Question of the Week

Lesley Albin

Maryland Heights, Missouri

As someone whose dog won an Award of Merit from the Hunting Retriever class at the 2017 Golden Retriever Club of America National Specialty? YES, give me non-regular classes to showcase my dogs' achievements and/or age. I have not had the opportunity or reason to enter a Stud Dog or Brood Bitch class. I like the idea, but I am more intrigued by clubs that offer a generational class for multiple generations instead of sire/dam + offspring.

Donna Manha

Fremont, California

I am entering Brood Bitch for the first time at our national this year ... excited, as these champions are from my first and only litter.

Jan Dykema

St. Helena, California

Sadly, these classes are not well supported in Bull Terriers when they should be some of the most important classes we hold as breeders. Stud Dog, Brood Bitch and Breeders classes all show how the breed is progressing and showcase the hard work breeders put into their programs. Also, these classes allow those who might not have a chance to see these dogs in person an opportunity to do “hands on” viewing of potential lines they may wish to incorporate into their lines. Thanks to Desi Murphy starting it at Santa Barbara, we have the “Bullyganza” and breeders-showcase phenomena being held at various shows. Lots of fun. Brace classes and “fun events” are always welcome as well, but any classes that showcase breeding should be at the fore. Support our breeders!

Robyn Michaels

Chicago, Illinois

I think the non-regular classes are the highlight of American Whippet Club specialties. We have classes for performance, including Barn Hunt and multi-titled dogs.
 

Jeanne Nonhof

Plymouth, Wisconsin 

I believe the Stud Dog and Brood Bitch classes, especially at a national, are extremely important for breeders to watch. Learn with an open mind. 

Karin Boullion

Elmhurst, Illinois

I always enjoyed entering my dogs in the Brace conformation class at our national specialty. Sadly, it got to where were the show chairs were more interested in adding other classes and dropping Brace, even though I offered to sponsor the class. It never got reported with all the other national class wins in our national magazine. The show chairs even suggested I enter the Obedience Brace class, making it sound like that class was exactly the same. I gave up even trying after that, and the Brace class is just a distant memory at the Golden Retriever national specialties.

Debbie Ecarius-Herrst

Manchester, Michigan

I think that there should be non-regular classes offered at specialties. Where else can you showcase your breeding program?