Copyright © 2004 Szizlin Vizslas, Reg. Page Last Updated Thursday, 14 August 2008 All Rights Reserved
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SZIZLIN VIZSLAS
VI. GROOMING, POINT CALCULATION, RING PROCEDURE, ATTIRE AND RING ETIQUETTE
Grooming: The dog should be clean and shiny. Ears should be clean and
free of dirt. Teeth should be brushed and free of stain. Nails should be
short. Excess/dead hair should have been brushed away.
- Ours is not a traditional "grooming" breed. However, some vizsla competitors
do trim tail tips to remove that hair sticking off the end, and some also use
thinning shears to thin out extra hair on the haunches.
- There are lots of show sprays (usually mink oil based) you can use to shine
up and soften your dog's coat before shows.
Point Calculation: Every year, the AKC develops a schedule of points
for each breed for various regions in the country. In Connecticut, this
schedule for vizslas is currently is as follows (number of dogs competing to
get the delineated # of points):
To obtain a championship, a dog must earn 15 points, including 2 majors under
different judges and at least one point under a third judge. Any win of three,
four or five points is a MAJOR. The most points a dog can earn at any given
show is a FIVE POINT major.
A dog or bitch who goes Best of Winners has the chance to get more points than
earned as the Winners Dog or Bitch. Best of Winners takes the greater of: (a)
the points he or she has won by defeating his or her
own sex; or (b) the points the other sex class winner took that day. For
example, if 5 dogs and 9 bitches compete, Winners Dog takes 2 points and
Winners Bitch B takes 3 point major. If the dog wins Best of Winners, he would
also take a 3 point major like the bitch.
If Winners Dog or Winners Bitch takes Best of Breed (add all specials to # of
dogs competing) or Best of Opposite Sex to Best of Breed (add all same sex
specials to # of dogs competing), additional points may also be earned. Refer
to the AKC pamphlets handed out in your packet for a detailed discussion of
point calculation.
Entry Procedure: You receive a premium telling you the particulars of
each show (location/judge/date). Entries for dog shows close about 2 1/2 weeks
prior to the show date. Depending upon the superintendent, you usually can
enter a show via the mail or fax, by turning in entries at dog shows run by
the same superintendent, on the phone or on line. The superintendent prepares
a schedule assigning several breeds
to specific time slots. You receive your entry information (judging program,
armband #, etc.) about a week before the actual show. You are responsible for
being at your ring and ready to show at the start of your time slot. Most of
the time, the judging goesin order according to the program. On average, you
are safe if you assume 2 minutes for each dog ahead of you in the judging
program.
Judging for vizslas starts with all the CLASS DOGS (these are the male
non-champions). Each class of class dogs goes in separately and competes. The
most common classes include Puppy Dogs, 12 to 18 Dogs, Bred-By Dogs and Open
Dogs. In each class, the judge awards up to four placements. The winner of
each class (1st place) then returns to compete for WINNERS DOG (the only dog
to win points that day). After Winners Dog is selected, the dog who was 2nd
place in the class in which Winners Dog initially was entered returns to the
ring and he and the other class first place winners compete for RESERVE
WINNERS DOG (1st runner up).
NEXT, the judge follows the same procedure for the CLASS BITCHES (the female
non-champions) until WINNERS BITCH and RESERVE WINNERS BITCH have been
selected.
Then, all the "specials" (champion males and champion females) compete for
BEST OF BREED and BEST OF OPPOSITE SEX TO BEST OF BREED. The Winners Dog and
Winners Bitch compete along with the champions for BEST OF WINNERS and they
are also in competition with the specials for BEST OF BREED and BEST OF
OPPOSITE SEX TO BEST OF BREED.
Ring Procedure: If possible, watch what the judge does in the breed or
classes ahead of yours so you know the procedure. When it is time for your
class to compete, the steward will call out all the armband #s. You go in when
called and stack your dog while the judge checks all the armband #s (try and
turn your armband to the judge for easy viewing when (s)he is near you).. The
judge determines procedure; listen carefully and follow the instructions of
the judge. Usually, the judge takes a quick look and then sends the class
around together. Then, the first person in line hard stacks his or her dog for
individual examination by the judge. After this exam, the judge has the dog
gait some patterns. While this dog is gaiting patterns, the next person in
line should move where the first person's dog was examined and hard stack his
or her dog…and so on down the line. That way, when the judge first sets eyes
upon your dog to commence the individual exam, you want your dog looking as
perfect as possible.
Hard stack your dog when you enter the ring, for your individual examination
and when the judge is making the final decision after all dogs have run their
patterns. Free stack your dog at the end of any gaiting pattern, after you
complete any go round, and while you are waiting your turn in line.
Attire: Wear neat clothing that permits you to move and does not
interfere with the dog. Usually, men wear suits and women wear skirts. Pockets
are a must for the novice to hold bait. Avoid clothing with lots of fabric
that will block or hit the dog. Certain colors can offset your dog, or mask
topline faults. Shoes should be comfortable and enable you to run (avoid loud
shoes or heels).
Ring Etiquette: There are lots of things you can do to make showing fun
for you and those around you. Unsportsmanlike conduct or conduct detrimental
to the sport of dogs is not only unpleasant, but can result in suspension of
your AKC privileges
- Be a good sport. Always thank the judge for your ribbon. Never thrown a
tantrum about the judging when in or near the ring (go in your car and scream,
but keep quiet at ringside)..
- Be attentive to the needs of your dog. You are representing the dog fancy to
the world. Your dog should have adequate shelter and water and should be
treated with respect.
- Be courteous to the judge and the stewards (the people who run the ring).
-Be courteous to your fellow exhibitors. Be ON time (they won't wait for you).
Be ready. Have your armband. Pay attention.
- Do NOT throw food in the ring.
- If you are first in line, DO check with the people behind you before moving
as a group to make sure they
are ready.
- Do NOT run up on the dog ahead of you moving in a group.
- Do NOT throw food in the ring and do not make excessive noise so as to
distract other dogs (but you certainly can make noise, play and squeak toys
for your dog to get your best performance).
- Do not let your dog jump on other dogs in the ring unless you have asked
permission. Your dog should be under control at all times.
- If you have a bitch in season, WARN the judge. Also, warn other exhibitors
with male dogs so that they can avoid being too close to your bitch.
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Copyright © 2004 Szizlin Vizslas, Reg. Page Last Updated Thursday, 14 August 2008 All Rights Reserved
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