showing in Germany

guy · showing in Germany

just back from seeing my puppy Laughing

Whilst out there we also ran topaz in the Brittany Club of Germany's Bred Show.

we were guests of our breeder, who had made the arrangements and ensured our entry so not quite sure how one goes about that bit - but i am sure she would sort it out for any one else.

They expected us to have 'papers' for the dog- this is like a small personal passport recording it's heritage, tattoo number, qualifications etc etc; needless to say we don't have one and they used our PETS passport as a substitute.

the show started with a call on hunting horns by four members - very impressive.

Before the main event the dog is first checked for height and dentition. not just bite.

There were four classes, open dog, bitch and puppy dog and puppy bitch.

The judge - a Belgian who judged only hunting dogs did so with a passion. i would recommend her to any society wishing to have a continental specialist. As she judged the dogs she gave a running commentary on why she liked the dog or what shortcomings it might have. All done i a very positive way.

We for instance were singled out for having absolutely perfect square proportions, very strong drive in the legs, outstanding movement. The bit that let us down for the Germans is topaz was deemed to have to feminine a head. to pretty for a boy.

the dog is stood an critiqued and then run and critiqued. an assessment in two parts is given one for conformation and one for coat. all dogs who got excellent / excellent were then placed in order 1,2,3 etc to give a class winner. we, because of head were v good / excellent so came fourth out of a class of about 8.

The quality of handling was very poor. But then the show is more a conformation show; required attendance if you wish to breed from your dog. The organisers did bemoan the fact that some f the best 'hunting dogs' belonged to people who had no wish to breed so did not attend the show. Often those who wished to breed did not have the best dogs.

The quality of dogs on show did reflect that. All sizes and builds. the bitch class this year was very poor.
there are a couple of kennels to keep an eye out for. the largest breeder being a chap called Mueller who produces good typey animals well proportioned, although on the day his dogs were have a bit of trouble moving cleanly.
Best in show went to a puppy bred by Anne Eissing. A beautiful dog with a lovely sprung chest and beautiful head with a good rear movement.

The welcome was very warm. Six and a bit hours drive from the coast. We stayed in a hotel the night before, a little over 100 euro for bed an dgood meal and beer - for two of us. Dog allowed to stay in the room.

I would recommend it as a trip. Next year is their anniversary year - might be worth a delegation going out there. I will post more details as I get them. There is an expectation (from me) that a particular o/w bitch puppy will do well Laughing

BritAnnie

Guy, I think a number of Club members might be interested - any chance of organising this for us as part of your 'New Committee Member Initiation'?

guy

happy to as we had a great time. Liz will no doubt endorse that - she and Bill were there as well.

BritAnnie

Yes, I know. Perhaps the two of you could do a sales flyer? Can put it on the website and our own Forum.
Annie

guy

They are hoping to convince Christian Gunther to judge the show.

Liz

I agree with everything Guy says - we had a great time and everyone was very welcoming. Just as well so many of them can speak excellent English!

The whole attitude with regard to showing is different to here - particularly as the main aim is to get the dog's conformation rated so it can be used for breeding (it also needs working qualifications) rather than just chasing prizes in the show ring.

I had very interesting chat with the judge - a lovely lady who knows her own mind!

BritAnnie

guy · German CBV breed show. Bohmte May 17th 2008

Will write up more when I get a few moments.

Catja vom Junkenhof - Best of Show - Hundinnen

Helen S

Well done Guy and Topaz!

Now this is the sort of showing that the working dog breeds need.

Helen S

Liz

Fantastic result - congratulations Very Happy

sallie

Well done Guy and Catja, can't wait for the write up Very Happy

Lisa

Well done Guy and Topaz!!

windem bang

Well done Guy. Very Happy

Bill T.

münstermanager

Well Done Guy and Topaz. A great write-up, Guy, thank you. I think it would be good if more of us went over for such events.

Congratulations Guy & Catja. I look forward to hearing more - lovely photo

Sue

Helen

Sounds like you had a great time Guy. Well done.

Helen

guy

The day did not start well - leaving home at 4.15am is never good and this was made worse when we found the passenger seatbelt had been cut in two! Maybe a certain black and white or maybe a saw or chisel - we will never know. Fortunately was able to repair it using a special knot from my climbing days! All then went well until about 100 miles into Europe when the turbocharger hose developed a leak. This time a running repair using a luggage strap as a bandage. This seemed to last a few hundred miles before needing readjusting. Got that down to a fine art with a 'pit stop' only lasting about 3 mins.

Be warned the Netherlands motorways seem to have greater carparking capacity that the M25! we drove for an hour and a half at walking speed! and only just arrived in time for dinner.

The Club weekend started with a 'gala' dinner - this being their 30th anniversary. New seasons asparagus, medallions of beef, pork casserole, salad, roast potatoes etc etc as a buffet on a help yourself basis -then stewed forest fruit and chocolate mousse for pudding.

Showday. Started with measuring from 7.30am with the show proper at 9am.
Christian Gunther the French breed club president was judging and appraised each dog. As this was done his observations were translated and broadcast so the audience could see what was good or not so good about each dog. Once appraised they were run around the ring and one by one removed until three remained. His 1st, 2nd and 3rd were then announced.

The classes were young under 18 months, open, working and veteran. We entered Young

There were 71 dogs entered in all - so a good turn out. It was nice to see the club attract entries from America, Denmark, France and the UK. A just reflection of the dynamism of the German Club.

Judging was outside, the non stop rain did little to dampen peoples enthusiasm. When we won our class I was amazed at the number who came up to me to offer congratulations. They were very generous and genuine after she was named best bitch.

We have a couple of cups and a nice medal for winning.

The 'after party' - well dinner back at the hotel was special, for those who did not have a home to go to - or were not going there until the next day. An uproarious evening in German, French and English. Conversation ranged from tails to tattoos, from the the AKC to the KC. Very insightful.

Looking back on the weekend - 1000 miles of driving and 6 hours standing in the rain - would I do it again? Yes most certainly, it was good to have the dog judged under FCI rather than KC standard, it was nice to meet so many other people united by the EB and it was a revelation to learn so much from a most knowledgeable judge, both in and out of the ring.

It was most touching - Catja was initially wary but after a bit of sniffing she remembered Hermann and went very bouncy and squeeky Smile

Helen

Wow, really sounds like a great time. Loved your repairs - not sure I would have been able to cope with things going wrong lol.

Great that the showing was outside, even in the rain and what a great system they have.

Helen

Rhimad

Well done Guy, and a great report. I would not have coped with the 4.30 start let alone the breakdowns.

Liz

Sorry we weren't able to be there this year - sounds like you had a great time.

Bareve

Excellent win Guy - many congatulations Very Happy

showing in Germany

German CBV breed show. Bohmte May 17th 2008