Are there import classes at many Open shows?  I know there are at Champ shows, but having looked at a couple of Open shows held near us, there don't appear to be any Import classes listed.  Am I looking in the wrong place?  Is there anyone else here with a breed on the Import reg who can tell me the ins and outs of showing in Import classes?  Thanks.

Hi We show on the import register class's when showing on the import class's you can not go into any other class.
There are a few open shows that have import class's they are normally listed just above the variety class's .
some do not have class's as they are not very well supported so the clubs do not list them.
not sure where abouts in the uk you are but there are a lot of shows with import class's ant newark showground.

We always classify Import Register and charge less than the breed entry but I am not at all sure many Open shows do.

I'm now in the same boat, with an imp reg breed, classes at open shows (suprisingly even some of the bigger two day ones) are few and far inbetween. I have asked for Huntingdon CS to keep there classes on in November, but if they do not get the support they will be dropping them aswell.

We used to show regularly in Import Reg classes with our Swedish Lapphund.If you can speak to show secretaries of open shows they will often schedule an Import Reg Class as, of course, you cannot enter anything else. Once a few shows schedule the class then often other local shows will follow suit if there are entries. The classes are held in exactly the same way as any other class and there is normally a BOB etc but then you can't go into the group unless the group judge/steward invites you to do a lap of honour :-( . There were no classes at Crufts when we were showing and we were not even allowed in Discover Dogs at Crufts although we were eventually allowed to have a stand at the Discover Dogs in November. I think that has changed re Discover dogs at Crufts but certainly not in terms of classes as far as I know.

Thanks.  I don't think the shows near us (we are down south) have Import classes... at least I can't see them listed :(

There was a period when it was not possible to schedule classes for dogs if you thought you would not get a good entry because if your averages dropped under so many per class the KC would penalise the show however last year they  changed things a bit but the new rules are so complicated I am not sure many show societies will amend their classification.

It is true to say that so many societies have had their second show removed by the CC that perhaps they are no longer bothered about the averages, I don't know how they feel I only know that both the number of Open shows has dropped considerable since the rule came in and that classification has become more and more limited as the show societies cut back on the breeds that do not make 4 per class.

It is a great pity because now with the cost of petrol people need the local shows but it is noticeable at venues that would have at least two shows every week they now only have one or two a month and that causes the venues to decide not to have dog show and choose to use their premises for other things like car boot sales.

I can understand classes not being scheduled due to low numbers but in most breeds you can always enter AV classes or stakes classes. With import register you can ONLY enter that class - no other classes accept Import Register breeds. Therefore it would be great if societies could take this into consideration and schedule at least one class for Import Register :-) . IME Import Register breed owners are so pleased to have the chance to enter an open show you will get a few entries.

To OP - if you go to ring craft and they are associated with a show society then why not ask if they will schedule an open class for Import Reg and then let everyone you know who shows in Import register know about it so they can enter. If you don't ask you won't get :-) - Good Luck!

> if they do not get the support they will be dropping them aswell

I think Import Register entries dropped off sharply once the DDB got promoted and now lots of show societies have dropped them due to lack of support.

This year is my first year showing a dog in conformation and have done a couple of open shows with import classes in jan and feb and have got a couple more booked for april and may.

and whenBracco's and Spanish left LOL!.  No you still can't show an import at Crufts and don't think you ever will be able to.

Barking Canine Club Show is scheduled for Sat 15th October 2011 at Towerlands Park , Braintree, Essex.

At present we do not have an Import Class scheduled as in the past they have had no support.  We have yet to go to press, if there was interest then I am sure my OH ( who is the Secretary ) could be swayed into putting it back on.

Over to you !!!!! lol