PCA: The Greatest Poodle Show On Earth

by Mary Ellen Fishler

Former U.S. president Thomas Jefferson believed that the nation’s future depended on its westward expansion for both growth and economic expansion and this year the Poodle Club of America took a page from history and moved from the east coast to Purina Farms in Gray Summit, Missouri. This decision did not come easily to the Board of the Poodle Club of America. After all, this was going to be a huge break in tradition. Guarding the old while bringing in the new became the new mantra. But it was time to try holding the show in a more central location for all poodle exhibitors. It proved to be an overwhelming success. As usual, our poodle family rose to the occasion. In a day and age where maintaining last year’s entry numbers is the goal; the move upped the entry by 31%. The event lasts nine days; starting with Retriever Hunt tests, Tracking Tests, Hunt Tests, Agility, Obedience and Conformation. Dispersed throughout is the Foundation Seminars, Judges Education, Affiliate Club Council meeting, Performance Sweepstakes, Veterans Sweepstakes, 4 to 6 Month Puppy competition, Parade of Champions (Performance and Conformation), barbecues, cocktail parties and the annual dinner meeting. It is a pleasantly exhausting week. This year the show was dedicated to the memory of four members: Barbara Green, Dr. Samuel Peacock, Debbie Cozart and Marietta Kahla.

The Conformation Judging began on Wednesday with regular dog classes, Thursday with regular bitch classes, and Friday with the Best of Variety classes followed by Best of Breed. This year there were two new judges making their debut decisions at the Poodle Club of America. Ms. Tina Yuhl presided over the Toy Variety and Mr. Patrick Guilfoyle presided over the Miniature Variety. The Standard Variety was judged by an indelible icon of our breed Mr. Frank Sabella (who in this day and age was not only a joy to observe judging but a lesson in history), and Inter-Variety judging was conducted by PCA member Mrs. Helen Tomb-Taylor.

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Posted by Alex on Jun 19 2017. Filed under Current Articles, Featured. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. Both comments and pings are currently closed.