IMHO – Q&A from Experts in the Fancy
Question: Do lower entry fees encourage entries for puppy and bred – by -exhibitor classes?
by Judge Elaine Lessig
Judge Elaine Lessig
As a newly approved Toy Group judge, I was invited to judge at a very large toy group show. Among the breeds I judged was Smooth Coat Chihuahuas. In a stellar class of fifteen or more 6-9 Puppy Bitches, I carefully pointed to the four class placements. While handing out the ribbons, the exhibitor who won the class said, “Thank you for sorting this litter for me. These four girls are litter mates. I like them all. You helped me decide which one I should keep.” That club offered puppy and bred-by classes at a reduced cost. Lots of breeders entered their puppies and bred-by’s at the show. It made for a great judging experience that I have never forgotten.
Professional Handler Doug Belter
Yes to reduced entry fees for BBE classes and puppy classes. Any shows I have been to where these entry fees have been dropped an increase in those particular classes is noticed. Especially puppy classes. Since sanction and fun matches have been harder to find and are usually after BIS at regular shows, the added chance for points as well as being able to introduce puppies makes those classes desirable. As for bred by those should be lower anyway, those are the people who make show dogs.
Breeder/Owner Deb Cooper
With overall entries down pretty much everywhere, kennel clubs need to do everything they can to attract entries. I believe that a reduced entry fee for BBE and puppy classes definitely helps encourage entries. More to point, if an exhibitor is on the fence, a discounted entry fee could push exhibitors toward entering that additional dog: If a young dog is not quite trained yet, a $5 discount may make it worth while for the exhibitor to enter that dog. For those individuals who are more conservative about where to spend their entry dollars, discounted entry fees are certainly a draw.
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