IMHO – Fewer Shows, Bigger Entries, Same Judges
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By Elaine Lessig
John Constantine-Amodei – AKC Judge
What are the consequences of having very few show options in January and February?
For the average breeder/exhibitor, it greatly limits their ability to show their dogs. Many breeder/exhibitors have full-time jobs and cannot take time off to travel great distances. Professional handlers must be hired and this can be cost prohibitive for many. Even those that do not work full-time may not be able to afford the cost of traveling and staying at distant locations away from their homes.
It makes this even more of a game of money. While some very worthy dogs will be kept out of the competition because of this, dogs lucky enough to have an owner who can afford to keep a dog out should thrive in the rankings.
While not a consequence, one thing this also shows us is that perhaps we do have too many dog shows. Surely the entries in Florida during this time demonstrates this fact. The entries of 3000+ recalls back to the time some 30 years ago when large class entries were not unusual.
Are limited show entries beneficial or concerning?
Well in this awful time of COVID, limiting is a good thing, especially in an indoor environment. At large outdoor venues, I do not see limiting as a need as long as the clubs keep all the precautions in place that they have been using at shows, and the site can handle it. I think it is very healthy to have large classes; it promotes higher quality to prevail (at least it should, LOL).
Steven Herman – AKC Judge
What are the consequences of having very few show options in January and February?
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