all in one weekend. With the current cost of fuel, that is a huge consideration. The Premier is held at the Fairgrounds at Kalamazoo, where there is camping available. THAT is the fun way to go – or there are lots of motels nearby. Every year Ed and Joyce Smith bring their “Silver Bullet” classic Airstream and we have barbeques in the evenings, (more entertainment by Todd Kellam from UKC), and lots of friendship and fellowship (and for those “in the know” – more “Apple Pie”). Entries close early this year – the deadline for the UKC shows is May 16 (our entries close May 31). But UKC even makes THAT easy. You can enter their shows on-line with a credit card. No muss – no fuss! Go to: http://www.ukcdogs.com/Premier.htm. Unfortunately we’re still in the dark ages of technology, so you will have to actually mail your entry forms to us for the Specialty Show, but you can still fill them out on-line (and then print them) at http://www.ukcdogs.com/Forms.htm. But the good news is – we will also accept “Day of Show” entries as well; so if you just can’t get it together, or decide to go at the last minute, you can at least get in to OUR show. (UKC does not accept late entries however.) So – if you’re looking for something really different to do with the family this summer – consider bringing the kids and the dogs to Kalamazoo. I guarantee you’ll have a good time.

   

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