Hi there

I am going to start showing a Bracco Italiano for a friend of mine.  The dog is from a dutch kennel and was exported to the USA and the couple then moved to the UK and brought their dogs with them - GSPs and the Bracco!!!

Because of illness the bitch has been speyed and I just wondered who I would have to inform about this.  Also, what is the situation regarding the import register.  Bracci are on the import register but I'm obviously very new to this area of the dog world and just wanted some tips and advice.  Does she have to be registered with the KC here or will registration with the AKC be sufficient?

I have her booked into SKC in May and also Border Union in June.  I'm really quite experienced with dogs (more in a training/behaviour/work capacity) and I don't have a problem about getting her ready to show.  She is 3 years old, lovely conformation and a charming dog.  Quite confident so I don't think that there will be much of a problem re that.  However, I've never shown before and neither has she.  What's the best thing to do?  I don't have a problem with just taking her along to SKC in May to get her used to the idea but some advice from seasoned "showers" would be greatly appreciated.  I have visions of me running round the ring with the dog and falling flat on my face.!!!!!!!!!

Kind regards
Annie

Hi Annie

When you say you have booked her into SKC and Border Union, I assume that you mean that her owners have entered her?  If she is now resident in the UK, I would imagine that she would have to be registered with the KC here - safest to get in touch with them to check!   Also, if she has been spayed, then a letter must be written to the KC to inform them of this.

If you are new to showing, it would be a good idea to attend ring craft classes together.  Have fun.

Hi there she has to be registered here.  If they've entered her then they'd better get her export papers from America quickly and then register, unfortunately I think that you've left it too late, especially if the AKC is as slow as the Spanish Kennel club.  The dog will not be allowed to be shown here until she's registered. 

Regarding the import register.  You can only show in the import register classes and that's as far as you can go.  Even if you win BOB you cannot enter BIS or any other class.

We are all a friendly bunch though, or most of us are :d :d in the import register group, might meet you at some point.

Good luck in getting the papers through quickly and also at showing in the import register.

Hi

Thanks for your replies.  That was really really quick!!!!!  I'm very impressed!!  I have actually entered the dog on behalf of the owners i.e. the forms are filled out in their names with me as the handler   And I've paid the fee. The problem is that neither of us really know what we are doing because the couple have never shown before as they work their dogs.  The Bracco works in a very different way to GSPs and consequently Leap has never been worked but we do think she needs something to do so we thought showing would be great.  She also had a lot of time out when she was a puppy because of an illness she picked up in the US.  I'm going to speak to them next week and take Leap for a couple of weeks to get her used to me and my gang!!!!!

I think basically then I have done everything OK up until now but I must check on the registration status and get a letter sent in to the KC re her spey.  Does the letter have to come from a vet because she was speyed in the US?

Ta much
Annie

Hi Annie,
When I've had mine spayed, I just write the letter myself.

Unless the bitch already had an Authority to compete number or is registered (or registration applied for) before entry sent in, then you won't be able to show her, and if they are on the ball the entry will be returned, though saying that the show won't know she isn't registered, but you would be disqualified from any prize when the KC catch up with it.

Remember to put RAF after her name on entry forms once you have applied for registration.

The forms you need you can download from the Kennel club website under the link forms..

Ah right!  I applied online and have paid.  Got my acceptance so perhaps won't be ready to show her in May but will go along anyway for the experience!  There is the possibility that all the dogs may have been transferred over when they came to live here.  In fact, they probably have because one of their GSP's had a litter and they would have to have registered them.  Well, I know they don't have to but I know that everything would be done correctly as they really really care about their dogs.  I feel quite nervous about it but also really really excited as I've never done it before.  I'll keep you posted about my progress but very many thanks for the replies.  It is much appreciated!

Annie

Firstly do check she is registered with the UK KC otherwise anything she wins will be taken away, the registration has to be at least applied for before the close of entries. I would suggest take her to some ring training classes locally and some open shows as well, and make sure you arrive at the show in plenty of time. If your judge is judging other breeds it is worth taking the time to watch the judge and see how he/she organises the ring, approaches the dogs and their general method - then at least you will have a clue what to do. It is so frustrating when you have been judging for a couple of hours and exhibitors run offf in the wrong direction or just dont listen at all - so try to loom professional even if you dont feel it.

HI Bazb

Thanks for that information.  I'm getting really nervous now.  I'm checking up this week that everything is sorted re the registration side.  Not many open shows around me before SKC I'm afraid so I think Leap and I are just going to have to go to some ringcraft classes which, luckily enough, are in the next town to me about 2 miles away!!

Thanks again.  Its horrible being the learner driver again!
Annie

Hi there,

I show a Bracco and have done for five years if you want to PM me.
Diane

Hi Diane

Yes, I know your Bracco.  A beautiful chestnut dog.  Am I right?  I will pm you.

Thanks a lot
Annie

Thats my boy!!

Diane