As I am new to showing, I would welcome advice or opinion on whether if a puppy wins it's breed class (which in my case is AV Pastoral Puppy), is it worth withdrawing from Variety classes to enter for BIS, or should I stick with just taking part in the Variety and forget about competing for BIS? What do other people usually do?
Hilda

This is a contentious issue, lots of things have to be taken into account when making the decision. I personally have withdrawn only once in the past to remain eligible for BIS. It was a non group system show, and 3 different people were judging the breed, the variety class, and BIS.I was lucky that day, obviously it doesn't always go according to plan. I informed the ring steward in advance, that I was withdrawing from the variety class in order to remain unbeaten.
At a Group system show, your puppy would have to be declared Best AVNSC Pastoral puppy, then Best Pastoral Puppy(ie, Group 1) prior to becoming eligible for BPIS. Neither of these steps can be skipped.So as you can see, there's not a simple answer to your question. It depends upon so many things. Some might say that you should compete in all the classes entered in the spirit of the fun we're supposed to be having. There's some truth in that, I have to agree.

Hi Hilda
Usually the variety judge is the BIS judge so there is very little point in withdrawing because if the judge likes your dog you will go all the way or will be very well placed.And lets face it most puppies need all the practice they can get at open shows for when they compete at champ shows ,entry fee`s are so expensive nowadays at champ level.
Regards Carole

Thanks for that info - has made it a bit clearer! Of course you're right - the Variety judge usually seems to be the BIS judge, so in January (when we're entered for 3 shows now!), I shall do the Variety classes I've entered.
Hilda