British Dalmatian Club

[Dalregis]

I have long been of the opinion that puppies shouldn't be entered in Champ shows I'm sure though that the KC would never entertain that idea I once had success with a puppy who won her JW at 9 months,res CC at 10 months and was top puppy- this hasn't altered my opinion - she "only" attended 13 shows as a puppy
Before I am shot down with other opinions I will try to explain my reasons:
1) Open shows are struggling to gain enough entries to make it worthwhile putting on some breed classes, and novice judges are finding it more difficult to acquire enough numbers to proceed through the judging lists. It is an empty win if there are only a couple of dogs entered and no real experience for a judge who has sometimes travelled many miles.
2) If puppies gained their experience at relaxed Open Shows closer to home they would be mature enough to tackle the Champ shows when they reach Junior level.
3) If the "ugly duckling" is never going to become a "swan" it should become apparent by the time the puppy matures, then expensive Champ show entries wouldn't be wasted.
4) I was once told that a puppy doesn't grow(?) each day it is subjected to the stress of travelling and being exhibited at a Champ show many miles from home. They can easily become bored with the whole thing before they are adults.

Another option would be to only allow puppies of 9-12 months to enter in Champ shows.

I realise that it could be difficult leaving a puppy at home when your other dogs are taken to Champ shows, but what about the "oldies" who stay home anyway?
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Pat Wilson

[Kay]

Hi Pat
I have to agree with almost all of what you say
Perhaps the JW has a lot to do with the fact that so many puppies are subjected to repeated long journeys to and from Champ show If this has effect on their growth? I wouldn't like to say, but, (personal opinion) the size of the dogs in the ring does seem to have increased?
How many of these JW winners actually achieve Champion? Is this because, as you say, they 'become bored'?
Also as you say, the open shows were a 'training ground', & many have gone Possibly, because people are 'chasing' JW points & only attending the open shows to get the requisite number of points at those shows? Rather than supporting their local Canine society & encouraging future judges in 'all breeds', as well as ringcraft classes?? They have also disappeared
'Ugly Ducklings'? Who is to say Dallies being a slow maturing breed (or that's what I was told some years ago) Are not really 'finished' until about 2yrs? So perhaps it should be Yearling classes at Champ shows?
Kay x
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Deefadal
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