Dogs in Review Online Poll Results
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BENGTSON , CONTINUED FROM PAGE 14
“ I think it would be wonderful to have this at all shows .”
“ Would love it !”
“ I believe written critiques would go a long way toward helping novice exhibitors find value in showing .”
A couple of otherwise enthusiastic posts voiced the concern that judging would take longer , and one experienced exhibitor wrote that while everyone loves the idea of written critiques from a breed specialist , do we really want them from “ Gerry Generic ” or “ Allison All-Breed ”? The only completely dissenting voice came from an AKC judge who pointed out that critiques might contradict each other and wrote that , “ The dogs you point to are the dogs you feel are the better quality … Your finger says as much as all the words in the world .”
Trying anything is better than nothing because we quite obviously have little to lose .
As far as I could see , none except the two least enthusiastic comments came from experienced dog fanciers , which leads me to believe that the others who actually did want to see critiques may be exactly the people we want to attract . This isn ’ t a conclusive survey by any means , but if the American Kennel Club really wants to attract more people to dog shows , it would be smart to listen to suggestions that might appeal to new members of the dog show fraternity — not just to the people already exhibiting .
Sometimes I worry that “ dog shows ” 100 years from now — actually , it may be much sooner than that — will consist of a dress-up competition to find out who can prepare the cutest outfit for their goldendoodles , cockapoos , puggles and other “ designer dogs .” If we don ’ t want that to happen , we must enlarge the fancy and educate new people . We need to give more people the opportunity to realize what a fascinating pursuit the breeding and showing of dogs in the time-honored fashion really can be . But if we continue to alienate those who can help us make our sport grow , perhaps we deserve what ’ s coming to us . DIR
SAYERS , CONTINUED FROM PAGE 38
As club members soon discovered , the average cost to rent a site for three days would easily exceed $ 10,000 . Undeterred , the board continued its search and ultimately found a location willing and able to accommodate them for three days . “ We found a beautiful facility ,” discloses Bradbury . “ The Sarpy County Fairground is everything that a dog show enthusiast would look for in a show — and the price is right .” The club ’ s cost to rent the grounds on May 19-21 ( located 5 miles south of Omaha in nearby Springfield ) is less than $ 3,000 . “ If everything goes off as planned , we should make a significant amount of money ,” Bradbury projects .
In return for the promise of greater solvency , the Nebraska Kennel Club plans to offer the fancy and local dog lovers alike a fun and educational experience next year . Separate rings will be offered on Friday for those clubs wishing to hold independent specialties . “ We are giving them a ring and a place to gather with their members ,” says Bradbury . FSS breeds could have three opportunities over the weekend to compete , and those dogs eligible for the Miscellaneous classes will have up to five . On Saturday and Sunday , classes for each breed will be offered concurrently with the all-breed show . The fairground ’ s accommodations include several air-conditioned buildings that will house a grooming room , Obedience and Rally events and a cafeteria . Although still in the planning stage , a parade will take place for all the FSS and Miscellaneous breeds before Best in Show on Saturday . “ We also have scheduled a Meet the Breeds event ,” says Bradbury . “ They will have a designated area for the entire weekend . It ’ s a huge opportunity for any of these clubs to be noticed .”
Although every effort is being made to ensure that next year ’ s show accomplishes its objectives , Bradbury and her fellow club members are viewing their 2017 event as a catalyst to do even more for their community . “ It ’ s not just that we want to put on a show ,” she says . “ We have all these goals we want to achieve as part of that .” Though small in number , the membership of the Nebraska Kennel Club hopes to be able to continue to make donations to the local humane society , visit with regional school kids and provide scholarships for the area ’ s Junior Handlers . “ If we have a successful show and people see the commitment that we ’ re making , we ’ re hoping that this will bring us a more youthful membership .” DIR
DOGS IN REVIEW ONLINE
Dogs in Review Online Poll Results
How often do you see Best of Winners awarded to the WD or WB needing the crossover points ?
3 % Nearly always . 34 % Usually . 63 % Purely dependent on merit .
Answer our latest poll question at Facebook . com / DogsInReview
If your dog wins Best of Breed , do you always try to compete in the Group ?
A . Yes , I feel an obligation to my dog and my breed .
B . Usually , unless it ’ s a puppy or the Group is very late in the day .
C . It totally depends on my handler ’ s other commitments .
D . No , my interest ends at the breed level .
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