2009 BCOA National Specialty

[Kebasmom]

I noticed that the entry forms for Nationals are now available. What is it like there? How does the conformation work? I noticed there is more than one day for conformation showing. Is that because there are so many dogs that they have to do something like have all the bitches one day and the dogs the next or is it like doing two or three different shows?

What is the dress code for the different after hours events? Are any of them formal or semi-formal or is it all casual?

I already made my RV reservations so that's all set. I'm just wondering what to bring besides the dogs and all their stuff (oh, I guess I should bring the hubby too).

[Quercus]

Well, let's see….the regular conformation starts on Friday, and it is usually just the dog classes; and then on Saturday it is just the bitch classes; and then on Sunday it is Best of Breed (so, the finished Chs, and the winners dog and winners bitch, and field dog, field bitch, and the winners of the veteran classes)....followed by the brace competition and Stud Dog and Brood Bitch (kind of judging the breeding ability of the parents). So, to answer your question, yes, it is broken into several days because of the number of dogs. A judge is only allowed to judge so many dogs in one day. It is all the same show.

There is Sweepstakes competition on Thur which will be for puppies and veterans.

Some people dress up for the Top 25 exhibition (Wed, I think?) but most people go casual. And most people dress nicely for the banquet. I think the rest of the time it is very casual, unless you are in the ring. Nothing is formal, unless you are showing in the Top 25.

What to bring? Make sure you bring comfy chairs to bring to each venue, and if you have a pop-up, or outside umbrella, you could bring that...it is great to be able to make your own shade. A cooler is useful to, so you can keep some drinks and bait next to your set up ringside. There will be some down time, so that you could site see in the area, the Horse Park is awesome, we hope to find some time to go there.

[Kebasmom]

I'm going blind!! I just finished filling out all the entry forms for nationals for all three of my dogs and then did the Lexington, Northern Kentucky and Hoosier entries for my puppy!! Sure do wish all the entry web sites were set up the same way. After that I bought my T-shirts, and paid for the banquet. My credit card is melting. :o)

[Nemo]

Do most people typically go to the banquet? I'm helping out with the auction so I'm going.

[tanza]

@Nemo:

Do most people typically go to the banquet? I'm helping out with the auction so I'm going.

Most people try to go… but with the way things are money wise... sometimes people need to give up things...

[kiroja]

@Kebasmom:

I'm going blind!! I just finished filling out all the entry forms for nationals for all three of my dogs and then did the Lexington, Northern Kentucky and Hoosier entries for my puppy!! Sure do wish all the entry web sites were set up the same way. After that I bought my T-shirts, and paid for the banquet. My credit card is melting. :o)

You can say that again!!! lol Glad you've got everything situated, now for the hard wait!

[Batcavebasenjis]

I am going all week without the Honey, (he teaches too)
Batman & I will be at the Red Roof Inn. Anyone staying there?? I might be looking for a dinner buddy some of the nights.<g>
I am not on here much but would love to come to the meet up if you do one.
Anyone doing Rally??</g>

[kiroja]

Hey Jess, welcome! We're staying at the Horse Park. We're coming down Tuesday morning and leaving Friday night. You should definitely come to our little forum dinner that we're planning on Thursday. Otherwise I'd be happy to join you another night too.

Unfortunately I didn't have enough money to enter the rally, just too much with the coursing and then my vet in the show. I will be down there in time to watch though, are you entered? Looking forward to meeting the fellow puller!

[Nemo]

Okay, so I'm a little confused. I've been looking at the breed counts posted on the website and the premium and prizes and they all don't seem to match for puppies regarding r/w versus AOAC in the different age groups. Maybe they screwed up the breed count break-down on sweepstakes? Hopefully I'm not reading it wrong. Or is it the breed counts are really not official and don't have to be broken down the same way?

For conformation, the premium says
r/w 6-9 mo
AOAC 6-9 mo
9-12 mo

Prizes are broken down by (don't match classes)
6-9 mo
r/w 9-12 mo
AOAC 9-12 mo

Class counts posted on the website (matches premium classes)
r/w 6-9 mo
AOAC 6-9 mo
9-12 mo

For Sweepstakes, the premium says
6-9 mo
r/w 9-12 mo
AOAC 9-12 mo

Prizes are for (matches premium classes)
6-9 mo
r/w 9-12 mo
AOAC 9-12 mo

Breed count says (doesn't match premium classes)
r/w 6-9 mo
AOAC 6-9 mo
9-12 mo

[tanza]

I believe I heard there was an error in the Premium with a color breakdown in 6-9 puppies. Usually it is 9 to 12 because those are usually the biggest classes considering when most Basenjis are born… I believe I read that a correction to the premium was sent? But I could be wrong on that...

[Quercus]

Yes, there was an error… the color split will be in the younger classes 6-9 mos. The prizes will all be the same.

[tanza]

@Quercus:

Yes, there was an error… the color split will be in the younger classes 6-9 mos. The prizes will all be the same.

Interesting… I thought that I saw that it was changed to the older pups... but then again... since I am not going... I didn't pay much attention

[Quercus]

It is normally in the older classes, but because of how early it is this year, the split was changed, the super didn't apparently make the changes throughout. It should all work out, though. I think the super had to contact a few people to clarify the color of their dogs..but it will all work out

[Nemo]

@Quercus:

Yes, there was an error… the color split will be in the younger classes 6-9 mos. The prizes will all be the same.

Cool. So the breed counts are right. There are only 6 in Zoni's class…at least she statistically has a better chance...in her class at least. :p

[kiroja]

Yep, the breed counts are correct. Like Andrea said, the premium was an oops. The color separation this year is supposed to be the younger class because of the earlier date of the show.

Good luck with Zoni! Looking forward to meeting her.

[Quercus]

@Kebasmom:

I'm going blind!! I just finished filling out all the entry forms for nationals for all three of my dogs and then did the Lexington, Northern Kentucky and Hoosier entries for my puppy!! Sure do wish all the entry web sites were set up the same way. After that I bought my T-shirts, and paid for the banquet. My credit card is melting. :o)

It was worth it, wasn't it?

[nkjvcjs]

It was such a great time!
I am so glad I went.

Thanks Kelli and Charlene (sp) for letting me stay with you, and for fielding all of my questions. Thanks Andrea for encouraging me to go, and thatks Clay for letting me ride with you. I loved it so much! It was so great to meet everyone!
I can't wait to get my pup now!!!

-Nicole

[Kebasmom]

@Quercus:

It was worth it, wasn't it?

It certainly was. What a shock!

[renaultf1]

Kebasmom, Congrats to both you and your husband. He must be so thrilled!!!!!

[sharronhurlbut]

I love these events and attend whenever they are in my area. Most all the folks are kind, welcoming and love to talk about their b's and breeding lines.
Everyone should try to attend at least once.