THE GERMAN SHEPHERD SENTINEL
MAY 2004 - NEWSLETTER OF THE
GSDC OF GREATER RALEIGH
Pat Embrey, Newsletter Editor
1390 Sanders Road, Benson, NC 27504
PH: 919-934-6232, E-Mail: VonRillca@aol.com
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1. Board Policy on Dogs at Club Sponsored Events
2. May Meeting Information
3. Minutes of the April Meeting
4. Brag Box
5. Show Dog Terms Explained
6. Letter from the President of the GSDCA
7. Dog Shows Explained
8. Excerpts from the April AKC Minutes
9. Canine Pregnancy
BOARD POLICY ON DOGS AT CLUB SPONSORED EVENTS
The GSDC of Greater Raleigh welcomes your German Shepherd at our events, including meetings. However, the following rules must be followed:
1. Anyone with an aggressive dog (one that
growls, snaps, or is in any way aggressive towards other dogs or people) must be muzzled.
2. Dogs will be free of loose hair and external
parasites (fleas or ticks). Please brush your dog prior to bringing it to the meeting as we must clean up the room after we are finished.
3. For the safety of all members, guests and their dogs, it is strongly recommended that all dogs be kept up to date on their vaccinations. ALL dogs that are old enough, MUST have a current rabies shot.
MAY MEETING INFORMATION
The next meeting of the German Shepherd Dog Club of Greater Raleigh will be held on Wednesday, May 5, 2004 at The Exchange Park on Spring Forest Road in Raleigh. The meeting will start at 7:00 PM for socialization , with our program starting at 7:30 PM. We are very pleased to welcome Dr. Christa A Gallagher, DVM who specializes in Animal Wellness and Rehabilitation. She will be giving her program on Rehabilitation from injuries or day to day care. Her clinic is devoted to the promotion of healing and return to function in orthopedic and neurological cases. This should be a very interesting program and we hope to see many of you with your dogs at our meeting. Refreshments will be furnished by Rosemary Alsburg.
MINUTES OF THE APRIL MEETING
Treasurer’s Report: The Treasurer, Sarah Bridges was able to give us the final Treasurers Report for the 2003 Show. We made a total of $553.01. The Preliminary Report for the 2004 show as of now shows a tentative profit of $766.14, though there are still a few bills outstanding.
We received two thank you notes. One was from Obedience exhibitor, Hazel Mosely (our High in Trial winner ) with a $25.00 donation for next years Obedience trophies. The other note was from our Obedience judge on Sunday for a job well done by our Club.
We did receive several compliments from exhibitors about the friendliness of the club members, so lets be sure to keep up the good work.
There are several pictures of our Obedience trial up on the AKC website, under Obedience. We don’t know who took the pictures, but someone said they did see someone snapping pictures.
On April 29 – May 1, The Police Dog 1 Certification Trials will be held at Cardinal Gibbons High School. As of now we have no other information about those trials.
We are making a donation to the GSDCA for trophy donations. We are sending them a check for $140.00 to cover the donation for a Bred By Exhibitor Class.
A motion was made to order another shipment of the Statures of the German Shepherds. We have to order in increments of 10, and it is costing $220.00. These statues make wonderful trophies or judges gifts.
Jane Wall is going to check with the AKC to see if it is possible to have more than 2 Obedience Trials in one year. If it is possible we will look into hosting another Trial in the Fall , and check on the feasibility of giving one in conjunction with other Herding Breed Clubs which is allowed under AKC rules.
Tail Waggers is having their meeting on April 17, in Burlington. The Manager is Bob Peters. If anyone is interested in getting more information, their e-mail address is NCDogClubs@msn.com.
The GSDC of GR will check on having Newsworthy events put on our website as something that can be checked weekly, as our Newsletter only comes out once per month. Sherwood will check to see if there is a calendar with events on it, for our area.
The Bark Around the Park will be held at Millbrook Exchange Park on April 24, from 11:00-3:00
The AKC Responsible Dog Ownership Event will be on September 17. We should write the AKC before August 1, saying we are interested in participating in the “Meet the Breeds”.
Sherwood went to the Legislature to see what they had on the April 6 meeting on the proposed Legislation on the Prevention and Disposition of Unwanted and Abandoned Companion Animals. Unfortunately, there was such a huge turn out of opponents to this bill that he was unable to hear any of the proceedings, however was given a copy of the proposed legislation. If you want more information on it, contact Sherwood, or the Confederacy of NCDC (formerly Tailwaggers) at bob@bpdsonline.com. Also keep up with the legislation on the AKC website, at DogLaw@akc.org.
There being no further business, we adjourned.
BRAG BOX
Good morning! I have another "brag" for Carly (KDX - kids dog excellent).
Carly just participated in kindergarten show and tell and remained on her best behavior among 14 6-yr olds. And to add an unexpected job to her busy days she has begun to function as my assistance dog. I have chronic muscle spasms in head, neck and upper back we think from TMJ and can no longer carry a backpack while hiking so Carly and her cohort Star now have doggie backpacks and are carrying some of my hiking supplies for me.
If anyone in the club trains assistance dogs please let me know.
I think you guys should be aware that there are some of us out here who use these dogs not to show but as actual working dogs within a family. I am tired of being in the minority! Could we have more articles about these types of dogs?
Thanks!!! As always, your newsletter is beautifully put together and I especially enjoy the humorous articles. You're doing a great job with it!
Cheryl Barnhill
Pet dogs find and chew up their owners shoes... Show dogs are practicing with scent articles.
LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT OF THE
GSDC OF AMERICA
GERMAN SHEPHERD DOG CLUB OF AMERICA, INC.
MEMBER OF AMERICAN KENNEL CLUB
Ginny Altman, President 651 481 0704
771 Gramsie Road 651 481 0071 Fax
Shoreview, MN 55126 ginialtman@aol.com
April 17, 2004
To the Regional Clubs affiliated with the German Shepherd Dog Club of America, Inc.
You have received a copy of a letter which was addressed to me by the GSDC of the Pacific Northwest. When I received this letter I placed a call to the club’s president, Delaine Thomson, and we had a dialogue which lasted nearly an hour. While I was informed that this letter went out to Board members, I did not know that the letter by her was also being sent to the Regional Clubs until I began to hear from some of you.
I was happy to hear from Regional Club members and many of you thoughtfully provided your perspective on our National Specialty Show. I can be counted on to truly hear the concerns of the members and to recognize a valid point on a matter important to the members. I represent you and will do my best to see that all of the issues are heard. I want this Board to act in the best interests of the membership. In the six years that I have been on the Board I have been a witness to the dedication and hard work of members such as Tish Walker, Dorothy Linn and Debbie Hokkanen, who strive to meet the needs of the membership and the club. This Board will continue that effort.
The leadership of the GSDCA is searching for additional National Show sites. The process for site selection has been that the Regional Clubs make a recommendation to the individual (most recently Debbie Hokkanen) responsible for previewing the show sites. If the site meets the specifications set by a previous Board, Debbie will visit the site, talk with the local members bringing the site to her attention, discuss the venue with performance liaisons (Dorothy Linn, Sue Sacco and Lori Nickeson) and will request a Board visit to the area. The Board approves the site.
Some of the sites we have used in the past are no longer available to us and we must continue to explore new sites. The specifications may be different today than they once were. To determine direction for the current specifications, I have developed a survey to report to the Board. I will be asking the Board to approve my request to send this survey out to the membership with the next Board O Gram. The survey, if approved, will be mailed to all members, not to the Regional Clubs, as we have many members who do not belong to a Regional Club who are entitled to a voice. Additionally, we know that not all of the members of a Regional Club are members of the GSDCA, Inc. The survey seeks the opinion of the members of the GSDCA on the National and show sites. Please encourage GSDCA members of your Regional Clubs to return the survey to me. This information will be tabulated and used to give direction to the Board. Please do not hesitate to call me with any questions or concerns regarding the GSDCA, Inc. If you think your Region has a potential show site, I want to hear from you!
With Sincere Regards,
Ginny Altman
DOG SHOWS EXPLAINED
The following article came from the American Kennel Club Web Site. This is a very interesting site for anyone interested in seeing dogs and dog shows. Visit www.akc.org and just browse around.
NEW EXHIBITOR CORNER
Most competitive events held under AKC rules are dog shows, where the accent is on conformation. After being examined by a judge, dogs are placed according to how well (in the judge's opinion) they measure up to their breed standard.
To be eligible to enter, an AKC-registered dog must be at least six months old on the day of the show and be of a breed for which classes are offered in the premium list (the list of breeds being shown). Dogs that are spayed or neutered are only eligible to be shown in stud dog and brood bitch classes. Dogs with disqualifying faults as described in their breed standard are ineligible.
There are three types of dog shows: specialty, group and all-breed. Specialty shows are limited to dogs of one breed and group shows are limited to a particular AKC group. All-breed shows, as the name indicates, are for all AKC breeds.
Most show dogs are competing for points toward their championship. To become an official AKC champion of record, a dog must earn a total of 15 points, which would include 2 major wins under 2 different judges. These points are awarded based on the number of dogs in actual competition--the more dogs, the more points. However, the number of dogs required for points varies with the breed, sex and geographical location of the show. The AKC makes up a schedule of points each year to help equalize competition from breed to breed and area to area.
Dogs can earn from one to five points at a show. A win of three, four or five points is called a major. The 15 points required for a championship must be won under at least three different judges, and must include two majors won under different judges.
There are six regular classes in which dogs seeking points may compete. (Dogs that are competing for points are frequently referred to as class dogs.) These classes are as follows:
Puppy (frequently subdivided into 6 to 9 months and 9 to 12 months);
12 to 18 Months;
Novice (The Novice Class shall be for dogs six months of age and over, which have not, prior to the date of closing of entries, won three first prizes in the Novice Class, a first prize in Bred-by-Exhibitor, American-bred, or Open Classes, nor one or more points toward their championships);
Bred by Exhibitor (dogs must be individually registered with the American Kennel Club as of the date of closing of entries for the show, and must be owned or co-owned by any of the breeders of record as of the date of the closing of entries for the show. The person handling the dog in this class must be a breeder of record and an owner of record of this dog. Under AKC rules, the breeder is the owner or the lessee of the dam on the date of mating that produced a litter.)
American Bred;
and Open (which may be divided according to weight or color).
There is no intersex competition in these classes; dogs compete against other dogs, and bitches against other bitches. Only one male (dog) and one female (bitch) of each breed can win points at a show.
Judging in every breed proceeds along the same lines. The judge begins with the Puppy Dog class. In each class the dogs are evaluated and placements are made for first, second, third and fourth. Only the first-place winner in each class remains in competition; the others are eliminated.
After the judge has completed the Puppy Dogs, 12-to-18-Month Dogs, Novice Dogs, Bred-by-Exhibitor Dogs, American-Bred Dogs and Open Dogs, the first place winners from each class are brought back to compete against one another. This is called Winners class. The dog selected best is the Winners Dog. He is the male who receives the points at the show. Next, the dog that placed second to the Winners Dog in his original class is brought into the ring to compete with the other class winners for Reserve Winners Dog. The Reserve Winners Dog will receive the points if for any reason the Winners Dog is disallowed by the AKC.
The same process is repeated in bitches, resulting in a Winners Bitch (the only bitch of the breed to receive points at the show) and a Reserve Winners Bitch.
Next, the Best of Breed/Variety class is judged. All dogs and bitches that are already champions enter in the ring for this class, joined by the Winners Dog and Winners Bitch, the judge selects one Best of Breed/Variety. Then, between the Winners Dog and Winners Bitch, the judge selects a Best of Winners. If either the Winners Dog or the Winners Bitch is selected Best of Breed, it automatically becomes Best of Winners. (The Best of Winners gets the higher number of points, too. If the points at the show for the defeated Winner were higher than those of the Best of Winners, the Best now gets the same higher total.) The judge finishes the breed judging by selecting a Best of Opposite Sex to the Best of Breed/Variety. (A Variety exists when there are two or more varieties of a breed. Such breed divisions are approved by the AKC and may be according to height, weight, color, or hair type.)
At all-breed shows, this process of elimination takes place in every breed. Each Best of Breed/Variety winner then competes against other Best of Breed/Variety winners within its Group (Hound, Sporting, Working, Non-Sporting, Herding, Toy, Terrier). In the Group judging, the judge's job is to pick the dog that most embodies the standard for its breed. Four placements are awarded in each Group, but only the first-place winner remains in competition. Finally, the seven Group winners are brought into the ring and a Best in Show winner is selected.
The World of Dog Shows
Showing dogs is a great sport where the thrill of competition is combined with the joy of seeing beautiful dogs. Dog shows are one of many types of AKC dog events in which AKC-registered dogs can compete. These events, which draw nearly two million entries annually, include dog shows and tests of instinct and trainability, such as obedience trials, Canine Good Citizen tests, field trials, agility trials, lure coursing, rally, hunting tests, herding trials, tracking tests, coonhound and earthdog events.
Dog shows (conformation events) are intended to evaluate breeding stock. The size of these events ranges from large all-breed shows, with over 3,000 dogs entered, to small local specialty club shows, featuring a specific breed. The dog's conformation (overall appearance and structure), an indication of the dog's ability to produce quality puppies, is judged.
Types of Conformation Dog Shows
There are three types of conformation dog shows:
All-breed shows offer competitions for over 150 breeds and varieties of dogs recognized by the AKC. All-breed shows are the type often shown on television
Specialty shows are restricted to dogs of a specific breed or to varieties of one breed. For example, the Bulldog Club of America Specialty is for Bulldogs only, but the Poodle Club of America's specialty show includes the three varieties of the Poodle - Standard, Miniature and Toy.
Group shows are limited to dogs belonging to one of the seven groups. For example, the Potomac Hound Group show features only breeds belonging to the Hound group.
Which Dogs May Participate
To be eligible to compete, a dog must:
be individually registered with the American Kennel Club
be 6 months of age or older
be a breed for which classes are offered at a show
meet any eligibility requirements in the written standard for its breed
Spayed or neutered dogs are not eligible to compete in conformation classes at a dog show, because the purpose of a dog show is to evaluate breeding stock.
The Role of the Judge
Judges examine the dogs, then give awards according to how closely each dog compares to the judge's mental image of the "perfect" dog described in the breed's official standard.
The standard describes the characteristics that allow the breed to perform the function for which it was bred. These standards include specifications for structure, temperament and movement.
The official written standard for each breed is maintained by the breed's national club and is included in the The Complete Dog Book published by the AKC.
The judges are experts on the breeds they are judging. They examine ("go over") each dog with their hands to see if the teeth, muscles, bones and coat texture conform to the breed's standard. They view each dog in profile for overall balance, and watch each dog gait ("move") to see how all of those features fit together in action.
How a Dog Show Works
Each dog presented to a judge is exhibited ("handled") by its owner, breeder or a hired professional. The role of a handler is similar to that of a jockey who rides a horse around the track and, hopefully, into the winner's circle.
Most dogs in competition at conformation shows are competing for points toward their AKC championships. It takes fifteen points, including two majors (wins of three, four or five points) awarded by at least three different judges, to become an American Kennel Club "Champion of Record."
The number of championship points awarded at a show depends on the number of males ("dogs") and females ("bitches") of the breed actually in competition. The larger the entry, the greater the number of points a male or a female can win. The maximum number of points awarded to a dog at any show is 5 points.
Males and females compete separately within their respective breeds, in six regular classes. The following classes are offered, and are divided by sex:
Puppy - For dogs between six and twelve months of age, that are not yet champions. Classes are divided, 6-9 months and 9-12 months.
Twelve-To-Eighteen Months - For dogs twelve to eighteen months of age, that are not yet champions.
Novice - For dogs six months of age and over, which have not, prior to the date of closing of entries, won three first prizes in the Novice Class, a first prize in Bred-by-Exhibitor, American-bred, or Open Classes, nor one or more points toward their championship.
Bred By Exhibitor - For dogs that are exhibited by their owner and breeder, that are not yet champions.
American-Bred - For dogs born in the United States from a mating which took place in the United States, that are not yet champions.
Open - For any dog of the breed, at least 6 months of age.
After these classes are judged, all the dogs that won first place in a class compete again to see who is the best of the winning dogs. Males and females are judged separately. Only the best male (Winners Dog) and the best female (Winners Bitch) receive championship points. The Winners Dog and Winners Bitch then compete with the champions for the Best of Breed award. At the end of the Best of Breed Competition, three awards are usually given:
Best of Breed - the dog judged as the best in its breed category.
Best of Winners - the dog judged as the better of the Winners Dog and Winners Bitch.
Best of Opposite Sex - the best dog that is the opposite sex to the Best of Breed winner.
The Road to Best in Show
Dog shows are a process of elimination, with one dog being named Best in Show at the end of the show.
Only the Best of Breed winners advance to compete in the Group competitions. Each AKC-recognized breed falls into one of seven group classifications. The seven groups are Sporting, Hound, Working, Terrier, Toy, Non-Sporting and Herding. Four placements are awarded in each group, but only the first-place winner advances to the Best In Show competition.
The Seven Groups in All-Breed Shows
Sporting - These dogs were bred to hunt game birds both on land and in the water. The breeds in this group include Pointers, Retrievers, Setters and Spaniels.
Hounds - These breeds were bred for hunting other game by sight or scent. These breeds include such dogs as Beagles, Bassets, Dachshunds and Greyhounds.
Working - These dogs were bred to pull carts, guard property and perform search and rescue services. Among the breeds in this group are the Akita, Boxer, Doberman Pinscher and St. Bernard.
Terrier - This group includes breeds such as the Airedale, Cairn Terrier and Scottish Terrier. Terriers were bred to rid property of vermin such as rats.
Toy - These dogs were bred to be household companions. This group includes little dogs such as the Chihuahua, Maltese, Pomeranian and Pug.
Non-Sporting - This diverse group includes the Chow Chow, Bulldog, Dalmatian and Poodle. These dogs vary in size and function, and many are considered companion dogs.
Herding - These dogs were bred to help shepherds and ranchers herd their livestock. The Briard, Collie, German Shepherd Dog and Old English Sheepdog are some of the breeds in this group.
Finally, the seven group winners are brought into the ring where they compete for Best In Show, the highest award at a dog show.
Ribbons
Each dog that receives an award is given a ribbon by the judge. The color of the ribbon indicates the type of award the dog has won.
Blue - awarded for first place in any regular class. Also awarded to the winner of each group competition, usually in the form of a "rosette".
Red - awarded for second place in each class. Also awarded for second place in each group competition, usually in the form of a "rosette".
Yellow - awarded for third place in each class. Also awarded for third place in each group competition, usually in the form of a "rosette".
White - awarded for fourth place in each class. Also awarded for fourth place of each group competition, usually in the form of a "rosette".
Purple - awarded to the winners of the Winners Dog and Winners Bitch classes. Since these are the classes in which championship points are earned, these ribbons are highly coveted.
Purple and White - awarded to the Reserve Winners; that is, the runners-up to the winner of the Winners Dog and Winners Bitch classes.
Blue and White - awarded to the dog that wins Best of Winners; that is, the better of the Winners Dog and Winners Bitch winners.
Purple and Gold - awarded to the dog judged "Best of Breed" in each breed competition. This is highly coveted because it allows advancement to the Group competition.
Red and White - awarded to the Best of Opposite Sex. This means the best dog of the breed that is the opposite sex of the Best of Breed winner.
Red, White and Blue - only one of these is awarded, at the end of each show. It is given to the ultimate award winner, the Best In Show.
HOW DO I GET STARTED SHOWING MY DOG?
The best place to start is by joining a local kennel club, whether an all-breed kennel club or a breed-specific specialty club. A listing of clubs by state can be found on our Club Search page or through our customer service department by calling (919) 233-9767.
Local clubs will have information on training classes for the show ring, and for obedience and agility classes. Even if the show ring is not your ultimate goal, the relationship that training forms between you and your dog will be very rewarding to you both. Local clubs also have "Fun Matches" where you and your dog can test your skill in the ring.
Handling your dog is an exceptional and enjoyable experience. From the grooming table to the show ring, you and your dog will develop a bond. While training classes offer the best hands-on way to practice for the show ring, attending shows and observing your breed is also a great way to gain understanding of what judges and other competitors do.
If you do not wish to handle your dog yourself, or have a friend or family member do it, you may contact a professional handler who charges a fee for showing your dog.
You're on your way! You are entering a sport that will bring many hours of enjoyment and education to every member of your family. You will make many friends in the sport, and will enjoy your dog and your new hobby for many years to come.
Junior Showmanship
The AKC offers youngsters 10 to 18 years of age the opportunity to compete with others their own age at various AKC events. Juniors competing in conformation events are judged on how they present their dogs.
TIPS FOR THE FIRST-TIME EXHIBITOR
Make sure your dog is registered with the AKC.
Be sure your dog is current on all inoculations.
Learn the proper techniques for grooming and for presenting your dog in the ring.
Join your breed's Parent Club, or a Local Specialty and/or All-Breed club in your area.
Become familiar with the AKC rules and regulations for dog shows.
Attend some dog shows to observe your breed being judged and how others present your breed. Get a Judging Program at the show to find out ring number and judging time.
Use the knowledge of your breeder.
Don't be afraid to ask questions.
Attend handling classes with your dog.
Tips for the First-Time Spectator
If the grooming area is open to spectators, visit it and talk with professional groomers to get tips on keeping your dog looking his best.
However tempting, do not pet a dog without asking for permission first. The dog may have just been groomed in preparation for being judged.
At each dog show, you will find vendors and information booths. Many club booths offer helpful information to the general public.
Wear comfortable shoes - you'll be doing a lot of walking. Unless you bring a chair or arrive early, be prepared to stand most of the time, as seating is usually limited.
If you are considering getting a purebred dog, talk to the breeders and exhibitors - they are experts in their breeds
If you bring a baby stroller to a dog show, be careful that you do not run over any dog's tail, and that your child does not grab or poke the dogs it can reach. Avoid having them near ring entrances, which are especially crowded. Some shows prohibit baby strollers.
DOG SHOW TERMS
Angulation - Angles created by bones meeting at their joints.
Baiting - Using liver or some treat to get the dog's attention and have him look alert.
Bench Show - A dog show at which the dogs are kept on assigned benches when not being shown in competition, so they can be viewed and discussed by attendees, exhibitors and breeders.
Exhibitor - A person who brings a dog to a dog show and shows it in the appropriate class.
Fancier - A person who is especially interested, and usually active, in some phase of the sport of purebred dogs.
Gait - The way a dog moves, movement is a good indicator of structure and condition.
Groom - To brush, comb, trim or otherwise make a dog's coat neat.
Handler - A person or agent who takes a dog into the show ring or who works the dog at a field trial or other performance event.
Heel - A command to a dog to keep close beside its handler.
Match Show - A usually informal dog show at which no championship points are awarded.
Miscellaneous Class - Transitional class for breeds attempting to advance to full AKC recognition.
Pedigree - The written record of a dog's family tree of three or more generations.
Points - Credits earned toward a championship.
Soundness - Mental and physical well-being.
Stacking - Posing the dog's legs and body to create a pleasing picture.
Additional terms can be found in the AKC Glossary.
Excerpts from the American Kennel Club April Minutes:
The Breeders Committee is proposing holding a breeders’ seminar in late summer at the NC State Vet School.
Chapter 1, General Regulations, Section 1. Obedience Clubs.
A club may hold 2 Obedience trials at the same site on the same day so long a sjudging for both events does not exceed 8 hours of judging time.
No part of the two trials may be held currently .(the minutes said currently, however, I believe they meant concurrently).
According to this schedule no judge may be assigned to judge for more than 8 hours in one day.
Breed Specialty cubs may choose to hold an obedience trial.
(1) These clubs may hold a trial exclusively for their breed only.
(2) Or if entries are limited, these clubs may accept entries of dogs of their own breed first, then accept entries from all breeds until the entry limit specified in the premium list is reached.
(3) Or these clubs may hold their own breed obedience trial followed by an all breed or group obedience trial.
As this is a change to the previous regulations we need to look into how this might help our club.
(Pat)
Well that’s it for this month. Hope to see you at the meeting.
