DOG BLOG
Musings
Warning to All Dog Show Travelers Staying in Hotels
It may not have happened to you yet, but it does not mean it will not happen down the road. Heed these warnings and advice.
If you read my previous Facebook post from August 18, 2023, about the hotel phony charges scheme, you will know that these plots occur when someone travels for business or pleasure. Now, complicate the matter more by having show dogs in the room, and the door has now been opened for every fraudster hotel operator looking for money to line their coffers…..
It may not have happened to you yet, but it does not mean it will not happen down the road. Heed these warnings and advice.
If you read my previous Facebook post from August 18, 2023, about the hotel phony charges scheme, you will know that these plots occur when someone travels for business or pleasure. Now, complicate the matter more by having show dogs in the room, and the door has now been opened for every fraudster hotel operator looking for money to line their coffers.
Today, there are more complaints about unscrupulous hotel operators charging guests for post-stay falsified damage or smoke odors in a hotel room than ever before. That some hotel employees are surfing through hotel manifests looking for an unsuspecting guest or, better yet, "victim" is not far-fetched. Many of these surprise hotel charges are applied to the credit card days after the guest has left the property — typically with no warning.
I learned the hard way as I became one of these targets while traveling solo, without dogs, volunteering my time for a Specialty Dog Club. What the crooked hotel staff did not count on when they chose me as their victim was that I am a real estate broker accustomed to documenting almost everything. Including a non-operational LED TV display. From this point onward, I will proceed with additional precautions when I stay in a hotel or Airbnb, as advised by ConsumerRescue.org.
But traveling with dogs escalates the likelihood of falling prey to an unscrupulous hotel operator looking to steal your money with false damages claims. You should take the same strict precautions as if you were renting a car. Do the following before bringing your dogs into a hotel room or Airbnb.
Inspect your hotel room first! Just like you do when renting a car.
Using the Smartphone, gather what I dub entry and exit snapshots in time by photographing and video recording your hotel room(s) and bath. Always make sure that your Smartphone has location, time, and date enabled on all your pictures and videos. You will need these if a hotel alleges damages.
While doing so, it is essential to take inventory of the room's contents. How many clocks, floor lamps, coffee makers, glassware, extra pillows or blankets, etc.? Look around to ensure no prior damage exists, including carpet stains or frays. If you notice deterioration on the furniture, drapery, or damaged bath & lighting fixtures, zoom in and document these areas. Some hotel properties will falsely charge guests for worn-out items when it's time for a replacement. If an electronic, such as a TV, does not work correctly, do not ignore the issue. Alert the front desk immediately about any discrepancies or if the room has any odor, especially smoke, and remember to request the desk clerk's name; you will need to keep that for future reference.
For those dog show people who rearrange the furniture in hotel rooms to accommodate several dogs, be extra vigilant. Carefully assess that coffee table or chair you just moved to ensure there are no scratches, broken legs, or nicks in the wood or material. Otherwise, you may be buying it at a highly inflated price.
When you are ready to leave and after you have documented your room's condition with exit photos and video, have the front desk clerk or manager come down to the room. Have them verify that the room has no damage or cigarette smoke. You may have to pre-arrange this at check-in so that they have an employee available. Doing so does not guarantee the hotel will not pursue a damage claim once housekeeping is complete. Still, it is another protection layer you could have when you dispute any post-stay charges after leaving with a pet(s). Of course, nearly every hotel has a "pet fee" charge for supposed comprehensive cleaning, anywhere from $25 to $100 per day, which guests agree to when they check-in, but damage claims are entirely different.
Save all these records because ConsumerRescue.org reported post-stay charges appearing on credit cards three to even 14 days after check-out. It can be a week or even longer when the consumer catches these charges.
Yes, these precautions sound extreme. However, ConsumerRescue.org reports that after plowing through hundreds of complaints involving phony hotel charges, they always recommend you err on the side of caution. In various cases, hotel employees have planted false evidence, such as cigarette butts and ashes or light bulb glass scattered around the carpet. They then photographed such manufactured evidence and claimed damages to the room. Yes, you read that correctly. The hotel planted false evidence after the guest checked out. Believe it yourself by reading some of ConsumerRescue.org's outrageous cases.
Remember, falsified damages can range from minor to significant. Alleged damages accusing your perfectly coiffed and exquisitely behaved show dog could be substantial. This consumer advocacy group has documented post-stay charges against guests for as much as $1,400.00. Corrupt hotel operators and Airbnb hosts are trying to get away with highway robbery!
My Musings on the Irish Wolfhound's Country of Origin Breed Standard Changes
The new Autumn 2017 Harp & Hound magazine published several North American fancier opinions concerning the changes made to the Standard of Excellence set forth by the Irish Wolfhound Club of Ireland and the removal of the List of Points in Order of Merit. There were those in favor and others who were critical of the changes, especially the elimination of the List of Points in Order of Merit. A few advocated their positions by explaining that by giving the full particulars to various aspects of anatomy, these revisions would make it easier for novices and aspiring judges to interpret and understand the breed standard.
I disagree.....
The new Autumn 2017 Harp & Hound magazine published several North American fancier opinions concerning the changes made to the Standard of Excellence set forth by the Irish Wolfhound Club of Ireland and the removal of the List of Points in Order of Merit.
There were those in favor and others who were critical of the changes, especially the elimination of the List of Points in Order of Merit. A few advocated their positions by explaining that by giving the full particulars to various aspects of anatomy, these revisions would make it easier for novices and aspiring judges to interpret and understand the breed standard.
I disagree. Accepting the premise of this argument is akin to dumbing down science and mathematics in our educational systems to make it easier for students and our youth to comprehend and to apply such.
Why is it that in today's society we feel the need to deliberately oversimplify intellectual content within education, literature, and culture for it to relate to those unable to assimilate more sophisticated information?
If such people are incapable of assimilating the information outlined in the original breed standard, then logically these people should be asking themselves if they should be adjudicating dogs in the first place because they lack the inherent knowledge, confidence, and qualifications to do so. Breeding dogs is an art form. It is the process of creativity. Judging the results is an art form. It involves the natural ability to be informed of, absorb and integrate words and expressions that which make up these living, breathing creatures.
Gartha of Ambleside
Moreover, why shouldn’t aspiring judges and fanciers learn the history of our breed, its unique characteristics, and study the blueprint for the architecture of the Irish Wolfhound as it was founded? Our breed ancestors expended blood, sweat, and tears, sacrificing much in desperate times to preserve this exalted hound and to ensure its continuity. Our breed founders did not strive to set forth a list of excellent qualities and merits for this breed with the expectations and anticipation that future fanciers would needlessly decide to revise it in favor of generalizations and expediency for the uninitiated.
Kingsland Song
Our brotherhood requires preserving this noble hound by adhering to our forebearers original Standard of Excellence, and in doing so, we advocate the architectural principle, “Form ever follows function.”
It is my considered opinion that this broadscale "dumbing down" mentality is one of the reasons why we are facing the degeneration of the sport and passion of purebred dogs. It is not a secret that purebred dog registrations have plummeted in the past several decades nor is it a surprise that confirmation dog show entries have markedly decreased. Enthusiasm and passion for purebred dogs have waned, and one only has to look around a show ring, whether it be an all-breed dog show or a specialty event, to observe that the average age of exhibitors is 55 years of age and older, with the preponderance over 65 years. For many, expenses and contributory lifestyle changes have made it either prohibitive or no longer conducive to raising multiple dogs.
Nonetheless, I believe the decay is also due to many long-standing purebred fanciers being profoundly dispirited and dejected over the perceptible diminished intellectual level of most modern fanciers today. They are gravely concerned about the future of the breeds; consequently, many veterans are no longer breeding or have drastically reduced their participation as they no longer are optimistic about the breed's destiny. I have heard this from acclaimed breeders of various breeds of dogs, not just Irish Wolfhounds.
Thus, oversimplifying the Standard of Excellence will in time produce distorted impressions and misunderstandings of a once majestic breed that today already one or more doyenne or doyen hardly recognize. The result of FCI uniformity of breed standards will inevitably lead to dogs of universal traits. Already, generic dogs are seen with regularity today in the show ring, and they are predictable and unoriginal; they lack refinement, distinctions, and subtlety. To have lost an elemental part of the Country of Origin's Standard of Excellence, "The List of Points in Order of Merit" is a cop-out. This list is the one aspect of the breed standard that set the ancient Irish Wolfhound breed apart from many others! It was a valuable feature that furnished the Reader the ability to assess virtues and shortcomings of this greyhound-like sighthound. Now it is gone for the sake of banality.
Here follows the unblemished Standard of Excellence of the Irish Wolfhound Club of Ireland including the List of Points in Order of Merit
Candid Photographs
Some candid photos from recent Specialties on just a few Ballyhara Hounds.
Several of these photographs at the end were taken by Lauren Swick. Our appreciation to Laura for sharing these as I had a knee injury and my husband Bobby had to gait the hounds so we could not take photos ourselves.
2017 Irish Wolfhound Quebec Regional Specialty & Underage Puppies
Saturday, June 10, 2017, was another lovely day for a Specialty in Quebec, Canada. This year, however, there was a sad sight to behold. More to the point, we were very upset as we saw a small waif of a puppy trying to walk on a lead with his owners.
Saturday, June 10, 2017, was another lovely day for the IWCC Regional Quebec Specialty in Canada. Herr Jurgen Rosner was adjudicating, and it was a pleasure seeing him again, especially since the last time I saw him was 21 years earlier when he judged the 1996 Irish Wolfhound Association of Delaware Valley Specialty! Remarkably, he has aged gracefully and has changed very little.
Ballyhara Kellyanne IWCC Quebec Regional Specilaty 2017
This Quebec Specialty is comfortable and pleasant though exhibitors experienced an issue with parking as a huge sports tournament was being held simultaneously on the military grounds. The Quebec club graciously provides a delicious homemade smorgasbord with soda, wine, and water which is so refreshing to see in this day and age. An overall, friendly atmosphere that keeps exhibitors and spectators coming back.
This year, however, there was a sad sight to behold. More to the point, we were very upset as we saw a small waif of a puppy trying to walk on a lead with his owners. Shocked, we inquired as to the age of the wolfhound pup, and were informed he was nine weeks of age! Upsetting, to say the least, and our disapproval was shared by several people sitting close-by who noticed him as well. The male pup was so small that my husband was convinced he was seven rather than nine weeks old.
Regrettably, the alarming trend of placing puppies at FAR TOO EARLY AN AGE is not new. I addressed this very concerning problem in my December 2015, "Caveat Emptor" Blog Post. It is unethical to sell or place a wolfhound puppy at the age of eight or nine weeks, especially because this is a giant sighthound who is underdeveloped — both mentally and physically -- at such an immature stage. It is paramount that Irish Wolfhound puppies are well socialized and spend quality and quantity of time with their Dam and siblings.
Mentally, the Irish Wolfhound breed is a slowly maturing hound. His overall weight and height at three months can be deceiving. You cannot compare him to other breeds at the same age. I have always informed students that this sighthound breed is unlike popular breeds such as Poodles, Golden Retrievers, Labradors or Shepherds. During growth stages, in a mental maturity comparison, for instance, a six-month-old wolfhound is comparable to a three-month-old Labrador. Even a yearling -- a phrase attributed to a wolfhound aged 12-24 months -- is still more immature than a similarly aged dog of another breed. The contrast has nothing to do with intelligence as an Irish Wolfhound is a clever breed which is always sensitive to his surroundings. Wolfhound puppies should be confident, poised, comfortable, and friendly. Traits that develop from various stimulations deriving from social interactions in the company of his littermates with the dam teaching them acceptable behavior during their twelve weeks of growth and companionship. There is no justifiable excuse for placing any puppy at less than 10-12 weeks of age, and this practice has to stop.
What has become of our wolfhound society if breeders feel justified and are emboldened to sell wolfhound puppies at 8 or 9 weeks of age? This puppy was not obtained from a commercial puppy farm in the American Midwest but from a person who was attending the Quebec specialty! For the record, my policy is that no puppy leaves before a minimum of 12 weeks and frankly, many times not until 16 weeks. Releasing underage wolfhound puppies is motivated by financial and opportunistic purposes. Commonly, this individual needs to move the pups out as quickly as possible because caring for them requires food, money, and work. Sometimes, they need to make room for a new litter, or frankly, they are too lazy and indifferent to support the young hounds adequately. Other times, many of these people are living hand to mouth and have no business raising expensive Irish Wolfhounds. What will be next -- placing them at seven weeks? Who is going to stop them then? My recommendation to these guilty people is to find another giant breed. Get out of Wolfhounds.
Reputable breed fanciers need to stop "tsk, tsking," while wringing their hands. We as a whole are obliged to speak up and express our concerns to these individuals. Many of these people are only masquerading as "breeders;" when they are only mating dogs. What do they know of genetic modes of inheritance? What do they know about anatomy and muscling physiology? What do they know of the breed founders and the Coefficient of Relationship of ancestry? What do they know of genetic diversity?
It is our obligation to explain their wrongdoings and the harm to both the puppy and the breed, especially if they are members of our breed associations. Our actions are not meddlesome -- we are NOT interfering in someone else's affair. On the contrary, it is our duty to moralize, as honorable, caring, responsible breed guardians. Placing underage puppies is NOT someone else's personal business -- it most certainly is not their prerogative to do so because it is harmful to the breed. These animals cannot speak for themselves, and as such, we are their custodians.
Bear in mind; amoral people prosper because their actions are unfettered. Your silence condones their behavior.
They know not of the commitment, the shared obligation we have as conservators for what was once a highly revered ancient sighthound. Their imprudent deeds are an offense, and we all need to unify against this growing malignancy. Ask yourself is this the standard of behavior that we foresee embodying the principles of our breed society?
Nostaglia for the Good Old Days
We often hear people say how different life or events were in yesteryear. Often we reflect on things or people that we miss, our nostalgic memories vivid as if it were just yesterday. I frequently find myself doing so as I reminisce about how our breed society once was and the stark contrast to what it is today. The consequences of such disparities are substantial being that today we now have the lowest standards of acceptability and accountability within our organization and society. The 2017 IWCA National Specialty recently provided several instances that aroused my sentimentalism........
We often hear people say how different life or events were in yesteryear. Often we reflect on things or people that we miss, our nostalgic memories vivid as if it were just yesterday. I frequently find myself doing so as I reminisce about how our breed society once was and the stark contrast to what it is today. The consequences of such disparities are substantial being that today we now have the lowest standards of acceptability and accountability within our organization and society. The 2017 IWCA National Specialty recently provided several instances that aroused my sentimentalism.
My husband and I very much looked forward to the National held in Geneva, New York. Despite my having attended many, many Nationals over these 33 years, I have only been able to attend, due to their location, just five in recent times. However, this relative absence provided a unique perspective on the changes that have occurred within the Club, in the hounds, as well as the personal character of some fanciers. Allow me to first preface my thoughts by extending my appreciation and respect for the effort, toil, and convictions of Show Chairpersons. I know first-hand the work involved as I have chaired a double-header in 1997 and 1998. Chairpersons do the absolute best to make certain that the event runs as if it were a well-oiled machine. However, mere mortals cannot control the weather which, once again, was uncooperative at this Specialty location with copious rain showers on the first day that sabatoged the grounds for the remainder of the four-day show. The Grounds Chairman, David Milne, was faced with a mud bog and attempted to find solutions. The show ring and surrounding grounds were mostly ruined requiring scores of hay bales spread everywhere for navigability, though cedar shavings would have been a better resolution. Unfortunately, the hay did very little as our shoes sunk in 3-inches of mud and worse, while gaiting, in many areas it was thick enough to suck the shoes off the back of your heel.
This experience leads me to a story, told by a good friend, who had learned of the conditions at this show and felt compelled to describe a similar incident that occurred decades past at a previous IWCA National. The year was 1978, and Miss Noreen Twyman was adjudicating. The weather was terribly uncooperative, with significant rain creating mud bogs in the show ring. As was told to me, Miss Twyman decided not to gait her entries in the show ring but rather to move them under the tent. She explained later at an informal "get-together" that running hounds in such treacherous conditions could injure the hound's tendons and or ligaments. Similar to post holing, if one is an experienced hiker.
Oh, how I miss those good old days where we had knowledgeable, wisened advisors such as Miss Twyman, who was not only a breed authority but a skilled large and small animal veterinarian. Genuine sportspeople who were experts in animal husbandry who could quickly size up a situation and determine the best course of action for the Hounds.
Even more significant and disturbing divergences from years gone by were observed at this past IWCA National Specialty. I witnessed a female wolfhound wearing a Prong obedience/training collar! Wolfhounds should not wear prong obedience/training collars. Period -- no ifs, ands or buts about it. These are not Doberman Pinchers, Rottweilers or Staffordshire Terriers. The woman was not disabled nor handicapped; she was not elderly, small or frail. The Wolfhound was not hard to handle, spooky or skittish. In fact, the Wolfhound appeared well-mannered as she was being towed along by this woman. I immediately and quickly sought out and spoke with a show official about the fact that a prong collar was being used on the show grounds, and even though they commiserated with me as to the unacceptability of the collar -- to my knowledge, nothing was done about it.
Oh, if this were the only disturbing incident, but alas, it was not. My husband and I were walking our hounds through the headquarters hotel parking lot when we walked past the open rear doors of a large utility trailer/hauler hitched to a pick-up truck. Much to our dismay, there were Wolfhounds bedded in hay within the hauler. How shocking but unsurprising all at the same time leaving the both of us with a bad taste in our mouths.
Regrettably, the reality is that, more than ever, the moral reasoning and development of character is stymied within many of today's breed fanciers. In years past, neither one of these offenses would have been tolerated at a National or Regional Specialty. As a matter of fact, at the 1990 Columbia, South Carolina IWCA National Specialty, a breeder/exhibitor had arrived with his wolfhounds in a trailer. I still remember to this day that one or more IWCA representatives took the gentleman aside and declared that Irish Wolfhounds were not livestock and therefore, using that form of transportation was completely unacceptable and would not be tolerated on the official show grounds. The matter was handled with grace and civility but make no mistake; the issue was addressed. At the same time, having known many of these old-standing fanciers, I am confident that the mere sight of a prong obedience collar on a Wolfhound would never have been overlooked or condoned.
Presently, it appears that the IWCA and regional club memberships are considered open season for enrollment. Memberships are wide open to highly reprehensible individuals whose primary motivation is profit and focus only on meeting supply and demand. Why are these people members at all? The IWCA, as well as one or more Regional Specialty clubs, chose to accept these highly controversial applicants. They did so despite having performed background checks with local, conscientious breeders as to the morality, ethics, and operations of the candidates. They did so notwithstanding the established Standards of Ethical Conduct for Members of the IWCA, and the Standard of Behavior for Breeders of the IWCA that requires these new members adherence. Let us be clear, according to the United States District Court Minnesota Sixth Division, in Avenson v. Zegart 1984; a puppy mill was defined as a "dog breeding operation in which the health of the dogs is disregarded in order to maintain a low overhead and maximize profits." So, are we being led to believe that these individuals are going to modify their business plans abruptly because they are now members of the IWCA? Of course not!
What is the reason for permitting membership to substandard amateur breeders and commercial puppy farms? As was explained to me -- one of the motives for allowing these dog brokers membership was to educate them. This explanation is outrageous as these hateful, inhumane persons seek only to gain credibility through our association so they can increase the sales price of their merchandise and expand their market. Now they have the ideal vehicle to do so with the backing of the IWCA and regional clubs.
It is so pitiful that the once revered guidelines, the merits, the excellence of our once upstanding association have plunged to such abject levels. Take for example new puppy owners attending a specialty with a 9-week old puppy in tow. Setting aside the offense of placing a wolfhound puppy at 8-9 weeks of age; let us add insult to injury by adding that this poor waif did not resemble any nine-week-old puppy on the Ambleside or Alfred de Quoy Growth Charts with minimum and maximum weights of 23 to 37 pounds. No, this 9-week old pup could not possibly top the scales at 20 pounds -- if that. To my eye, he looked to weigh 15 pounds. Oh yes, long gone are the ole days of principled fanciers. Read more on the placement of underage puppies in my earlier Blog Post titled, "Caveat Emptor."
Permit me to share one more memory that is in direct contrast with today's reality. I recall a time when the IWCA National Specialty Auction dinner event was a suit & tie or at least sports coat affair. Many of us remember the numerous items of excellent quality with unique and incomparable goods, such as an original bronze statue donated by the luminary artist, Dan Ostermiller fetching, if my memory serves me correctly, $1,000.00 or more. Gone now are those uncommon goods and extensive selections which once filled every nook and cranny of the room or outdoor tents such as in Newport and Lake Placid. Long ago, our society affairs were gracious, festive, and very well-attended held with and in stylish decorum. While attending this recent Auction Dinner, I was dismayed and saddened at the unconcerned casualness, humbleness, and smallness of what was once a celebrated affair.
Times have indeed changed. As it concerns our passion and hobby, the resulting developments are extraordinarily worrisome. It is a mystery as to how much of our breed society, as well as our parent organization, have debased themselves while setting new lows. Are we even capable of restoring the previous state of moralistic and respectable community that once was? Pitifully no, not if we were to consider current and continuous actions to form a conclusion. Look at the breeding model that has been followed around the globe resulting in the nearly complete loss of genetic diversity in our breed. According to the data contained on Dr. Silvan Urfer's website, 93% of the wolfhounds, worldwide, are affected by the current Population Bottleneck.
As for we bellwethers, we are blithely ignored.
Ballyhara Candid photos from recent Potomac Specialty Show
Here are a few candid photos of my Irish Wolfhounds from a recent specialty show.
What's in a Name -- The 2017 Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show
Not sure if anyone else noticed while watching Westminster Kennel Club (WKC) Group Judging that as the judging progressed on the two evenings, the winners of each group were identified by their call names and not their registered names. For example, the television screen would show:
Group Winners: Hound Group, Norwegian Elkhound "Duffy"
Not sure if anyone else noticed while watching Westminster Kennel Club (WKC) Group Judging that as the judging progressed on the two evenings, the winners of each group were identified by their call names and not their registered names. For example, the television screen would show:
Group Winners, Hound Group, Norwegian Elkhound "Duffy"
and at the conclusion of each Group competition, they added the name of the newest Group winner in the same manner by identifying its breed and his or her's call name. They did, however, identify each group entry during the televised individual examinations by their full AKC registered name, as well as on the WKC Results website page.
This departure from the standard protocol is curious, and I reasonably assume that they were attempting to personalize the dogs and humanize the competition to the viewing audience. Make it seem more relatable to John and Jane Doe watching at home with their Labrador on the couch. Not a bad idea as the club's public relations firm was probably working overtime gathering as many details as they could on each entry. The Dog Media Profile page saw to this, and each dog's digital profile was to be used for press opportunities such as the information revealed on what they called a "Blue Card" during the broadcasts. A smart tactic that again made the dog more relatable with little tidbits like Muffy's favorite snack is Ritz Crackers.
A longtime friend who has been involved with AKC dog shows for decades pointed out that since WKC is a member of the American Kennel Club, the official and proper dissemination of winners must include the dog's registered names, not just pet names. I see her point as it appears that WKC is "dumbing down" the sport and competition. Sorta like, Mrs. Jane Doe stating, "Oh look, honey, Little Freckles the Chihuahua won the Toy Group, so maybe we can enter our Pookie next year." In doing so, it may be an oversimplification of such an achievement as the average home viewer does not realize the magnitude of many of these dogs journeys; the time, money and tremendous effort that went into "Little Freckles" WKC Group win. It very well may be seen as diminishing the role of the Breeder whose kennel title is customarily entered in a registered name but also their enormous toil, perhaps over a lifetime, to achieve this success with their bloodlines. To see their registered kennel name displayed on the television screen after having won the WKC Group must be a thrill.
I am not versed in AKC show club policies as my friend is the expert, but I recognize and appreciate the tightrope that AKC member clubs and public relation firms are walking today to rejuvenate, rather, in my opinion, to resuscitate this sport. Wikipedia best describes public relations as being a strategic communication process that builds mutually beneficial relationships between organizations and their publics.
Times have changed, and we must adapt as we find ourselves in this precarious position today because both the sport and its governing body, AKC, had been reluctant to embrace change for far too many years now. Cultural changes along with social media are "lie of the land, " and an aggressive public relations campaign enables the public to connect to our sporting competition emotionally, leaving them with the belief that they too could partake. This may be the only way forward. I wrote nearly seven years ago in "Exclusive, Not Inclusive" trying to personify a spectator's experience with our sport,
"We all see these people who are simply observing—they attend because they thought it might be fun to watch in the same way many of us might attend a horse race, horse show jumping, dressage, or even driving events. Many of us do not own a horse that we could enter in these events, but we attend anyway because we have a shared interest or love of the animal and because we thought it would be enjoyable...We must remove the elitism and become an inclusionary sport otherwise; we will run out of newbie’s to carry on in our footsteps."
2017 Westminster Kennel Club
I can only laugh at the shortcomings, once again, involving the Westminster Kennel Club dog show. I cannot comment on all the other breed competition videos, but an elementary age child must have been tasked with the responsibility for videoing this year's Westminster Kennel Club's Irish Wolfhound judging. Incredibly frustrating as this is a highly respected dog show and one would not expect to encounter such poor quality video cataloging but also consider the importance of the lost archival aspect. In short, shamefully, there is no salvageable video of this breed competition, on that day, in that special time and place but only a tongue-in-cheek parody.......
I can only laugh at the shortcomings, once again, involving the Westminster Kennel Club dog show. I cannot comment on all the other breed competition videos, but an elementary age child must have been tasked with the responsibility for videoing this year's Westminster Kennel Club's Irish Wolfhound judging. Incredibly frustrating as this is a highly respected dog show and one would not expect to encounter such poor quality video cataloging but also consider the importance of the lost archival aspect. In short, shamefully, there is no salvageable video of this breed competition, on that day, in that special time and place but only a tongue-in-cheek parody.
The video begins with poor clarity as it is dark, over-saturated, with bad resolution. It most certainly was not my personal equipment as I tried to view the video on three devices. A Macbook Pro, an iPhone 6 Plus, and finally on the newest iPad Pro with Retina display -- all of which showed the same dismal results. It was not just the poor quality of lighting or contrast or resolution or whatever you want to call it -- there simply is no video of the hounds being judged!
The video goes to hell in a hand basket around the first minute and a half after we see the first dog entry judged though it was too dark to distinguish much of the dog. Next, the videographer must have decided to leave as the camera is squarely centered on the judge in the middle of the ring, and not on the class bitch entry who was set-up and had been gaited. The videographer seems not to know he is supposed to film the dogs as they stand for examination and while they move around the ring. On an amusing note, I assume the judge will be flattered once he learns that he, not the hounds, was the star attraction. I am left to assume that no one emphasized to the videographer that this was a "dog show" and not a "people show."
This is what we were shown during the judging!!
Then, 2:35 minutes in, the camera screen goes blank! Hmm, the videographer must have gone to the restroom and seconds later the screen begins cycling through Judging schedules and Ring Assignments. Finally, at the 3:15 minute mark we are back in the ring, all the while judging had continued and with a jerky zoom we are back in action. Oh wait, it is the judge handing over a ribbon. Well, all right we say, maybe we can catch some of the champion breed competition. Enter the Best of Breed (BOB) entries where they set up just to the left of the camera, yet, the resolution is so poor that we only see dark figures against a sea of fluorescent green. Of course, we recognize the first contour is that of a man with a wolfhound as we can identify their dark shapes and a wolfhound head and body but no details!
This the quality of the video on the rare occasion we even saw a hound
Oh dear, at 4:53, unbelievably, the screen resolution goes even darker, and now, all the BOB entries are only black blobs. Zoom zoom, once again, the camera is focused back on the Judge. Meanwhile, the entries are gaited but the viewer can only see dark shapes of the hounds trotting around the ring and one cannot even identify their color or sex!
Hey, the videographer must be saying to himself -- those three hounds look attractive. So, we are zoomed in on the one corner of the ring, furthest away from the judging where the last three entries are awaiting their turn (it is still too dark for the viewer to see anything, though), and there we remain. Meanwhile, several BOB individual entries are examined and gaited, but that is not what the videographer wants us to see. By golly, we are going to stare at this corner at the dark blobs and the adjacent ring of Australian Shepherds, whether we want to or not. Almost two minutes later -- hold on, I can make out a penis on one of the hounds -- our overachiever decides to zoom out to the line-up. Not until 10:48 into the breed judging are we privy to see an individual wolfhound gaiting, but keep in mind the resolution has not changed whatsoever, so all we can see is a head floating above a black blob.
Damn, I spoke too soon. I should have known better than to press my luck. The cameraman decides it is not necessary to see the next wolfhound BOB entry and promptly focuses back on their popular subject - the Judge! Next up, the last BOB entry -- Ahh, we are back in business as the cameraman allows us to watch the last BOB entry, of course, only in midnight lighting. Now, we are 13:30 minutes into this masterpiece and the viewer still cannot decipher anything -- perhaps if we wore night vision goggles -- when we are shown a fleeting second of a darkened wolfhound gaiting. When, wham, the cameraman feels we saw too much and back to the center of the ring and to the judge we go. Meanwhile, the BOB entries are gaited, out of sight, on the edge of the ring. Finally, at 16:57 the adjudication is over, whew, and we are privy to the awarding of ribbons and honors to hounds we never could see.
I think Westminster Kennel Club needs to get their money back.
Awarding of ribbons in a competition we never saw
Tuxedo Park and Somerset Hills Kennel Club Shows Still Got It!
Just returned from two days at the acclaimed Tuxedo Park and Somerset Hills Kennel Club dog shows that are just two in the usual show circuit in Somerset, New Jersey this past weekend. What classic shows but, oh boy, was it hot! Excruciatingly and unbearably hot. Most of us had on our persons either a towel or paper towels to wipe our faces as the perspiration flowed off your body. In fact, the Show Chairperson announced over the loudspeaker that due to the temperature and humidity levels that all gentlemen exhibitors were encouraged to shed their sports coats and ties. As for the women, it was both senseless and useless to wear make-up, particularly not mascara, as it melted off our faces. It was so hot & humid that despite our hydrating with large quantities of fluids every 10 minutes or so; there was infrequent, if any, use of the restrooms. Literally, for all the water we took in every few minutes, the body used it to cool our bodies via evaporation, and it had nothing left to process.
As for the shows, Saturday is always a special time to attend as the Somerset Hills Kennel Club has a wonderful, old-fashioned band playing tunes throughout the day under an enormous shade tree. The Greek Gyro food truck was, as usual, present for the dog show circuit offering a wide variety of entrees, vegetables, salads and fresh fruit. Even breakfast sandwiches, burgers, hot dogs, and french fries. The Flip Bar smoothie truck was present as well and is always a popular option on stifling hot days.
But hot, oh my goodness, Friday was unendurable forcing us to give up as we waited for Group competition to begin. I could not take it any longer and had to leave for the comfort of an air-conditioned room. My full ton, Super Duty dog show van with its heavy-duty alternator and battery ran for six or more hours straight as I attempted to cool down two Irish Wolfhounds with ice, air conditioning, and water. I went through a quarter of a tank of fuel to make certain the dogs were comfortable. Naturally, we cannot control Mother Nature, and I have attended this circuit in the past where I do not recall it being this hot before. Nevertheless, it is a famous dog show circuit that appears to possess its glory still. Though as I pointed out in my previous post on September 7, "More on All-Breed Dog Shows," this circuit is also experiencing difficulty attracting Major Entry competition even in a favorite breed such as Long Haired Dachshunds.
After returning home, I checked in mid-week with friends who also spectated at the Westchester Kennel Club show held on Sunday of this circuit. My friends are long-time dog fanciers of forty plus years who no longer are active in the sport but do enjoy coming out to observe at close to home shows. Interestingly, she remarked what a shame it was to see that few people stay any longer to watch Group Judging competition on the last or closing day of the circuit, this being a Sunday. Although this Sunday had lovely weather with comfortable temperatures as compared to the previous several days, she said barely a few people were observing, and it was a sad sight to see. Ah, yes, I said, it is a sign of the times......
More on AKC All-Breed Dog Shows
A friend of mine and I were conversing about the decline of dog entries at AKC conformation shows, and I wondered how the loss of 384,000 entries over a ten-year span had affected her and her breed. She regularly exhibits and is well-known in Longhaired Dachshunds, not only here on the East Coast but she also travels great distances such as to the mid-west and Florida's Eukanuba. I was keenly interested in her feedback and the experiences she has encountered in her breed....
I believe it is necessary to share more information on the topic discussed in my previous post titled "AKC Conformation Events, A Closer Look." A friend of mine and I were conversing about the decline of dog entries at AKC conformation shows, and I wondered how the loss of 384,000 entries over a ten-year span had affected her and her breed. She regularly exhibits and is well-known in Longhaired Dachshunds, not only here on the East Coast but she also travels great distances such as to the mid-west and Florida's Eukanuba. I was keenly interested in her feedback and the experiences she has encountered in her breed.
Wow, was I surprised with her response, though, actually, I should not have been. First, a quick point that the AKC Most Popular Dog Breed list ranks Dachshunds as number 13 out of 184 breeds in popularity. However, her reporting of few to no entries at all-breed shows led me to believe that we could have been talking about a low-entry or rare breed!
To illustrate, she referenced an upcoming and usually very popular New Jersey all-breed dog show circuit beginning on Thursday with the Central New Jersey Hound Show, followed by Tuxedo Park, Somerset Hills, and Sunday's conclusion with the Westchester Kennel Club Dog Show. Starting with Thursday's Hound Show, she reported that there is only 1 class entry of each sex in the Longhaired Dachshunds competition -- no points. Friday's Tuxedo Park Kennel Club Show, again, only 1 of each sex entered in the classes -- no points. Interestingly, there are no majors in the other two varieties as well at this particular show. On Saturday, Somerset Hills hosts the long-time Dachshund Club of New Jersey Specialty, which she continued, has only 1 class male and 3 class bitches offering just 1 point total for Long-Haired Dachshunds classes! Sunday, the Westchester Kennel Club has only one of each sex in the classes with, again, no points.
How dismal is it that a highly respected, competitive East Coast all-breed show circuit cannot attract enough entries of a favorite breed variety, which ranks 13 of the most popular breeds, to offer even 2 points, let alone a major win? My friend added that there were several mid-west specialties in which, again, no major championship points were available in her breed, but she went further listing a recent number of familiar dog shows, to include one or more upcoming events, that had or have no points available. In fact, she concluded that she could not recall any major points offered for Long-Haired Dachshunds at an all-breed show this year. Frankly, she stated, she was sick of it.
Inevitably, I inquired if the Long-Haired variety was more scarce or rarer than the other two varieties, those being Smooth and Wire-Haired. She was emphatic in her reply stating that there is nothing rare about Long-Hairs. Indeed, she went on to recount that this variety is so popular that, in past decades, it used to take 12 entries in competition to make-up a Major in which she had neither difficulty in finding nor winning.
Well, her feedback certainly mimics what I said previously about my breed, Irish Wolfhounds, when I also recalled there was a time, here on the East Coast, when I could finish a wolfhound with three or four majors amid a large number of competitors.
AKC Conformation Events, A Closer Look
After writing my post, "Sad to See," I decided to look closer into how many AKC conformation all-breed events are held annually. If you read my earlier article you would be familiar with the argument by many, many fanciers that there are too many dog shows today, and as a result, the number of entries are spread very thin but also membership and volunteerism as well.
First, do you believe that there are fewer entries at conformation dog shows? Take a look at the data concerning AKC conformation events and for those who disbelieve, this will change your mind........
After writing my post, "Sad to See," I decided to look closer into how many AKC conformation all-breed events are held annually. If you read my earlier article you would be familiar with the argument by many, many fanciers that there are too many dog shows today, and as a result, the number of entries are spread very thin but also membership and volunteerism as well.
First, do you believe that there are fewer entries at conformation dog shows? Take a look at the data concerning AKC conformation events and for those who disbelieve, this will change your mind. The AKC Annual Reports state the following:
2015, there were 1,599 all-breed shows with 1,326,737 entries
2014, there were 1,610 all-breed dog shows with 1,356,066 entries.
2013, there were 1,614 all-breed shows with 1,386,727 entries.
2012, there were 1,604 all-breed shows dog shows 1,435,266 entries.
2011, there were 1,589 all-breed dog shows with 1,455,971 entries.
2010, there were 1,586 all-breed dog shows with 1,473,751 entries.
2009, there were 1,548 all-breed dog shows with 1,516,098 entries.
2008, there were 1,534 all-breed dog shows with 1,641,004 entries.
2007, there were 1,548 all-breed dog shows with 1,698,840 entries.
2006, there were 1,519 all-breed dog shows with 1,710,265 entries.
Get the picture? This reveals a significant decrease of nearly 384,000 entries between 2006 through 2015. However, more spectacularly, it has been accompanied by an increase in the number of all-breed dog shows. What do you think happens when there is a loss of 384,000 entries but an increase of 80 plus conformation all-breed dog shows? Here is what happens: 2015's 1,326,737 entries are spread very thin. Ahh, some might feel that AKC should have been more responsive to the situation. Let us take a look at that as well for every dog show entry is accompanied by the following verbiage: "Including $3.00 AKC event service fee per entry & $.50 AKC recording fee first entry only."
Translation: revenue. Here are the AKC Recording and Event Fee Revenue breakdowns:
2015 — $11,313,000
2014 — $11,366,000
2013 — $11,317,000
2012 — $11,249,000
2011 — $10,912,000
2010 — $9,955,000
This is certainly not chump change but a healthy profit, and as you can see, the revenue has grown meanwhile there has been a marked decrease in conformation dog show entries. I suppose someone will logically ask the following question: "If there are fewer entries, AKC revenue should also be down." Perhaps, and this is speculation, that the two do not necessarily go hand in hand.
First, recording and entry fees most likely have risen over these many years. Moreover, the increase in the number of shows affords easier access to closer or even doorstep all-breed shows. The decreased entries are spread throughout the plethora of all-breed shows, and now, it is not uncommon to see shows with a number of breeds having only one or two breed entries. Few to no points are offered, but your entry money is nonrefundable after the Closing Date. AKC receives their cut, no matter. Fanciers do get discouraged and feel that it is not worth it any longer. They usually do not attend a show when there are either one of two entries or the only entry! Instead, years past, many of us old timers would have to wait with great anticipation to exhibit at a singleton show or a well-known circuit. We would have large entries, sometimes enough for 5-point Majors or when I could exhibit a wolfhound to their championship winning four Majors. Those were the days my friends.....
I speculate that AKC's answer to this dilemma is to lower the number of dogs required in their Points Schedule for two points to 5-point Majors. Just don't touch their revenue stream.
By the way, I did look to see the comparison for the circuit I spoke of in the "Sad to See" blog post. According to the earliest data on infodog.com, the Southern Adirondack Kennel Club dog show has been in the same location throughout these many years. On Saturday, August 1999 there were 1025 Total Dogs Present and Competing out of 1374 entries. On Saturday, August 2016 there were 664 Total Dogs Present and Competing out of 859 entries. That is a difference of 515 entries and tells us something right there.
AKC Revises Driving Distance for Dog Shows
I am providing an update to my earlier Blog Post titled, "Sad to See" which discussed the issue of far too many AKC all-breed conformation dog shows and the impact it is having on long-established all-breed kennel clubs. Now, the AKC has lowered the barriers for even more dog shows which, by the way, generates more entry revenue for the AKC. If many of you were not aware, every Premium List includes the following verbiage: "Including $3.00 AKC event service fee per entry & $.50 AKC recording fee first entry only"......
I am providing an update to my earlier Blog Post titled, "Sad to See" which discussed the issue of far too many AKC all-breed conformation dog shows and the impact it is having on long-established all-breed kennel clubs. Now, the AKC has lowered the barriers for even more dog shows which, by the way, generates more entry revenue for the AKC. If many of you were not aware, every Premium List includes the following verbiage: "Including $3.00 AKC event service fee per entry & $.50 AKC recording fee first entry only."
During the July 2016 BOD Meeting, the AKC Directors approved a modification to the Limited Number of Events Policy which revises the road mileage or distance between show sites. Specifically, to balance with the existing policy of 75 straight-line miles between territories the optional criteria for isolated status will now be reduced from 100 miles to 75 miles. This change will provide additional clubs the opportunity to apply for isolated status which means, even more, dog shows!
What determines club isolation? Here is AKC's definition: "Geographically isolated clubs are determined by there being no AKC club within 75 straight-line miles between territories unless the clubs show site is greater than 75 driving miles from the nearest show site" -- (Their definition and not mine)
As a result and by AKC's calculations, verbatim: "In an analysis of potential shows sites, it was determined that 47 sites/clubs may be allowed to hold additional shows at their show sites by decreasing the driving mile threshold to 75. (This includes 21 clubs currently considered isolated in the continental US). When compared to the 100-mile driving distance this is an increase from 9 to 26 additional potential isolated sites.
Wow, just 75 miles creates isolationism for an AKC purebred dog event. I am amazed -- it is no wonder that we are envisioning tumbleweeds at the show circuits that I already discussed in my Sad to See blog post! As an influential encore, Judges are not allowed to judge the same Breed, Group, and Best in Show assignment within a 200-mile straight line distance of one another, yet, we have AKC all-breed shows only 75 miles distant and to boot, anything over that is considered a remote territory!
What a farce! No one can complain to me about having to drive hours to get to a dog show since I have lived in the Adirondack mountain resort of Lake Placid, New York for approximately 32 years. The nearest kennel club association is either Montreal, Quebec that is two hours distant or the Glens Falls Kennel Club. The latter is an hour and a half distant at a minimum -- depending on the season and good weather -- because we have to come down and out from the mountains which can be treacherous in the winter and painfully slow in the warmer months due to the tourists. However, even then, this is not to reach a conformation dog show event. Member kennel clubs are permitted to hold two shows annually, and as so many kennel clubs have done in recent decades, almost all in the Eastern region of upstate New York have clustered together to make ends meet, and the location of choice is the Eastern Exposition Center in West Springfield, MA. As a result, the usual distance for me to drive so that I can exhibit my hounds in the United States is 3 hours and forty minutes or 222 miles each way.
Despite the hardships that I endure in exhibiting my hounds, even I believe there are too many all-breed conformation events! Pray tell, why? I enter an event at a typical cost of $32.00 per entry -- often taking two to make it worth my while -- and the breed judging attracted low or minimal entries. Therefore, only one point is available in either sex. My familiar scenario is that the scheduled ring time judging is 8:30 AM and the show is nearly four hours away so I must pack up and drive down the day before and pay for a hotel room. All this for just one point and when I arrive at the show ring; the competition is absent because it was not worth their time. You can substitute 2 points for the one point -- it does not make a difference as it frequently happens for two points as it does for one point. Now, do this time and time again and you might just begin to get an inkling of what I have experienced for decades now. As I am fond of saying, "Welcome to my world." In my opinion, the system and sport are broken.
The facts are, according to AKC, it has over 600 independent member clubs who send delegates to AKC meetings to vote on rule changes and policy issues, and over 4,500 licensed and sanctioned clubs who conduct AKC-approved events. Still, why do we need more shows to bankrupt the previously fiscally sound kennel clubs or to steal more volunteers, and members away from once esteemed associations that fanciers once felt privileged to belong? The answer, is that we do not but, if not then why is this happening? Is it all about the money?
Update on a Previous Post "Here We Go Again, Foreign Dog Show Judges"
I recently have been told that one or more members of the Potomac Valley Irish Wolfhound Club were allegedly upset that I publicly aired their April specialty show debacle involving the foreign judge, Knut Olav Wille. Although out of politeness, I originally did not mention their specialty association by name, nor the Judge's, I am doing so now for several reasons......
I recently have been told that one or more members of the Potomac Valley Irish Wolfhound Club were allegedly upset that I publicly aired news of their April specialty show debacle involving the foreign judge, Knut Olav Wille. Although out of politeness, I originally did not mention their specialty association by name, nor the Judge's, I am doing so now for several reasons.
Clearly, the situational irony is thick here. This club and therefore, its show officials were happy to accept my hard earned money for my five dogs and their individual entries, yet, they assail me for talking about how their foreign judge was not adjudicating by AKC Rules, Policies, and Guidelines for Conformation Dog Show Judges! As if I were to blame for their failures.
When a specialty club is administered by people who have little to no regard for AKC Rules Applying to Dog Shows, there are after-effects. These by-products are consequential insofar as; first, it makes a mockery of the proceedings. The Best of Breed competition was a parody and several people outside the ring were bitterly criticizing what was happening. Read my Blog Post, "Here We Go Again, Foreign Dog Show Judges" to experience it almost first-hand. Even more, after all was said and done, a few exhibitors mentioned that they were not returning to the show again. If a show giving club does not intend for the Judge to adjudicate in a manner conforming to the established rules of the governing body, AKC, then why not hold your show independent of AKC? Just host a self-governing specialty show without championship points and allow the judge to adjudicate willy-nilly and then let the chips fall where they may.
Why did I mention the foreign judge Knut Olav Wille by name this time? For the very reason that even after his gaffes during the Potomac Valley Irish Wolfhound Specialty's Best of Breed competition, evidently, he did little to nothing to educate himself on how to adjudicate properly according to AKC dog shows. While judging at The Irish Wolfhound Association of the West Coast's two-day specialty in which his assignment was Friday, he allegedly attempted to disqualify an Irish Wolfhound entry for a narrow underjaw. This time, thankfully, there was an AKC Executive Field Representative present who intervened because there are NO disqualifications in the IWCA Breed Standard. How embarrassing for the unfairly censured exhibitor who paid an entry fee and then was publicly wronged. A few may excuse this blunder by saying the judge made a mistake so, what is the problem? These are the same people who are ready to forgive an evident lack of judgment until it happens to them and they are the exhibitors on the end of the lead who are singled out and disqualified in a breed with no DQs at a Breed Specialty dog show. Finally, think about this obvious, uncomplicated reason why this was yet another problem: It was and is disrespectful to the exhibitors and our wolfhounds.
Sad to See
I recently attended a dog show cluster that used to be called "The Adirondack Circuit, The Place to Be," which is a well-known eastern cluster of five back-to-back shows held in Ballston Spa, New York during August. Wednesday through Sunday, these shows have provided an opportunity for exhibitors to "park and plant it" for as long as I can remember and in years past attracted large entries. Admittedly, I have not exhibited at this circuit since 2009 but boy, what a surprise it was for me when I arrived. I entered one day out of the five being a Saturday and it was, as I alluded to, something of a shock for me and my friend....
Last weekend, I attended a dog show cluster that used to be called "The Adirondack Circuit, The Place to Be," which is a well-known East Coast group of five back-to-back shows held in Ballston Spa, New York during August. Wednesday through Sunday, these shows have provided an opportunity for exhibitors to "park and plant it" for as long as I can remember and in years past attracted large entries. I have not exhibited at this circuit since 2009, but oh boy, what a surprise it was for me when I arrived. I entered one day out of the five being a Saturday and it was, as I alluded to, something of a shock for me and my friend.
This circuit used to attract scores of entries and with it came the vendors and great food. In fact, I recall one vendor whom I believe used to come from Massachusetts and they had delicious sandwiches on the freshest bakery rolls available -- the owner once informed me that they picked up the rolls on the way to the show. One had to wait in a long line just to get their food. Alternatively, there was also a favorite Greek food truck which had the most pleasant and refreshing food options such tzatziki, gyros, and the like. I cannot remember if they were one and the same but no matter because they are all gone now. We walked over to the vendor area and just turned around in an empty circle where once, years before, there were at least one to two isles of merchants. All gone -- no more food vendors except the solitary fairground stand and the smoothie Flip Bar. Gone are the dog bed vendors who used to have large assortments of dog beds as well as the numerous show dog supply vendors. Save for just three small, economical set-ups -- two show dog supply merchants with a small assortment of leads, bowls, and toys, and then another who was selling grooming tables.
It was sad to see and as I said earlier, very surprised. It was similar to looking sentimentally at a structure that held many memories for you, and now, it is rundown, forlorn and dilapidated. Perhaps I sound melodramatic but looking around at this circuit, on a Saturday to be precise, and not just a busy workday excuse like Wednesday or Thursday; my friend and I just felt pity, as it seemed so empty. There was a sundry of rings set-up, but nothing near the number I recall and it appeared that several rings had been taken down already. However, again this was a Saturday, the busiest day for any circuit and as far as I could ascertain, they were not taken down but were just empty spaces. In today's day & age, with all-breed kennel club shows losing entries like a fractured dam losing water, at least this Saturday show still had a respectable *859 entries with 804 present and competing. It goes without saying that I commend the volunteers who turn up, time after time, to host this conformation dog show but it must be a bittersweet experience.
A woman was walking her dog, and we stopped to ask her what happened -- where were all the retailers and food options as there were in yesteryear? She sighed and said, "This is what it is now, all that you remember are gone." There was just emptiness; how somber.
The stranger offered that it is an expensive hobby and after the financial crash in 2008, many people did not return to the sport. Though the points she made were valid, I feel that the most influential factor today is that there are far too many all-breed kennel club dog shows. Indeed, there exists a gluttony of all-breed kennel club shows to the detriment of the sport and exhibitors. How so? Well, harmful because old-established kennel clubs are dissolving. Not just because of low entries, but also because of a lack of membership. With so many kennel clubs vying for fanciers membership and volunteerism, some of the once stalwart kennel clubs have few members remaining, with many who are, I am sorry to point out, elderly. One example is Pennsylvania's Chester Valley Kennel Club which is in the process of dissolution. They simply did not have enough members where once this was an esteemed all-breed kennel club. We will see much more of these in the future. How do the vast number of all breed shows hurt exhibitors? Easy, the more shows, the fewer the entries. The fewer the entries, the fewer the breed points and or Major Wins. Many people today cannot afford to, or have the time to enter a dog show every weekend, every other week or every month. So, the far too many assemblages of clubs divide exhibitors attention, attendance, and money. This affects the number of dogs in competition and any possible points accrued towards their championship.
Take for example the dog show circuit I discussed above which ran from August 10 - 14, 2016, with five back-to-back all-breed kennel club shows located in Ballston Spa, New York. Just four days later, beginning Thursday, August 18 - 21, 2016, four back-to-back all-breed kennel club shows are being held in Apalachin, New York. The distance between these two clusters is only 158 miles or 2 hours and change, all highway. Let's go the other direction where six days later, on August 20-21, 2016, two back-to-back all-breed kennel club shows are being held in Marlborough, Massachusetts at a distance of only 175 miles from Ballston Spa, NY, or about 2 hours and 45 minutes distant, all highways. These above shows represent just a minority in what most likely is happening in the most populous areas all around our country. People are kidding themselves if they do not believe that the abundance of these all-breed kennel club dog shows is not affecting entries.
Consider that an AKC judge is not approved to judge the same breed, Group or Best in Show if it falls within 200 straight-line miles and or within 30 days of another assignment. So, why then are we allowed to have all-breed kennel club dog shows located within a 200-mile marker week after week? Exhibitors are going to pick and choose and as a result, down go the entries, and our hard earned money with them. How many times have you entered a show and there was just one, maybe two points and then once you are there, the other competitor is absent having said to heck with this. There went your $32.00 and more --depending on your drive time -- and if you had to get up at 4:00 AM to make an 8:00 AM ring time. It certainly gets old fast, especially when this happens time after time. Then after awhile you just say, "No more."
*UPDATE and Correction:
The Stats should read "664 Total Dogs Present and Competing out of 859 total entries." The previously cited and incorrect stats were taken from the AKC website three days after the show and obviously do not coincide with the Superintendant's records.
Irish Wolfhound Club of Canada Quebec Branch Specialty
Though this post is geared mostly to Irish Wolfhound fanciers, particularly in the Northeast, I think others may find it interesting. Though we have attended this specialty twice before, last weekend was the first time since I began writing my "Musings Dog Blog" and so this is my first opportunity to comment on this club and the show......
Though this post is geared mostly to Irish Wolfhound fanciers, particularly in the Northeast, I think others may find it interesting. Though we have attended this specialty twice before, our attending last weekend's specialty was the first time since I began writing my "Musings Dog Blog" and so this is my first opportunity to comment on this club and the show.
What I feel is the most memorable and enjoyable aspect of this Quebec Irish Wolfhound specialty club are its members and their hospitality towards guests. To illustrate, the members sponsor a luncheon buffet that is delicious and enormous. Homemade food set out as a huge spread under the tent incorporating fresh salads, hot foods, wraps, fresh turkey and roasted hams, desserts, water & soda and the like. A little something for everyone but the club asks only for a token donation.
We do not frequently see such hospitality in the dog clubs any longer. Friendly, welcoming and generous, these members are proud of their show from beginning to end. They host it on a military college campus in St.Jean-sur-Richelieu, Quebec along the Richelieu River at the northern end of Lake Champlain. The show site itself is alongside a sports gymnasium on a large, level, grassy area with giant shade trees adjacent to one side of the ring. Parking is limited near the show ring, though, and because it is held on a military campus, the security guards patrolling are usually quite stern if one is parked irregularly. The show officials, especially the show steward, were wonderfully patient and entertaining, organized and quite efficient. It is a small show offering down-home Quebec hospitality and Wolfhound enthusiasts should mark it on their calendar for the future. Keep in mind that they do have an official limit on the number of entries being 175, but this is a smaller specialty in which these figures most likely would not be met. Intriguingly, this club, for several years now, has sponsored an international judge to adjudicate and to be honest, I am amazed as to how they can afford to do so!
My only qualm involving our lovely experience this past weekend is an issue in which I have written about several times previously, and that is the level of unpreparedness of some foreign dog show judges for North American dog show assignments. Meaning, they are not knowledgeable in the American, rather, in this case, the Canadian Kennel Club judging procedures. Officiating was an international judge, Mrs. Csilla Juhash, of Glor Na Gael Kennels in Hungary, who has a lovely personality and was very polite and organized. Moreover, she possessed confident mannerisms throughout her adjudication process. However, we exhibitors and spectators became quite confused during the Best of Breed competition, although; it was clear that the judge most certainly was not. She proceeded confidently in what we assumed was according to the Federal Cynologique Internationale (FCI) judging system, instead of the CKC judging process.
As is typical, the Champion Dog entries, Winners Dog, and Veteran Dog were judged separately from the females. She finished examining all the Champion males but did not re-examine Winner's Dog or Veteran Male, which was her prerogative though she did re-gait them. However, it was here that our puzzlement began. The judge declared her top three best males from the entire line-up announcing them as first, second and third. First place was awarded to a Champion as Best Male; the "second best male" was given to Winners Dog and third place to another Champion dog.
Next, she judged all the Champion Bitches, along with Winners and Veteran Bitch, in the same manner as the dogs and selected, as I recall, two females, the first place being Winners Bitch. Now, all the top five re-entered the ring together where she awarded Winners Bitch as her Best of Breed, which by default was then also Best of Winners. After presenting the ribbon, she then awarded her Best of Opposite of Sex to her previously named Best Male. Next, she gave an Award of Merit to her "second best male" who was also Winners Dog. She then awarded Select Dog to the previously named "third best male" and then awarded Select Bitch to the remaining champion female from the top five. So, she apparently was very comfortable and confident in her procedure, demonstrating that she clearly knew what she was doing. However, for those of us who have never shown in Europe, we were bewildered. It would be entertaining to listen to the replay of the gallery of onlookers and the puzzled pleas and questions as to what was going on, if I only had the foresight to record it on my iPhone.
It think it would be particularly useful if the AKC and CKC provided a simplified handbook for the international judges to study before arriving to complete an assignment in our countries. Though the CKC has a "Handbook-for-Conformation-Judges," as well as AKC has their "Rules, Policies, and Guidelines for Conformation Dog Show Judges," neither are streamlined for the foreign judge, though they both do, in fact, require that judges proceed and award in a specific order. But, neither pointedly detail in one small, quick handbook our judging process from beginning to end.
Though certainly not relevant to this specialty show, the foregoing and current guidelines do not discuss frequently seen errors that repeatedly occur at other specialty shows, such as foreign judges asking exhibitors the age of a dog, or bestowing the Select Award on a class dog. Quite often, many international judges are unaware that Select awards will be disallowed if conferred on a class dog/female who is not a champion of record, to include Veterans class winners. Although, in fact, many foreign judges do not know that a Veteran class winner is indeed eligible for the Select Award. Allowable because some, but not all, Veteran class winners are champions of record. Still, most foreign judges are not aware that they are not permitted to ask if a Veteran is a champion. How's that for a vicious cycle?
Other details that would be very helpful to an unfamiliar judge include suggestions useful in judging large classes. For instance, it is not recommended to make a cut leaving only five dogs, for obvious reasons, and that six or more is appropriate. One of the most common mistakes I witness foreign judges make in our breed, Irish Wolfhounds, is during Best of Breed competition. The judge makes a cut and dismisses one of their Winners and or one or both of their Veteran winners. They should know that it is proper protocol to keep both Winners and, if weather permitting, the pair of Veterans for consideration until the conclusion of their awards. Perhaps I might create a helpful, simplified handbook that clubs can provide to their foreign judges before their assignments to facilitate theirs and the exhibitors experience.
One last note, for Americans traveling to Canada, a solution for the passport quandary is simple. Instead of having to retrieve one's passport from your safety deposit box to cross the border, I suggest that fanciers obtain a Passport Card. The passport card is valid for travel between the United States, Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean and Bermuda and can be used at land border crossings or sea ports-of-entry, but not international travel by air. It is much more convenient and less expensive than a passport book. The size of a drivers license, the passport card can be kept continuously in your wallet in its protective sleeve with your driver's license and is obtained from the U.S. Passports and International Travel agency.
Hopefully, we will see you next year in Quebec as I am sure you will enjoy yourself!