Divided Classes

[Kebasmom]

Why are basenji classes divided by color at some shows? How and why do the shows decide to divide the classes?

[lvoss]

They are usually divided by color when a large entry is anticipated. So usually you will see them divided at specialties or supported entries.

[tanza]

And like at the Nationals, you find 9-12 Puppies split into two colors, Red & White and then AOAC (rest of the colors other then Red/White). Usually done in 9-12 since that is the age of the majority of the pups depending on the time of year. The year that the Nationals was in California in October, I think we had only one 6-9 puppy entered. In Open classes they are split, Red/White, Black/White, Tri, Brindle

[Rita Jean]

Pat when they split colors does it make it harder for one color or another to win or does it really matter?

Rita Jean

[Quercus]

@Rita:

Pat when they split colors does it make it harder for one color or another to win or does it really matter?

Rita Jean

Not Pat…but no. You are still competing against the same dogs. It just gives the judge another chance to look at the best one of each color and consider it for Winners (points) It DOES give competitors a better chance to win ribbons and trophies though

[Rita Jean]

Thank you looks like I got lots to learn. I am sure and hopeful if and when we do get into this there are more than just a few Basenjis at a show.

Rita Jean

[renaultf1]

Regarding the number of basenjis at shows. Only one that I've been to this year has had a handfull. Otherwise there have been loads. I believe that when I went to Potomac Hound Show this year there were more basenjis there than at the Chicagoland Specialty. Liyah is in the Hoosier Specialty this weekend and her class in Sweeps has 18! In her Conformation class there are 16 basenjis! Granted, the Hoosier is just before the National, but there are definitely opportunities for many basenjis at shows. And in order to get Jaycee's 2 majors, it will take beating at least a few!

[Rita Jean]

Sorry lots here I do not understand I need a book or something. Here is the ?'S.
What is the Hoosier? What are 2 majors and how do you get to that point? You say beating at a few. I take that as in winning or what please?

Rita Jean

[Nemo]

@Rita:

Sorry lots here I do not understand I need a book or something. Here is the ?'S.
What is the Hoosier? What are 2 majors and how do you get to that point? You say beating at a few. I take that as in winning or what please?

Rita Jean

If you want an easy book to read as an intro to dog showing, try "Show Me". I got a copy after I saw a recommendation on the forum and it has all the basics you need to know about going to do shows.
http://www.dogwise.com/itemdetails.cfm?ID=DSH139

Otherwise, there is a primer on the AKC website that explains points, etc.
http://www.akc.org/events/conformation/beginners.cfm

You need 15 points, with at least 2 majors (3-5 points) from two different judges. The number of points you get depends on the number of dogs you defeat.

[Nemo]

@Rita:

Sorry lots here I do not understand I need a book or something. Here is the ?'S.
What is the Hoosier? What are 2 majors and how do you get to that point? You say beating at a few. I take that as in winning or what please?

Rita Jean

Oops, if you go to this website you can see the judging program for the Hoosier Basenji Club (regional specialty) and the National Specialty.

http://www.foytrentdogshows.com/

[renaultf1]

Ha, ha, ha…I should learn not to post from my iPhone...every post I make is so abbreviated that it barely makes sense when I read it back...and definitely there is no additional info for clarity - that's what happens when you can only type with your thumbs!

Anyway Rita...to answer your questions...here's some info to get you started.
Best to start here at the AKC website about basic info about dog shows (explains majors, points, etc):
http://www.akc.org/events/conformation/beginners.cfm

And this (counting points):
http://www.akc.org/events/conformation/counting_points.cfm

And this (points schedule - you'll need to go to your region & state and download the pdf):
http://www.akc.org/events/conformation/point_schedule.cfm

The Hoosier is The Hoosier Basenji Specialty…a show that is only for basenjis (specialty) held this coming weekend.

[Nemo]

@renaultf1:

Regarding the number of basenjis at shows. Only one that I've been to this year has had a handfull. Otherwise there have been loads. I believe that when I went to Potomac Hound Show this year there were more basenjis there than at the Chicagoland Specialty. Liyah is in the Hoosier Specialty this weekend and her class in Sweeps has 18! In her Conformation class there are 16 basenjis! Granted, the Hoosier is just before the National, but there are definitely opportunities for many basenjis at shows. And in order to get Jaycee's 2 majors, it will take beating at least a few!

I'm guessing she is in BBE? What confuses me is why that class is always so large. I realize it's a bigger brag to win or place out of that class, but it seems like if the class is always loaded up, the chance of actually winning the class actually goes down versus if people spread out through the different classes. I realize it does happen, but what are the chances that a really young puppy in BBE is going to win against a more mature dog in that same class? It's more of a curiosity to me considering I'm not eligible for BBE anyway (although Zoni is).

[Rita Jean]

Thank you both renaultf1 and nemo. I will go and start reading.
Were is the Hoosier held at?

Rita Jean

[Nemo]

@Rita:

Thank you both renaultf1 and nemo. I will go and start reading.
Were is the Hoosier held at?

Rita Jean

Same place as National, in Lexington, KY.

[Rita Jean]

Sorry have another question. Does the blood line from the parents on back make any difference?

Rita Jean

[renaultf1]

@Nemo:

but what are the chances that a really young puppy in BBE is going to win against a more mature dog in that same class? It's more of a curiosity to me considering I'm not eligible for BBE anyway (although Zoni is).

Well at Potomac, Liyah's brother won from BBE and went on to be Winner's Dog - and he was just a few days past 6 months (it was his first show). Needless to say, he beat dogs that were fully mature adults even though he was so young. I think it was a 5 point major. Another brother of hers just did the same thing (4 point major) at another show. If I were a breeder, I would think that I would want my puppies in BBE - especially if I thought they were very nice - but what do I know.

FWIW, Liyah's breeders have been deciding what classes she should be in (and balancing it with her siblings) - since I have had to take a less active role because of health issues with my father.

[Nemo]

@renaultf1:

Well at Potomac, Liyah's brother won from BBE and went on to be Winner's Dog - and he was just a few days past 6 months (it was his first show). Needless to say, he beat dogs that were fully mature adults even though he was so young. I think it was a 5 point major. Another brother of hers just did the same thing (4 point major) at another show. If I were a breeder, I would think that I would want my puppies in BBE - especially if I thought they were very nice - but what do I know.

FWIW, Liyah's breeders have been deciding what classes she should be in (and balancing it with her siblings) - since I have had to take a less active role because of health issues with my father.

Yeah, I realize it's not uncommon, a puppy won a 5 point major at a supported entry in WI. I understand putting a good puppy in the class, but I'm not sure that is always the case. I guess for me it's more of a statistics thing.

[lvoss]

@Nemo:

I'm guessing she is in BBE? What confuses me is why that class is always so large. I realize it's a bigger brag to win or place out of that class, but it seems like if the class is always loaded up, the chance of actually winning the class actually goes down versus if people spread out through the different classes. I realize it does happen, but what are the chances that a really young puppy in BBE is going to win against a more mature dog in that same class? It's more of a curiosity to me considering I'm not eligible for BBE anyway (although Zoni is).

At a show here in California a puppy in BBE went BOB just this August. I think it really depends on the judge and the entry. I have been to some shows where the entire BBE entry was under a year old. I have also had judges ask for ages.

[renaultf1]

@Rita:

Sorry have another question. Does the blood line from the parents on back make any difference?

Rita Jean

Not really sure how to answer this as I'm not exactly sure what you are asking…

[lvoss]

As a breeder, I have shown all my puppies in the puppy classes. My pups act like pups so I have chosen to show them in the puppy classes. It does not mean I am any less proud of them and it does not mean I don't think they are competitive.