The shows are gaining popularity. Barth says, “open shows are becoming more and more prevalent around the Mid-Atlantic region. Trenton KC is now holding an Open Show embedded in their All Breed.” In addition, “Four or five 3-day clus- ters held in Friendship MD are now offering OS every day of their cluster. It is catching on.” Parker says they have met many friends of other breeds and every- thing is much more casual than the regular show. LIKED LEAST These are many. It was my mistake for asking the questions the way I did with like best and like least. I should have asked only how the OS could be improved. However, it must be noted that participants’ responses though delivered with great passion, contained no rants, only constructive criticism. Judges and stewards need more instruction on OS says Humphrey. “Judges and Stewards do not under- stand the protocol of how the class- es are run for Misc. and FSS breeds, there is no WD and WB. Instead the winners of each class (dogs and bitch- es) go back in the ring for BOB—this seems to confuse people”. Also pointing to rules not being uniform or at least not uniformly understood, Vinson says, “Many peo- ple are still not clear on all the rules. At one show owners were told they had to show their own dogs and even their friends could not show for them.” There is confusion. More than one respondent addressed the lack of fanfare for the Open Show. Bradbury cited the schedule, the costs, the awards and the little recognition given the winners of the OS. Cost topped the list. Since many show fully recognized breeds as well as Miscella- neous breeds, perhaps a reduced entry fee similar to a puppy break might be in order. “We are not chasing majors or judges. We just want to show and sup- port the process of our breed to be rec- ognized… If the breed club is going to charge the same entry fee as recognized breeds, the OS should have the same rosettes for BOB, BOS and Best in OS,” says Bradbury. The long drive is the same, often 8 to 10 hours, the expenses the same but the celebration is minimal. To be
her Bracco in the OS and this year will judge one of the Open Shows there.
handed a flat ribbon, not a rosette, after all the effort and no finale for all to see, is a disappointment. Also the ring may be set up in a distant, obscure area of the grounds so no one is even aware of the OS. It was noted that at many shows, others attending the show had no idea there was an OS on the grounds. Respondents said kudos to the clubs that bring the Groups and the OS BIS into the big ring to make final awards like Golden Gate and Scottsdale/Arrowhead did. I have heard that some Superinten- dents do not want to provide service for Open Shows. I hope this is not true. I know the Superintendents at Golden Gate go out of their way to plan for OS. Last year the Kooikerhondje Club han- dled all the details for the Saturday OS. The big issue at the moment is that handlers can show Miscellaneous breeds in Open Shows. Two respon- dents cited this as a problem. And since handlers cannot show in FSS without co-owning, but can show in Miscel- laneous, individuals rightfully seem confused. The scramble now appears to be for a dog with the professionals to amass many CMs for that number one record. When first begun, the point of FSS was to encourage novices. Low key and friendly may be in danger. The camara- derie may disappear. Also pointed out was the fact that the requirements for CMs may be more stringent than for championships. Fur- thermore, why not have the CM earn- ers compete with the other CM winners instead of in the classes with the young dogs? Why not allow FSS and Miscella- neous classes at all shows? Since the Open Show has attracted just the sort of people we want in the sport, shouldn’t AKC have someone dedicated to its success. It surely needs tweaking as did the Owner Handled Competition. The powers-that-be have a lot on their plate at the moment, but this is win-win worthy of attention! Take these ideas from participants to your clubs and let’s elevate the Open Show!
Betty Barth Gebeba PBGV & GBGV, Pennsylvania Betty has imported Grands from England and has whelped litters here. She loves attending and has had great success at the Open Shows. She sent me a photo of GBGVs from one of the first the Independent Open Shows, below. Sheryl Bradbury Kennel Black Majesty, Nebraska Sheryl is a veteran of dog shows, con- ducts training classes for the Nebraska KC and has shown her PBGVs for many years and her GBGVs for 4 years. She has attended many UKC shows as well. RESPONSES FROM THE OPEN SHOW PARTICIPANTS I am summarizing, because respon- dents answered with similar ideas. All were eager to give their feedback on their Open Show experiences. They ranged from totally new to showing to experienced with other AKC breeds— both in conformation and perfor- mance—to judges. It is interesting to note that recent judges and all exhibitors had positive attitudes about Open Shows. LIKED BEST All exhibitors surveyed were of one voice: they love that the opportunity for exposure of their breeds and the com- petition offered under AKC auspices. They love the friendliness and low-key atmosphere of the shows. They love the competition, here-to- fore non-existent for FSS breeds. They love the CMs able to be garnered. They love the opportunity for the public to be introduced to their breeds and the rea- son to be at the show for other exhibi- tors and the judges to see and appreci- ate them. Wahlman, who once showed horses is new, loves “being introduced to some really interesting breeds.” Vinson said, “Judges have been great. They are interested in the breeds and when they will be recognized.” Some had judged the breeds overseas. Juliann Bitter, one of the judges who responded said there is nothing not-to- like. She often sees those that entered under her Open Show entered in Rare Breed Shows as well.
Questions and comments are welcomed, Kitty ksteidel@aol.com
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