I would be grateful for people's views on the NFC rules at open shows.  The reason I am asking is that I am doing a local open show in a few weeks time and quite a few of my friends are going to come along and see me.  The thing is a couple of them are wanting to bring their dogs for a day out (outside venue) and although I've tired to suggest that it's not such a good idea, the reply I get is 'Well it's a dog show so of course my dogs can come'.  If this is true why bother to have NFC entries at all.  Also can non registered pedigree and mongrel/crossbreed dogs be entered NFC?  Thanks.

It's a KC rule that only entered dogs are allowed at the show, hence the NFC class meaning you can enter all dogs. It'll depend on the show and the venue though if they enforce this rule. Most open shows up here don't bother. In fact most outdoor open shows have no way of enforcing this as there are often multiple entry/exits. I suppose they could be challenged and have to leave, but in my experience this wouldn't happen. I've always taken young pups along to shows before they are 6 months to socialise them, and have often taken my unentered oldies too.

As far as I'm aware, Non-registered dogs cannot be entered NFC.  I registered my dog on the working register so he could come along with me to the shows.

No, only registered dogs can be entered NFC. You have to fill in all the details as if they were entered for showing.

Thanks everyone.   It's basically as I thought but I've had so many conflicting opinions, especially over the issue of unregistered dogs or even mongrels being entered NFC. 

you can enter a mongrel NFC but it has to be reg'd on the working register. :)

AG, I've seen many times dos enter but after the pet name it's been "no further details"

If I take a dog just for the day out but not to show I just put the pet name and No other details..never been questioned yet. Not at Champ shows though they would not be allowed in them.

I put the registered name, but no other details.  This is just for Open shows.

some shows now allow spectator dogs to come into the show, the owner just fills in a form on the day, so worth checking this out

If the show is in a public place I believe that they cannot stop non-entered dogs coming in, although strictly speaking they should be entered NFC there is no way it can be enforced at such a venue.  For example if Mr Joe Public is passing and thinks 'Ah a dog show  I will stop and take Rover to have a look around' I really don't think the organisers can stop him if there are no gates or entry control.  Of course, if you show, then you would be a little more wary in case there were any repercussions.

I always enter my non-competing dogs NFC regardless of where the show is being held.  We once had an incident at a show which involved a non entered dog who had been brought by a competing person.  This did cause problems for the club holding the show as the incident had to be reported to the KC.  Just to keep myself and the show committee in the clear I would not take an un-entered dog to a show.