By Amy Fernandez We had some big developments in New York recently, and I don’t mean the election. Okay, we had that, too. However, for dog people the headliner went down in Park Slope, Brooklyn when canine patrons were abruptly evicted from a popular local hangout. Perhaps they were lured by the specialty craft brews. More […]
Nothing has captured the attention of the dog show world quite as effectively as social media…
It is an invaluable tool for keeping in touch with fellow breeders and owners/handlers who have our dogs. The quick and easy exchange of information on ring timing, assistance, emergency coverage and engaging immediate help for a dog or person who goes down, is invaluable. Many a life has been saved due to the quick actions taken via a post or directions obtained off Google+!
John Berger says, “Without ethics, man has no future,” and the same can be said of dog shows. A code of ethics allows organizations to communicate ideas such as rules a group must follow or personal ideals of right and wrong, but no matter the definition, people understand a code of ethics differently because they have contrasting opinions on morality. The dog fancy needs the AKC Code of Sportsmanship (approved by the board in 2006) to communicate the sport’s guidelines for behavior.
Here we go again. I know the end of the year is closing in because AKC is performing the annual changing of the Judging Approval Process. Just like the annual waterfowl migration south, or the daily changing of the guard at Buckingham?Palacie, it appears that AKC feels the need to change the approval process for judges on what seems to be a yearly basis.
It’s difficult to believe that the AKC/Eukanuba National Championship (AENC) is midway through its second decade. Its ongoing success long ago eclipsed early uncertainties about the potential for an AKC-sponsored show, especially an invitational event. AENC continues moving forward, getting bigger and better each year. Conceived in partnership with it sponsor Eukanuba dog food, this unique showcase of canine talent immediately made headlines for its whopping cash prizes, most notably a BIS bounty of $50,000 to spice up a year’s supply of Eukanuba dog food.
By Amy Fernandez The advent of live streaming video has revolutionized public interest in dog shows. It’s essentially the lifeline that has brought new fans to the sport at a time when both entries and attendance are dwindling. Westminster pioneered this innovation a decade ago, receiving 150,000 hits the first year. Since there was no […]
by Stephanie Smith Do you remember when you got your first AKC-registered show quality puppy? My mind automatically filled with thoughts of purple ribbons and Championships, but my breeder and mentors suggested a more practical first step — taking my first Golden Retriever puppy to a match. After all, “wiggling for exam” had to transform […]
The FCI (Fédération Cynologique Internationale), the World Canine Organization, includes 87 member countries and contract partners (one member per country). Each issues its own pedigrees and trains its own judges. The FCI ensures that the pedigrees and judges are mutually recognized by all FCI members. Recognition of a breed by the FCI means that in almost every European country, that breed can be awarded FCI championship prizes.
It’s truly amazing that some breeds manage to surmount the hurdles along their path to recognition. DNA analysis confirms that the Shih Tzu, Tibetan Terrier, and Lhasa Apso rank among the world’s most ancient breeds. Their histories have been entwined for centuries in the East. Unfortunately, that also became the case when they arrived in the West – thanks to possibly the biggest train wreck in kennel club history.
Some of you may be considering applying to the American Kennel Club to become a licensed judge of your breed. The American Kennel Club has certain requirements for initial applicants. The requirements include: complete six stewarding assignments and six judging assignments at sanctioned or specialty matches, sweepstakes, futurities or open shows. You must meet the AKC’s occupational eligibility requirements and attend a Basic Judging Institute. You must also successfully complete the Anatomy, Procedural and Junior Showmanship “open book” written exams.
